Halfords is the UK’s largest Automotive service, maintenance, and repair business, with a nationwide network of Autocentres. As a market leader in motoring services and cycling, the company is focused on growth, particularly in electric mobility. This role is based at their Horsham centre, offering a stable and rewarding career path within the industry’s biggest brand, complete with extensive training and development opportunities.
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Job Title: Vehicle Service Technician
Full-Time, Permanent
📍 Location: Horsham, RH12 1RA, UK 🇬🇧
Company: Halfords Autocentres
Apply nowPosition Overview: Vehicle Service Technician
Halfords Autocentres in Horsham is looking for a qualified and diligent Vehicle Service Technician to join their team. This is a core workshop role focused on delivering high-quality vehicle servicing and associated repairs. You will be responsible for carrying out interim, full, and major services, along with follow-up work on tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, and other key components. It’s an excellent opportunity for a mechanic seeking a structured role with a clear progression path, competitive benefits, and the chance to earn a significant performance-based bonus.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be entrusted with the following core duties:
- Vehicle Servicing: Perform interim, full, and major services to the manufacturer’s and Halfords’ specifications.
- Repair & Replacement Work: Conduct a wide range of mechanical repairs and replacements, including brakes, suspension, steering components, tyres, and transmission work.
- Diagnostics & Quality: Carry out diagnostic checks as part of services and ensure all work meets the highest standards of safety and quality.
- Workflow Efficiency: Work efficiently as part of a team to complete jobs to schedule, maintaining high productivity and customer satisfaction.
- Continuous Learning: Engage with ongoing training, including opportunities to gain ATA accreditation and MOT Tester qualifications.
Candidate Requirements (Mandatory)
| Requirement Category | Specific Qualification |
|---|---|
| Technical Qualification | Level 2 qualification in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (or equivalent). Time-served experience will also be considered. |
| Driving Licence | Full UK driving licence with no more than 9 penalty points. |
| Experience | Proven, hands-on experience in delivering vehicle services and performing relevant mechanical repairs (brakes, suspension, steering, etc.). |
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal technician for this role will be:
- A competent, reliable, and thorough mechanic who takes pride in delivering precise and comprehensive vehicle services.
- Safety-conscious and quality-oriented, with a keen eye for detail to ensure every vehicle leaves the workshop in optimal condition.
- A team player who communicates well and contributes to a positive, efficient workshop environment.
- Ambitious and eager to learn, looking to build a long-term career and take advantage of funded training to gain advanced qualifications.
Remuneration & Benefits
- Base Salary: £30,354 – £30,648 per annum.
- Bonus: Average uncapped bonus of £3,600 per year (with the potential to earn more based on performance).
- Working Hours: Full-time, 5 days a week.
- Annual Leave: 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday.
- Discounts: Up to 50% off garage bills at Halfords Autocentres and 25% off retail products. Extensive discounts on shopping, insurance, days out, and more.
- Financial & Wellbeing: Access to Wagestream (earned wage access), 24/7 GP services, Health Cash Plan, Pension Scheme, and Life Assurance.
- Career Development: Fully supported training including hybrid learning and opportunities to gain ATA accreditation and an MOT Testing Licence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between this role and an MOT Tester role?
This Service Technician role focuses primarily on servicing and mechanical repairs. While MOT testing is not part of this job, the company offers a clear funded pathway to gain the MOT Tester qualification for those who wish to progress.
2. Is the Level 2 qualification an absolute requirement?
A Level 2 qualification OR proven time-served experience is acceptable. This makes the role accessible to both newly qualified technicians and experienced mechanics without formal certifications.
3. What does the “uncapped bonus” depend on?
The bonus is performance-related, typically based on personal and workshop productivity and efficiency. The £3,600 is an average; dedicated technicians can exceed this amount.
4. What are the career progression opportunities?
From Service Technician, you can progress to Advanced Technician, MOT Tester, Senior Technician, or Workshop Controller. Halfords actively supports this through funded ATA training and MOT tester courses.