Job summary An exciting position has become available for a Workshop Chargehand to join our well established Fleet Team at Coventry HUB. The successful applicant will be responsible for the effective day to day workshop loading i.e., the work going through the workshop and for the allocation of work to all staff including Ambulance Vehicle Engineers & apprentices, as well as ensuring the most effective, efficient allocation of duties and maximum operational vehicle availability with minimum vehicle downtime. Applicants must hold a fully recognised apprenticeship e.g.Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or related qualifications; or equivalent experience as well as being educated to NVQ/C&G level 3 or equivalent along with having experience within an equivalent function in a commercial sector workshop (equivalent to a minimum of 4 years) Main duties of the job West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and accessible workplace for everyone where our colleagues feel empowered to succeed. Each person plays a vital part to ensuring our organisation meets the differing needs of our communities ultimately enabling us to save lives. We acknowledge that a workforce that reflects the communities that it serves provide better patient care and we are therefore looking for self-motivated, enthusiastic people from all backgrounds that care about making a difference to our patients. We are committed to diversity and inclusivity at all levels. We are proud to have maintained Disability Confident Leader status and as part of our commitments to this we guarantee to invite all applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role to attend assessment or interview. If you have a disability or learning difficulty, and prefer to disclose it, please feel free to do so in your application. You can also contact the Recruitment Team via email at recruitmentwmas.nhs.uk if you wish to have a confidential discussion. We use this information, with your permission, to ensure you are fully supported during the recruitment process. The Trust is proud to support our Armed Forces community and have signed up to the Step Into Health initiative. We welcome applications from Armed Forces Veterans and Service leavers. About us If this position involves a regulated activity it will require an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. The disclosure will, where appropriate to the role, include information against the Independent Safeguarding Authority barred lists for working with children, adults or both Where a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is required for the post, all applicants are required to cover the cost of the check. We do endeavour to respond to all candidates on an individual basis. Therefore we do ask for your co-operation and patience whilst the short listing process takes place. After the closing date please ensure you check your emails (including junk mail) regularly as contact is usually made via this method. We are proud to offer flexible working options to support our colleagues to have a greater choice in when, where and how they work. During your interview we will explore this with you and discuss your individual needs and how this could be facilitated for this role to benefit patient experience, service delivery and the work-life balance of colleagues. Date posted 22 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year plus the relevant unsocial hours allowance & R&R premium Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number C9217-231-24-25 Job locations Coventry HUB Ibstock Road Coventry CV6 6JR Job description Job responsibilities Deputise for the Area Workshop Manager in their absence to ensure the smooth running of the workshop operations to support front line operations within their designated region. The workshop chargehand is expected to cover all aspects of the Ambulance Vehicle Engineers duties daily / as & when required. Regularly update and complete all necessary documentation relating to each job carried out. Accurately producing vehicle records of maintenance on the fleet management system. Producing job cards, entering hours worked, parts used and closing job cards in accordance with the workshop procedures. This work is completed primarily using Fleetwave on desktop or Ipad Trust devices. Line management of technical and stores staff. Assisting with the recruitment of new staff, including their onboarding process and initial training. Complete personal development reviews. Responsible for the welfare and ongoing training & development of workshop apprentices, providing support & guidance. Responsible for the welfare and ongoing training & development of workshop apprentices, providing support & guidance. The post-holder is required to have specialist knowledge across a wide range of practices and procedures in relation to vehicle engine and vehicle body manufacturers, including engine, brakes, suspension, electrics, blue, lights, sirens, dispatch, heaters, communications, and control units. Be flexible within working hours, covering weekend working. Be flexible within working hours, covering weekend working. Plan and Control routine maintenance including MOTs, defect repairs and accident damage to vehicles and auxiliary equipment, ensuring all jobs are of a safe, cost-effective, high-quality standard and progressed in an efficient and timely manner. Ensure all workshop staff are fully deployed on productive tasks throughout the working day. Plan and Control routine maintenance including MOTs, defect repairs and accident damage to vehicles and auxiliary equipment, ensuring all jobs are of a safe, cost-effective, high-quality standard and progressed in an efficient and timely manner. Ensure all workshop staff are fully deployed on productive tasks throughout the working day. Responsible for the effective day to day control of the vehicle workshops and parts supply, with the aim of maximising vehicle availability, minimising vehicle downtime and within budgetary allocations. The postholder would need to have an awareness of budgetary costs and/or workshop spend. Maintain a high standard of quality control, both with own workshops and third-party suppliers, ensuring vehicles are released back