Senior Mechanic

About Us 

Abbevilles Bike Café is an exciting new social enterprise offering expert bike repairs to the public, with an onsite café. Our experienced bike technicians and baristas will work alongside volunteer workforce members who have mental health issues and other barriers to employment, helping them gain skills and experience to enter work. 

Abbevilles is owned and run by First Step Trust (FST) charity, which has over 30 years’ experience in providing training and work experience to disadvantaged learners.

Job Summary 

We’re seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Mechanic to join our team. You will have the exciting opportunity to complete the fit out of a new workshop just the way you want it, and start new systems from the ground up, with the support of a General Manager with several years of experience in the bike industry. 

Once the shop is up and running, you will be delivering expert diagnostics, repairs, and servicing for a wide variety of different bikes, including electrics, as well as working with our experienced training team to develop a training programme for new mechanics. You will also support the workshop training staff, provide guidance to junior staff and workforce volunteers, and ensure high standards of safety, efficiency, and workmanship in your repairs as well as theirs.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in finalising the fit-out of a new workshop including identifying what tools and spares are needed
• Carry out servicing, repairs, and diagnostics on bikes for retail customers, meeting the highest standards of quality and safety
• Work efficiently, completing tasks within specified timeframes for services, or clearly communicate when this is not possible
• Provide technical guidance and support to less experienced technicians, and supervise workforce volunteers in carrying out basic tasks such as puncture repairs
• Generate concise workorders and clearly communicate costs and repair options to customers; set customer expectations & gain consent before performing a service
• Keep the workshop clean, tidy, and compliant with health and safety regulations
• Drive sales and profit, being proactive in identifying areas for improvement
• Contribute technical expertise & advise to the General Manager & Training team to develop an accessible, in-person and VR training programme for new mechanics
• Participate in outreach events for the shop as needed, i.e. Dr. Bike services in the local community
• Some Saturday work required on a rota basis, with equivalent time off during the week

Requirements

• At least 2 years’ experience as a mechanic in a bike workshop, and proven excellent technical competence
• Strong diagnostic skills and knowledge of a wide variety of bike types and parts, confidence in performing services on: hydraulic brakes, internal hub gears, wheel rebuilding, wireless shifting systems, suspension (front & rear)
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering quality work
• Patience and willingness to share your skills with others
• A desire to learn new skills and continue developing as a mechanic (including learning to work on electric bikes if not already part of your skillset) 

Preferred by not essential

• Experience in working on electric bikes, particularly Shimano, Bosch, Bafang and Yamaha systems
• Active participation in cycling culture, i.e. cycle clubs, racing, social events
• Understanding of mental health issues and other barriers to employment facing Londoners with multiple disadvantages

What We Offer

• Workplace pension with generous employer contributions
• Staff discounts:
  • On food & drinks in our on-site café 
  • With our bike suppliers, for parts or a new bike 
  • In our car garage in Woolwich, on parts and servicing
• Discounted theatre & event tickets
• Structured mentoring opportunities
• Supportive and friendly working environment
• Casual dress
• Opportunities for paid training and continual career development, including receiving accreditation for your mechanic skills and/or as a trainer
• Opportunities to go to trade shows, community events outside the shop
• Generous annual leave of 25 days, plus bank holidays, plus 3 closure days over Christmas

Salary: £35,000

How to apply: Please apply on our site at: https://firststeptrust.livevacancies.co.uk/#/job/details/8