Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Stuart Ashford

Birmingham,West Midlands

Summary

I am an experienced Aftersales Leader with a proven track record of delivering process-driven profit growth through a strong customer-centric approach. Having progressed from apprentice mechanic to Area Manager, I bring a comprehensive, hands-on understanding of every stage of the aftersales operation. This career journey has given me deep technical knowledge alongside strategic commercial insight, enabling me to bridge the gap between workshop performance and business objectives.

I am fully conversant with all aspects of aftersales processes, including service, parts, warranty, customer experience, operational efficiency, and financial performance. I have consistently improved labour sales, parts margins, and overall departmental profitability by implementing structured processes, KPI management, and performance coaching. My leadership style focuses on building high-performing teams, driving accountability, and embedding clear, measurable standards that deliver sustainable results.

Customer retention and satisfaction are central to my approach. By aligning operational excellence with a genuine focus on customer needs, I have strengthened CSI performance, increased repeat business, and enhanced brand loyalty while maintaining strict cost control and compliance standards.

I am commercially astute, operationally disciplined, and passionate about continuous improvement, with the credibility that comes from having worked at every level of the aftersales function. Results-oriented professional in the automotive industry, specialising in aftersales consultation and customer retention. Expertise in customer satisfaction analysis, CRM software, and process improvement. Focused on fostering client loyalty through technical product knowledge and service-driven sales. Experience in warranty administration, key account management, and coaching teams to achieve business goals.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education

Work history

Area Aftersales Manager

Stoneacre Motor Grouop
Stoke On Trent, Staffordshire
2018.04 - Current

Overseeing operations at three sites, leading teams to achieve financial and customer satisfaction targets. Implemented strategic processes to improve performance and foster a collaborative environment, enhancing overall site productivity.

Brand Manager

Drive In Autocentres Subaru
Halesowen, West Midlands
2013.04 - 2018.04

In the business i took an empty showroom into a community centered Autocentre with a Used Car business. After being approached by the IM Group we opened a Subaru Franchise that within 2 years had turned into an award winning dealership with 100% 5 star reviews and a highly profitable business. I had full responsibility for all dealership operations including sales and aftersales, finance proposals and warranty sales.

Aftersales Manager

Evans Halshaw
West Bromwich, West Midlands
2010.07 - 2013.04

This was a transfer from the Stourbridge branch in order to improve a failing dealership. Within 18 months after working closely with the Dealer Principle the branch went from a £550,000 loss and increased its turnover and revenues to become a profit making site through a process of cost restructuring and process implementation.

Aftersales Manager

Evans Halshaw
Stourbridge, West Midlands
2000.02 - 2010.06

At this time i was transferred with my Service Manager to drive the business forwards. After excelling as Workshop Controller i was promoted to Service Manager, as part of this process I completed my Level 3 degree with the ILM Business Management. This successful progression resulted in my next step into Aftersales Manager at the West Bromwich Branch

Apprentice Mechanic to Workshop Controller

Evans Halshaw
Halesowen, West Midlands
1991.05 - 2000.02

I worked at this business as a school leaver and worked my way from Apprentice Mechanic to Mechanic and Master Technician. I then spent several years as Service Advisor where i learnt my customer service skills which resulted in multiple awards for 100% customer satisfaction.

Advanced into workshop control, achieving results that led to a request to transfer to another branch to replicate success attained at this location.

Education

Level 3 Award - Leadership and Managaement

Institute for Leadership and Management
Leicester University
2008.01 - 2009.02

Certificate of Higher Education -

National Craftsmen Certificate

Certificate of Higher Education - Mechanics

Rtitb Skills Award

Skills

  • CRM software usage
  • Process improvement strategy
  • Results-Driven approach
  • Warranty administration
  • In-Depth industry knowledge
  • Technical product understanding
  • Business development
  • Financial reporting
  • Customer retention expertise
  • Continuous improvements
  • Aftersales budget control
  • Rapport and relationship building
  • Multidisciplinary team leadership
  • Customer retention
  • Aftersales data analysis
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Aftersales strategy and planning
  • Dispute handling
  • Customer-centric approach
  • Budget planning

Affiliations

  • Im a keen motorsport fan with F! my current favourite. I also run my son`s under 13`s football team that keeps me on my toes.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Area Aftersales Manager

Stoneacre Motor Grouop
2018.04 - Current

Brand Manager

Drive In Autocentres Subaru
2013.04 - 2018.04

Aftersales Manager

Evans Halshaw
2010.07 - 2013.04

Level 3 Award - Leadership and Managaement

Institute for Leadership and Management
2008.01 - 2009.02

Aftersales Manager

Evans Halshaw
2000.02 - 2010.06

Apprentice Mechanic to Workshop Controller

Evans Halshaw
1991.05 - 2000.02

Certificate of Higher Education -

National Craftsmen Certificate

Certificate of Higher Education - Mechanics

Rtitb Skills Award
Stuart Ashford