Workshop Manager at Al-Futtaim Automotive - BYD in Saudi Arabia

Company Overview

Originating in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group has evolved into a leading, diversified and privately owned firm headquartered in Dubai, UAE. Comprising five main sectors—automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and healthcare—the group employs over 35,000 individuals across more than 20 countries spanning the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The company collaborates with more than 200 internationally recognized and innovative brands, emphasizing entrepreneurship and a strong customer-centric approach to adapt and grow in various markets while upholding core values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity.

Role Summary

The Workshop Manager will oversee all aspects of workshop operations within the Aftersales division, ensuring excellence in service, technical quality, efficiency, and profitability throughout all maintenance and repair activities. This position acts as the operational anchor for the service facility, guiding labor utilization, workforce productivity, and revenue generation while adhering strictly to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards and dealership performance indicators. The role directly influences customer satisfaction scores, first-time fix rates, warranty procedure adherence, and the overall financial health of aftersales operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct daily workshop functions to meet labor sales, productivity, and efficiency targets aligned with brand KPIs.
• Optimize workload management including bay assignment, technician capacity, and work progress to enhance throughput and reduce turnaround times.
• Improve Fix-Right-First-Time rates, minimizing rework and vehicle return visits through stringent technical oversight.
• Implement and ensure compliance with OEM repair protocols, service bulletins, diagnostic procedures, and workshop workflows.
• Monitor work-in-progress and repair orders to guarantee timely completion and revenue realization.
• Achieve financial objectives by boosting revenue through vehicle health checks, menu pricing strategies, and upselling via service advisors.
• Manage operational expenditures effectively, controlling costs related to consumables, overtime, subcontracting, and warranty rework within budget.
• Analyze financial data to identify areas for profitability improvement and cost-efficiency.
• Enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring punctual service delivery, high repair quality, clear communication, and effective handling of escalated complaints.
• Collaborate with Service Advisors to ensure accurate diagnostics, realistic service timelines, and proper job approvals.
• Lead and develop workshop teams including supervisors, foremen, team leaders, technicians, and apprentices to cultivate performance, quality, accountability, and continual improvement.
• Promote technician certification, adherence to OEM training, and skills enhancement with attention to emerging vehicle technologies like electric and hybrid models.
• Oversee warranty management processes ensuring accuracy, proper documentation, and reduction of warranty charge-backs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental standards, and local labour laws; maintain workshop tools and equipment according to OEM and safety requirements.
• Prepare for and maintain readiness for OEM, internal, and regulatory audits.
• Track and report key performance metrics such as labor hours sold, productivity, fix rates, customer satisfaction indices, and profit margins using relevant Dealer Management Systems (DMS).
• Lead monthly performance reviews and deploy continuous improvement initiatives based on operational data analyses.

Educational & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related technical field.
• Advanced OEM certifications or leadership training in technical management is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 8 to 10 years in automotive aftersales roles within franchised dealership environments.
• At least 3 to 5 years of managerial experience overseeing workshop operations and teams of 15 or more technicians.
• Demonstrated success in high-volume workshop management and meeting operational and financial KPIs.

Technical Competencies

• In-depth understanding of OEM diagnostic tools and workshop processes.
• Proficiency in Dealer Management Systems such as Kerridge, Autoline, SAP, Incadea, or equivalents.
• Knowledge of EV and hybrid vehicle systems, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and contemporary automotive technologies.
• Capability in financial and operational analysis utilizing workshop performance data.
• Familiarity with warranty management, audit compliance, and quality assurance procedures.

About Al-Futtaim Automotive

As a prominent segment of the UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group, Al-Futtaim Automotive operates in 10 countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The company specializes in distribution, manufacturing, leasing, and aftersales services, representing prestigious automotive brands such as Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Volvo, and RAM. With a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences and pioneering mobility solutions across diverse vehicle segments—including electric vehicles—the organization boasts a 9,000-strong workforce committed to excellence and sustainable growth.