West Midlands Fire Service
Principal Workshop Technician
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Principal Workshop Technician
Technical 1A
Publish date: Monday 1 June 2026
Closing date: Monday 6 July 2026 at 12noon
Pay
£42,839.00 – £46,142.00 + 4% inconvenience shift allowance (£44,552.56 - £47,987.68)
You will also be contracted to participate in an out of hours call-out agreement for which you will receive an extra payment (rota is approximately one week in four, and equates to approx 10 per cent base salary, pensionable)
Location
The base location of the team is Transport Engineering Workshops (TEW), Perry Barr, Birmingham, B42 2TX.
Working Hours
37 hour week, consisting of a three-shift pattern.
Week 1
Early work pattern: Mon-Thurs 7am-3pm, Fri 7am-2.30pm
Week 2
Core pattern: Mon-Thurs 8am-4pm, Fri 8am-3.30pm
Week 3
Late pattern: Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm, Fri 11am-6.30pm
You will be entitled to 29 days annual leave, rising to 34 days after five years. You will also receive a further eight days Bank Holiday entitlement.
WMFS overview
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people. ‘Our Strategy’ drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities, making them safer, stronger and healthier.
The role and department overview
Our Transport Engineering Workshops (TEW) are based at our fleet workshops in Perry Barr, Birmingham. They provide a mechanical and engineering support service to all our fire stations across the West Midlands. The department’s primary responsibilities are for the design, purchase, maintenance and repair of the service’s fleet of 136 emergency response vehicles and 144 support vehicles, as well as the associated equipment required by a fire and rescue service, such as ladders, plant and rescue equipment totalling over 2,000 assets.
The team of vehicle technicians also provide a 24-hour emergency call out service for our breakdowns and urgent repairs, to ensure the continued availability of frontline fire appliances and equipment in responding to emergency incidents.
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Job purpose
We are looking to appoint a Principal Workshop Technician. Under the direction of the TEW Workshop Manager, the role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the vehicle and equipment repair and maintenance workshop.
You will combine hands-on technical expertise with supervisory responsibilities, to ensure all vehicles are serviced, repaired, and maintained to the highest standards. You will also manage a team of technicians, coordinating workflow, diagnosing mechanical issues, ensuring safety compliance, and maintaining accurate service records.
Core responsibilities and duties
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Team supervision and technical support: manage workshop staff timekeeping, allocate workflow, and provide technical guidance or improvement plans to ensure technicians meet repair schedules
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Operational efficiency and fleet maintenance: optimise labour and spare appliance use to maintain fire cover, reduce unnecessary crew visits to workshops so they remain available to our communities, update service schedules to meet legislative standards
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Health, safety and project compliance: enforce safety regulations, update risk assessments, manage equipment repairs within budget, and lead engineering projects with proper documentation.
Core experience and skills
Essential
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trade qualifications: City & Guilds or NVQ equivalents to level 3, National Craft Certificate (or equivalent)
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extensive knowledge of repair and maintenance of LGV/PCV, DVSA legislation and standards
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supervisory management skills.
Desirable
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formal professional qualifications in supervisory management
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LGV driving licence
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knowledge of fleet management systems.
Benefits
We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:
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clean and modern working environment
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ongoing training
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provision of all relevant personal protective equipment
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free, on-site gym facilities
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free, on-site parking
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service-wide progression opportunities.
We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.
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In addition, employees have access to:
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24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
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wellbeing programmes
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‘blue light’ discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes
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Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.
Diversity
We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.
WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.
Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.
How to apply
To apply for this post, please complete the application questions and attached your CV, detailing previous experience to outline your suitability for the role.
When completing your application, please familiarise yourself with the job description and the person specification within the information pack so you understand the essential qualifications, skills and attributes for the role. You will need to demonstrate that you meet all of the essential criteria detailed in the person specification, in order to be shortlisted to the next stage. Whether or not you are shortlisted for an interview is based on the information you provide in your application form.
Questions
If you have any questions about the role, would like an informal discussion or workshop tour, please contact Steven Dawson, Workshop Manager on 0121 380 7568 or by email at steven.dawson@wmfs.net
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