Operations Manager at JCT600 VLS
Ian joined JCT600 VLS in September 2022 as Operations Manager to take over from our former colleague, Pete, who retired after more than 25 years with JCT600. With big shoes to fill, he’s certainly lived up to expectations, helping to keep our customers’ drivers on the road, and minimising downtime. Here, we get to know Ian a little better….
Tell us a bit about you, your career to date
I’ve been working in the motor trade for more than 25 years in a variety of roles in leasing, aftersales, recovery and parts covering everything from cars, vans and heavy commercials to specialist vehicles and plant.
During this time, I have worked for large dealer groups and leasing companies including small independents and family-run operations. This varied experience in different environments has helped to broaden my knowledge and skills, and hopefully I can bring the best of this experience to JCT600 VLS.
What is your role at JCT600 VLS?
My role is to oversee downtime management, which includes managing the maintenance control team and implementing the right processes to ensure that when a driver’s vehicle goes off the road, it is logged, managed through the relevant repairs and back on the road as quickly as possible. For some customers, downtime can be critical for their business operations, and we understand how important it is to keep it to a minimum. As part of my role, I am also responsible for managing maintenance and repairs costs.
What does a typical day look like for you?
It may sound like a cliché, but no day is ever the same. If I don’t have a meeting or visit scheduled, I will always start the day by looking through the overnight breakdowns and reports on new vehicles to enter into service, MOT expiry and vehicles currently off the road. Then I follow up with the team to make sure all is running smoothly before addressing any ongoing issues that need to be solved.
What do you love most about your role?
My role involves having a broad overview of everything going on, but I love that I can still be involved and have a direct impact on the day-to-day customer service delivered. Helping to keep customers happy, and drivers on the road is my main focus.
What is your career highlight to date?
It would have to be passing the transport manager qualification, the CPC. It can be difficult to pass, and I have always been a more hands-on than academic person, so it was a real achievement for me.
How would you describe the culture at JCT600 VLS?
As a family-owned business, JCT600 VLS still maintains its family feel, every member of the team is part of the family.
What was the best advice you have ever been given?
“Find something you love doing and try and get paid to do it.”
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I’ve always had a passion for wildlife and have volunteered at a local falconry for the last 10 years. Over the years I have also acquired my own collection of bird of prey, and now have 25+ of my own!