Open to work
Richard Coston
Pavenham,Bedford
Work preference
Summary
Experienced professional focused on risk assessment, compliance awareness, and health and safety standards. Proven experience managing delegation, performance monitoring, and service level agreements. Expertise in complaint procedures, budgeting, forecasting, and transportation regulatory adherence. with talent for leadership and customer relations. Possesses strong problem-solving skills and proven ability to manage teams effectively. Aims to enhance service centre performance and customer satisfaction through strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Holds level 3 City and Guilds Motor vehicle studies qualification along with extensive experience in vehicle repairs
Driven professional with talent for leadership and customer relations. and proven ability to manage teams effectively.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work history
Services Centre Manager
NRG Riverside
Northampton, Northamptonshire
2025.03 - Current
- Implemented customer feedback system, improving overall service quality.
- Handled complex customer queries with professionalism, maintaining high satisfaction levels.
- Devised strategies for process improvement, increasing efficiency across the board.
- Collaborated with HR department to recruit skilled staff for optimal performance.
- Teamed up with IT department to resolve technical issues swiftly.
- Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations by implementing rigorous checks.
- Drafted reports detailing service centre activities, providing valuable insights into operational aspects.
- Liaised with suppliers and vendors to maintain steady supply of necessary items.
- Improved customer relations by managing complaints efficiently and promptly.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, promoting continuous development among employees.
- Developed team members through training programmes, enhancing their skills.
- Managed daily operations in service centre, ensuring efficient workflow.
- Overcame challenging situations with strategic problem-solving abilities.
- Upheld company standards by conducting regular audits on service delivery.
- Streamlined communication processes for better coordination between departments.
- Monitored budget expenditures to prevent overspending whilst ensuring adequate resource availability.
- Directed maintenance activities for upkeep of equipment and facility infrastructure.
- Maintained smooth-running business operations by delegating priorities to staff abilities.
- Streamlined processes to improve and optimise office operations.
- Administered payroll for all staff, ensuring accurate inclusion of overtime.
- Oversaw facility maintenance and allocated needed resources to meet standards.
- Facilitated regular meetings with fleet department, focusing on vehicle status and maintenance.
- Monitored health and safety measures for guaranteed compliance.
- Organised financial and operational data to help with yearly budgeting and planning.
Fleet Team Leader
B S Trailer Services
Leighton Buzzard, Central Bedfordshire
2023.05 - 2025.03
- Allocated and planned daily workload for team of 8 mobile fitters to ensure timely service delivery.
- Ranked tasks by urgency and significance to ensure effective distribution of workload among team members.
- Assigned tasks according to team members' strengths to optimise workflow.
- Minimised downtime by swiftly allocating breakdown reports during daily fleet operations.
- Secured timely delivery of required repair parts to maintain operational efficiency.
- Ensured all compliance paperwork from engineers and third party repair agents received in a timely manner and checked for accuracy
- Devised actionable plans towards achieving set business objectives within deadlines.
- Resolved conflicts effectively, promoting harmony within the workforce.
- Handled employee grievances professionally, minimising potential workplace disputes.
- Ensured adherence to company policy by all team members, maintaining professionalism at all times.
- Monitored health and safety policies from third party repairers
- Issued order numbers for third party repairs and issued final order number for completed repairs ensuring costs as agreed
- Monitored health and safety measures for guaranteed compliance
- Increased Customer satisfaction by resolving customer complaints
- Audited external and internal repair agents for compliance and repair standards
- Monitored overdue service and MOT figures escalate concerns to operations manager
Transport Team Manger
B&M Retail
Bedford, Central Bedfordshire
2020.01 - 2023.05
- Streamlined operations, leading to increased team performance.
- Streamlined operations, enhancing overall team performance.
- Increased team efficiency through regular training and mentoring sessions.
- Delegated responsibilities efficiently amongst team members.
- Conducted performance evaluations to identify areas of improvement.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective communication and conflict resolution tactics.
- Monitored driver driving time and working time and complied reports
- Carried out driver appraisals
- Carried out driver discip;inaryand grievance hearings
- Conducted thorough investigations of accidents, documenting findings in detailed reports.
- Coordinated with external agents to facilitate repairs and handle breakdown situations.
- Captured and secured units and trailers scheduled for service in the Vehicle Maintenance Unit.
- Documented vehicle activities and actions following operational protocols.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, supporting informed decision-making.
- Inform stores of delivery eta 's and any pending delays
- Handled customer complaints efficiently, focusing on maintaining satisfaction and loyalty.
- Oversaw health and safety measures to guarantee adherence to compliance standards.
Transport Deprtment Manger
ASDA CDC
Bedford, Central Bedfordshire
2019.01 - 2020.01
- Monitored driver working time and driving time addressing any anomalies and infringements
- Conducted driver disciplinary and grievance hearings to ensure compliance and address issues
- Managed performance reviews to identify specific areas for improvement and implement actionable feedback.
- Processed driver paperwork and issued efficient driver routes
- Recorded any vehicle accidents and raised accident paperwork carried out any required investigations
- Coordinated with suppliers to facilitate prompt deliveries.