into operation, in a clean and fit state of repair, by undertaking random quality inspections on a regular basis. Ensure the necessary spare parts and service are procured through recognised suppliers; factors/dealers, are of correct standard and delivered within a timely manner. The postholder would be able to authorise order numbers up to the value of £750 and authorisation for accident damage up to £5000. To accept delivery of any parts and sign for invoices and delivery in the event that there is no Parts Personnel on site to sign for the goods. Monitor and update all necessary work documentation and fleet management information material from workshops and third part suppliers for performance and correct completion. Producing job cards, entering hours worked, parts used and closing job cards in accordance with workshop procedures, take redial action/highlight through to the Workshop Manager for any non-compliance. This work is completed primarily using Fleetwave on desktop or Ipad trust devices. The postholder is required to support with MOT Reports, Service Reports, warrant repairs, costing reviews for vehicle incident repairs (VIR), information for either WMAS 54 or in-house claims (via the Legal Department) and requests from the Police regarding CCTV footage, on a regular basis. Support the workshop operation by completing vehicle repairs whenever possible, assist and advise workshop staff in any areas of uncertainty, i.e. fault diagnosis / repair methods and complete road tests / inspections as and when required. The ability to work without supervision and make decisions regarding staff, vehicles or equipment is essential. Use professional knowledge and judgement to fault diagnose and undertake or recommend the most appropriate, cost-effective rectification process / repair. Recognise recurring faults on vehicles, provide solutions & highlighted/link in with the vehicle design group to support the development of the vehicles design. There is a requirement for the postholder to be involved in regular trials such as testing new equipment for development purposes. Responsible for maintaining compliance of safe working practices within the workshop environment (compliant with all Fleet SSOW). Including Health and Safety, Fire Regulations, COSHH and current EV regulations. Reporting any concerns, near misses and breaches of regulations to the Area Workshop Manager or the trusts Incident Reporting system. Ensure correct disposal of environmentally hazardous waste, in line with current legislation. Risk of exposure to chemicals, fumes and other particles, and working in confined spaces. Manual handling requirements allow for the manoeuvre and lifting of heavy and large vehicle parts, which are often heavier than 15kg without the use of specialist equipment, whilst working within manual handling safety procedures. Maintain a high standard of quality control and monitor the use of consumable items and spare parts. To ensure all suppliers/sub-contractors provide quality products with rapid response to requests and within the agreed costing structures. The postholder would be required to regularly liaise with other workshops to ensure that Mechanics, vehicles and equipment are moved quickly when priority tasks are required to be performed in the other locations. Ensure that all workshop plant and equipment is correctly calibrated, inspected and serviced to conform to legal legislation/requirements. Accountable for all stores, including tools and equipment issued to the workshops to ensure that it is in a serviceable condition, collaborated. The postholder is also required to dismantle and assemble tools such as axel stands, ramps, engine hoist for example. Responsible for the general cleanliness, tidiness and security of the workshops within your control. Willing to work flexibly, providing cover during periods of leave/sickness, with the ability to respond to urgent requests for out of hours needs of the Service. Supervision of Fleet Mechanics, Apprentices, Contractors and new Fleet Department Employees. Overseeing their work and providing advice and guidance on a day-to-day basis. Provide training and mentorship to all Fleet staff in all aspects of practical and technical competencies. The ability to pass on knowledge and experience to support their development to a recognised educational standard within the automotive industry. Manage all disciplinary and grievance matters in accordance with the published procedures. This includes (albeit not an exhaustive list) induction, monitoring of sickness absence, time keeping, control of documentation, assisting apprentices and liaising with relevant colleges to help apprentices to complete their portfolio and being part of the discussion with the relevant college tutors (regarding progression & development). The postholder may be required from time to time to impart bad news and due to the close relationships within the workshops this may have a wider effect on others. Liaise with all staff to foster mutual co-operation in the setting up of priorities and ensuring maximum availability of serviceable vehicles. You will also be the point of contact for workshop staff should there be any issues on the shop floor. You will be required to liaise with university lecturers regarding subject matters being taught in university, as well as communicating with suppliers and/or dealerships on a regular basis. Effective communication to maintain professional, effective working relationships with colleagues, all trust staff and external agencies. Ability to communicate technical terminology & specialist information to both skilled and non-skilled persons. The role requires negotiation and persuasive skills in order to provide guidance to Ambulance personnel who may be carrying out daily vehicle checks or have questions relating to vehicle defects and safety. Ensure that any potential warranty claims around parts/labour are presented to main agents/suppliers in a timely manner so that costs can be claimed back. Maintain a high level of communication with warranty companies, externally contracted garages and body shops abiding by the Trusts policies, using email, telephone or face to face interactions. Ensure that any work undertaken on Lease