About us: We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing 32 manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from over 150 dealerships across the UK and Ireland.  

We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to recognising the valuable contribution each person makes. That’s why we continue to invest in a leading rewards and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, and life outside of work.

Vehicle Technician – Kia Silverlink

New Dealership Launch | Join the Founding Team

Location: Kia Silverlink, Newcastle upon Tyne
💷 Earn a £2,500 Joining Bonus - £500 paid in the month following your start date, £500 after your second month and £1,500 after your third month.*
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: Competitive OTE with uncapped earning potential; basic salary £28k- £43k dependent on qualifications and experience, plus Productivity Bonus and Time Saved Bonus Scheme
Hours: 40 hours between Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm, plus 1 in 3 Saturdays 8:30am - 12:30pm

Are you looking for the opportunity to be part of something exciting from the very beginning? Kia Silverlink is recruiting for skilled and motivated Vehicle Technicians to join our brand-new dealership ahead of its opening in February.

As a member of our founding workshop team, you'll play a key role in helping establish the standards, culture and reputation of our Aftersales operation from day one. Working alongside an experienced Service Manager and Aftersales team, you'll help deliver the exceptional levels of service and workmanship that our customers expect from the Kia brand.While working alongside other experienced technicians, you will play a vital role carrying out vehicle health checks using the latest diagnostic technology, conducting servicing, repairs and warranty work, whilst ensuring all work is completed to the highest possible standard.

At Kia Silverlink, you'll receive ongoing support, training and development opportunities, including manufacturer-accredited programmes and Hybrid & Electric Vehicle training, helping you continue to develop your technical skills and accelerate your automotive career.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out pre-delivery inspections on new and used vehicles
• Completing servicing, maintenance and repairs in line with manufacturer standards
• Carrying out vehicle health checks and reporting any additional work required
• Diagnosing mechanical and electrical faults using the latest diagnostic equipment
• Completing warranty repairs in accordance with Kia manufacturer guidelines
• Fitting accessories and carrying out vehicle enhancement work where required
• Checking vehicle lights, tyre pressures, braking systems and other safety-related components
• Conducting road tests to ensure repairs and maintenance work have been completed successfully
• Maintaining accurate job records and completing all associated paperwork to a high standard
• Supporting the successful launch of a brand-new dealership by contributing to a positive team culture and delivering excellent standards of workmanship

What You'll Bring

• Previous experience as a Vehicle Technician or Mechanic
• NVQ Level 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair (or equivalent qualification)
• Strong diagnostic and fault-finding skills
• A commitment to delivering high-quality workmanship
• The ability to work efficiently whilst maintaining attention to detail
• A positive attitude and willingness to continuously develop your technical knowledge
• Experience within a franchised dealership would be advantageous but is not essential
• Hybrid, EV or manufacturer-specific qualifications would be beneficial, although full training will be provided
• A full UK driving licence

As one of the first Technicians to join Kia Silverlink, you'll have the unique opportunity to help build a high-performing workshop from the ground up while developing your career with one of the UK's fastest-growing automotive brands. Our Vehicle Technicians play a crucial role within the Aftersales team by delivering first-class workmanship and ensuring our customers remain safely on the road. Whether you're currently working within a franchised dealership or an independent garage, we'd love to hear from you.

If your skills and experience match what we are looking for, please apply today and a member of the Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch.

*Available to external candidates only and subject to eligibility criteria and scheme terms. To retain the full bonus, employees must remain employed for a minimum of 9 months following receipt of the final payment. Repayment of some or all of the bonus may be required if employment ends before this period, in accordance with company policy.

Core Benefits:

• Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the business
• Generous annual leave that increases with your length of service
• Enhanced family leave, including 6 months’ full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks’ full pay for paternity leave
• Access to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible payments

Health & Wellbeing:

• Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needs
• Smart Health – 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeing
• Dental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatments
• Optional critical illness cover for peace of mind during life's most challenging moments

Financial Wellbeing:

• MyView PayNow – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user-friendly app
• Free will writing services to help plan for the future
• Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protection

Leisure & Lifestyle:

• Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyle
• Travel insurance to help you explore with confidence
• Access to home and technology vouchers
• bYond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts

We strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities. We have a great bunch of people, and we like to celebrate and encourage success at all levels.

Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential. 

If your application is successful, we will conduct relevant employment checks prior to you commencing employment with us. These will include verifying your recent employment, address, credit history and a standard criminal record check. For roles that require you to drive, a driving licence check will also be carried out. Please note, all offers of employment are made subject to a 6 month probation period commencing from your start date.

We take our data protection responsibilities very seriously and are committed to upholding and respecting your privacy rights. Information about how we will process your data including the types of data we collect, the purposes for which we use it, who we may share it with and how long we keep it are set out in our privacy notice. It also includes information about your individual privacy rights. Please make sure you read our Privacy Notice so that you understand how we may collect and use your data.