Fleet manager assistant
Axle Haulage Ltd
Dunstable, Central Bedfordshire
2015.02 - 2018.01
- Executed routine inspections on all vehicles, ensuring they met health and safety standards at all times.
- Enhanced fleet efficiency by implementing regular maintenance schedules.
- Designed a preventative maintenance programme, reducing unscheduled breakdowns significantly.
- Coordinated vehicle repairs, minimising downtime and disruption to operations.
- Conducted regular audits to maintain fleet inventory accuracy and control over assets.
- Facilitated timely renewal of insurance policies for all vehicles in the fleet maintaining legal compliance.
- Maintained comprehensive records for all vehicles to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Maintained and organised files to ensure accurate and efficient record-keeping.
- Improved driver safety with implementation of rigorous training regimes.
- Maintained and organised files to ensure accurate and efficient record-keeping..
- Acquired necessary PPE and lifting equipment to ensure safety compliance and operational efficiency.
- Worked closely with drivers to address their concerns, improving overall job satisfaction levels within the team.
- Carried out staff appraisal meetings and disciplinary hearings
- Collated and prepared required fleet information for FORS renewal
Service reception Manger
Pip Bayleys Ltd Scania
Blunham, Central Bedfordshire
2003.01 - 2015.01
- Delivered exceptional customer service, fostering guest loyalty and repeat business.
- Led team of receptionists, improving service quality and client satisfaction.
- Communicated repair updates and completion times, ensuring customer awareness and trust.
- Liaised with workshop on priority repairs ensuring minimal customer downtime
- Scheduled employee shifts, guaranteeing round-the-clock service availability.
- Maintained clean and organised front desk area, creating a welcoming environment.
- Used customer satisfaction scores to identify and improve areas of concern
- Processed warranty claims, raised paperwork for invoicing and compliance.
Service Manger
H R Owen Jaguar
Ipswich, Suffolk
1999.01 - 2003.02
- Improved response times, resulting in higher client satisfaction rates.
- Managed customer complaints for improved business reputation.
- Coordinated staff development training to improve overall service delivery.
- Led and inspired team to uphold brand standards and demonstrate professionalism.
- Delegated tasks effectively to maximise team potential and productivity.
- Conducted thorough audits on services provided, maintaining top-quality standards consistently.
- Developed an efficient workflow to reduce service downtime.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations at all times, reducing risk of accidents in the workplace.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the premises, ensuring customer comfort and satisfaction.
- Identified training needs and opportunities to provide Continued Professional Development (CPD) for staff.
- Controlled expenses, advising on efficient use of resources to minimize unnecessary costs.
Workshop controller
Godfrey Davis- Ford
Welwyn, Hertfordshire
1993.02 - 1999.02
- Supervised operations for seamless workflow in the automotive repair department.
- Managed operations of workshop, overseeing a team of 24 technicians to ensure efficient workflow.
- Increased overall productivity by efficiently delegating tasks based on individual technicians' expertise and skill level.
- Improved customer satisfaction levels through timely completion of vehicle repairs and maintenance tasks.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly; contributed towards maintaining a positive brand image.
- Conducted training sessions for employees to enhance technical skills and knowledge, leading to improved service quality.
- Implemented staff training and development to improve team expertise and performance.
- Facilitated clear communication between team members; ensured smooth workflow within the workshop.
- Monitored staff performance on a regular basis, providing constructive feedback where necessary.
- Maintained an organised workshop environment, promoting productivity among staff members.
- Implemented technology solutions to streamline vehicle diagnosis and repair processes, reducing turnaround time.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing workplace incidents.
- Oversaw safety protocols for workshop equipment use of workshops in compliance with relevant legislation.
- Adhered strictly to company policies whilst performing duties; maintained a professional approach at all times.
- Scheduled and managed external contractors for regular maintenance.
- Scheduled and managed external contractors for regular maintenance.
Education
GCSEs - General Education
Hitchin Boys School
Hitchin, HertfordshireSkills
- Fleet oversight
- Transport regulations
- Safety compliance
- Health safety
- Fire safety training
- Risk assessment
- SLA management
- Financial oversight
- Performance monitoring
- Maintenance scheduling
- Audit procedures
- Recruitment
- Delegation skills
- Employee wellbeing
- First Aid
Work availability
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Services Centre Manager
NRG Riverside
2025.03 - Current
Fleet Team Leader
B S Trailer Services
2023.05 - 2025.03
Transport Team Manger
B&M Retail
2020.01 - 2023.05
Transport Deprtment Manger
ASDA CDC
2019.01 - 2020.01
Fleet manager assistant
Axle Haulage Ltd
2015.02 - 2018.01
Service reception Manger
Pip Bayleys Ltd Scania
2003.01 - 2015.01
Service Manger
H R Owen Jaguar
1999.01 - 2003.02
Workshop controller
Godfrey Davis- Ford
1993.02 - 1999.02
GCSEs - General Education
Hitchin Boys School