vehicles is agreed upfront and controlled/monitored, limiting financial exposure by claiming back costs wherever possible. Responsible for maintaining compliance with statutory requirements relating to the disposal of all waste products within the Workshops including waste fuel, oil, oil filters, batteries, scrap metal, etc. Recommend any additional workshop equipment or changes to systems/procedures that will enhance workshop performance and productivity. Please see job description & person specification for full list of duties Job description Job responsibilities Deputise for the Area Workshop Manager in their absence to ensure the smooth running of the workshop operations to support front line operations within their designated region. The workshop chargehand is expected to cover all aspects of the Ambulance Vehicle Engineers duties daily / as & when required. Regularly update and complete all necessary documentation relating to each job carried out. Accurately producing vehicle records of maintenance on the fleet management system. Producing job cards, entering hours worked, parts used and closing job cards in accordance with the workshop procedures. This work is completed primarily using Fleetwave on desktop or Ipad Trust devices. Line management of technical and stores staff. Assisting with the recruitment of new staff, including their onboarding process and initial training. Complete personal development reviews. Responsible for the welfare and ongoing training & development of workshop apprentices, providing support & guidance. Responsible for the welfare and ongoing training & development of workshop apprentices, providing support & guidance. The post-holder is required to have specialist knowledge across a wide range of practices and procedures in relation to vehicle engine and vehicle body manufacturers, including engine, brakes, suspension, electrics, blue, lights, sirens, dispatch, heaters, communications, and control units. Be flexible within working hours, covering weekend working. Be flexible within working hours, covering weekend working. Plan and Control routine maintenance including MOTs, defect repairs and accident damage to vehicles and auxiliary equipment, ensuring all jobs are of a safe, cost-effective, high-quality standard and progressed in an efficient and timely manner. Ensure all workshop staff are fully deployed on productive tasks throughout the working day. Plan and Control routine maintenance including MOTs, defect repairs and accident damage to vehicles and auxiliary equipment, ensuring all jobs are of a safe, cost-effective, high-quality standard and progressed in an efficient and timely manner. Ensure all workshop staff are fully deployed on productive tasks throughout the working day. Responsible for the effective day to day control of the vehicle workshops and parts supply, with the aim of maximising vehicle availability, minimising vehicle downtime and within budgetary allocations. The postholder would need to have an awareness of budgetary costs and/or workshop spend. Maintain a high standard of quality control, both with own workshops and third-party suppliers, ensuring vehicles are released back into operation, in a clean and fit state of repair, by undertaking random quality inspections on a regular basis. Ensure the necessary spare parts and service are procured through recognised suppliers; factors/dealers, are of correct standard and delivered within a timely manner. The postholder would be able to authorise order numbers up to the value of £750 and authorisation for accident damage up to £5000. To accept delivery of any parts and sign for invoices and delivery in the event that there is no Parts Personnel on site to sign for the goods. Monitor and update all necessary work documentation and fleet management information material from workshops and third part suppliers for performance and correct completion. Producing job cards, entering hours worked, parts used and closing job cards in accordance with workshop procedures, take redial action/highlight through to the Workshop Manager for any non-compliance. This work is completed primarily using Fleetwave on desktop or Ipad trust devices. The postholder is required to support with MOT Reports, Service Reports, warrant repairs, costing reviews for vehicle incident repairs (VIR), information for either WMAS 54 or in-house claims (via the Legal Department) and requests from the Police regarding CCTV footage, on a regular basis. Support the workshop operation by completing vehicle repairs whenever possible, assist and advise workshop staff in any areas of uncertainty, i.e. fault diagnosis / repair methods and complete road tests / inspections as and when required. The ability to work without supervision and make decisions regarding staff, vehicles or equipment is essential. Use professional knowledge and judgement to fault diagnose and undertake or recommend the most appropriate, cost-effective rectification process / repair. Recognise recurring faults on vehicles, provide solutions & highlighted/link in with the vehicle design group to support the development of the vehicles design. There is a requirement for the postholder to be involved in regular trials such as testing new equipment for development purposes. Responsible for maintaining compliance of safe working practices within the workshop environment (compliant with all Fleet SSOW). Including Health and Safety, Fire Regulations, COSHH and current EV regulations. Reporting any concerns, near misses and breaches of regulations to the Area Workshop Manager or the trusts Incident Reporting system. Ensure correct disposal of environmentally hazardous waste, in line with current legislation. Risk of exposure to chemicals, fumes and other particles, and working in confined spaces. Manual handling requirements allow for the manoeuvre and lifting of heavy and large vehicle parts, which are often heavier than 15kg without the use of specialist equipment, whilst working within manual handling safety procedures. Maintain a high standard of quality control and monitor the use of consumable items and spare parts. To ensure all suppliers/sub-contractors provide quality products with rapid response to requests and within the agreed costing structures. The postholder would be required to regularly liaise with other workshops to ensure that Mechanics, vehicles and equipment are moved quickly when priority tasks are required to be performed in the other locations. Ensure that all workshop plant and equipment is correctly calibrated, inspected and serviced to conform to legal legislation/requirements. Accountable for all stores, including tools and equipment issued to the workshops to ensure that it is in a serviceable condition, collaborated. The postholder is also required to dismantle and assemble tools such as axel stands, ramps, engine hoist for example. Responsible for the general cleanliness, tidiness and security of the workshops within your control. Willing to work flexibly, providing cover during periods of leave/sickness, with the ability to respond to urgent requests for out of hours needs of the Service. Supervision of Fleet Mechanics, Apprentices, Contractors and new Fleet Department Employees. Overseeing their work and providing advice and guidance on a day-to-day basis. Provide training and mentorship to all Fleet staff in all aspects of practical and technical competencies. The ability to pass on knowledge and experience to support their development to a recognised educational standard within the automotive industry. Manage all disciplinary and grievance matters in accordance with the published procedures. This includes (albeit not an exhaustive list) induction, monitoring of sickness absence, time keeping, control of documentation, assisting apprentices and liaising with relevant colleges to help apprentices to complete their portfolio and being part of the discussion with the relevant college tutors (regarding progression & development). The postholder may be required from time to time to impart bad news and due to the close relationships within the workshops this may have a wider effect on others. Liaise with all staff to foster mutual co-operation in the setting up of priorities and ensuring maximum availability of serviceable vehicles. You will also be the point of contact for workshop staff should there be any issues on the shop floor. You will be required to liaise with university lecturers regarding subject matters being taught in university, as well as communicating with suppliers and/or dealerships on a regular basis. Effective communication to maintain professional, effective working relationships with colleagues, all trust staff and external agencies. Ability to communicate technical terminology & specialist information to both skilled and non-skilled persons. The role requires negotiation and persuasive skills in order to provide guidance to Ambulance personnel who may be carrying out daily vehicle checks or have questions relating to vehicle defects and safety. Ensure that any potential warranty claims around parts/labour are presented to main agents/suppliers in a timely manner so that costs can be claimed back. Maintain a high level of communication with warranty companies, externally contracted garages and body shops abiding by the Trusts policies, using email, telephone or face to face interactions. Ensure that any work undertaken on Lease vehicles is agreed upfront and controlled/monitored, limiting financial exposure by claiming back costs wherever possible. Responsible for maintaining compliance with statutory requirements relating to the disposal of all waste products within the Workshops including waste fuel, oil, oil filters, batteries, scrap metal, etc. Recommend any additional workshop equipment or changes to systems/procedures that will enhance workshop performance and productivity. Please see job description & person specification for full list of duties Person Specification Experience Essential Experience within an equivalent function in a Commercial Sector Workshop(equivalent to a minimum of 4 years including apprenticeship period and Main vehicle dealership preferable). Knowledge of Electric Vehicles Developing and implementing a quality approach to service delivery e.g. Routine and emergency maintenance regimes. Knowledge of Health & Safety Qualifications Essential Full recognised apprenticeship e.g. Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or related qualifications; or equivalent experience Educated to NVQ/C&G level 3 or equivalent (including servicing, repair, diagnostics/electrical diagnostics) Recognised Level 2 & 3 Hybrid/Electric Vehicles. Work towards Engaging Leaders IOSH/COSHH Skills and Knowledge Essential Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (ability to communicate effectively at all levels) Full UK driving licence including full category C1 entitlement Ability to work to deadlines Confident and experienced in using computer systems (including word, excel etc.) vehicle diagnostics equipment and familiar with computerised fleet management systems e.g. Fleetwave Person Specification Experience Essential Experience within an equivalent function in a Commercial Sector Workshop(equivalent to a minimum of 4 years including apprenticeship period and Main vehicle dealership preferable). Knowledge of Electric Vehicles Developing and implementing a quality approach to service delivery e.g. Routine and emergency maintenance regimes. Knowledge of Health & Safety Qualifications Essential Full recognised apprenticeship e.g. Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or related qualifications; or equivalent experience Educated to NVQ/C&G level 3 or equivalent (including servicing, repair, diagnostics/electrical diagnostics) Recognised Level 2 & 3 Hybrid/Electric Vehicles. Work towards Engaging Leaders IOSH/COSHH Skills and Knowledge Essential Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (ability to communicate effectively at all levels) Full UK driving licence including full category C1 entitlement Ability to work to deadlines Confident and experienced in using computer systems (including word, excel etc.) vehicle diagnostics equipment and familiar with computerised fleet management systems e.g. Fleetwave Employer details Employer name West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust Address Coventry HUB Ibstock Road Coventry CV6 6JR Employer's website https://wmas.nhs.uk/careers-staff-room/ (Opens in a new tab)