HGV Mechanic Job Description
Use this structured template to create a clear, practical job advert for an HGV Mechanic. The copy focuses on the skills and conditions that attract experienced heavy vehicle technicians.
What does a HGV Mechanic professional do?
Experienced heavy vehicle technician responsible for the repair, inspection and preventative maintenance of HGVs; typically reports to Workshop Manager or Fleet Engineer.
HGV Mechanic job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
HGV Mechanic
About the role
[Location] depot requires an experienced HGV Mechanic to maintain and repair a mixed fleet of heavy goods vehicles. You will carry out diagnostics, routine servicing, fault repair and statutory inspections, keeping vehicles safe, legal and available for operation. This is a [Full-time/Part-time], [Permanent/Fixed-term] role with [shift pattern/hours] and [Salary].
Key responsibilities
- Inspect, diagnose and repair faults on diesel engines, braking systems, steering, suspension and electrical systems.
- Perform routine servicing, oil changes, replacements and scheduled maintenance according to manufacturer and company procedures.
- Use diagnostic tools and telematics data to identify faults and verify repairs.
- Complete and maintain accurate job cards, electronic records and compliance paperwork.
- Fit and replace components such as clutches, gearboxes, axles, brakes, tyres and exhaust systems.
- Conduct roadworthiness checks and support any statutory inspections required by the business.
- Work with drivers and operations teams to prioritise repairs and minimise vehicle downtime.
- Maintain workshop tools and equipment and follow safe working procedures, including correct use of lifting equipment and PPE.
Essential skills and experience
- Relevant vehicle maintenance qualification (for example NVQ/IMI Level 3/City & Guilds) or equivalent practical experience.
- Proven experience working on heavy goods vehicles or commercial fleet maintenance.
- Competence using vehicle diagnostic equipment and workshop tooling.
- Good understanding of heavy vehicle systems (diesel engines, air brakes, electronic control systems).
- Ability to complete and maintain accurate maintenance and compliance documentation.
- Right to work in the UK and willingness to work the site shift pattern, including occasional overtime when required.
Desirable
- Full UK driving licence (Cat B) or Cat C entitlement for on-road testing and vehicle movements.
- Previous experience with trailer maintenance, telematics systems or specific OEM diagnostics.
- Manufacturer-specific training or higher-level qualifications (e.g. IMI Level 4).
- Forklift or plant licence for workshop vehicle handling.
- Experience as an MOT tester or working knowledge of tachograph and transport compliance requirements.
What we offer
- [Competitive salary]
- [Pension contribution or workplace pension scheme]
- [Paid overtime and enhanced weekend rates where applicable]
- [Paid annual leave entitlement]
- [Training, NVQ/IMI sponsorship or professional development support]
- [Uniform, tools allowance or PPE provided]
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is an HGV Mechanic role?
HGV Mechanics (heavy vehicle technicians) maintain and repair large commercial vehicles to ensure they are safe and roadworthy. They inspect mechanical and electrical systems, diagnose faults using specialist equipment, perform scheduled servicing and complete compliance documentation. Most work from depots or workshops and coordinate with drivers and fleet managers to keep vehicles operational and reduce downtime.
Typical hours
Workshop shifts commonly include early starts; overtime and weekend work may be required to meet fleet demands.
Team & setting
Work in a depot workshop alongside other technicians, workshop managers, parts staff and vehicle operators.
Progression
Technicians can progress to senior technician, workshop supervisor, fleet engineer or move into specialist OEM roles.
Typical HGV Mechanic responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Inspect
Inspect, diagnose and repair faults on diesel engines, braking systems, steering, suspension and electrical systems.
Perform routine servicing
Perform routine servicing, oil changes, replacements and scheduled maintenance according to manufacturer and company procedures.
Use diagnostic tools
Use diagnostic tools and telematics data to identify faults and verify repairs.
Complete
Complete and maintain accurate job cards, electronic records and compliance paperwork.
Fit and replace components such as clutches
Fit and replace components such as clutches, gearboxes, axles, brakes, tyres and exhaust systems.
Conduct roadworthiness checks
Conduct roadworthiness checks and support any statutory inspections required by the business.
Work with drivers
Work with drivers and operations teams to prioritise repairs and minimise vehicle downtime.
Maintain workshop tools
Maintain workshop tools and equipment and follow safe working procedures, including correct use of lifting equipment and PPE.
HGV Mechanic skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Relevant vehicle maintenance qualification (for example NVQ/IMI Level 3/City & Guilds) or equivalent practical experience.
- Proven experience working on heavy goods vehicles or commercial fleet maintenance.
- Competence using vehicle diagnostic equipment and workshop tooling.
- Good understanding of heavy vehicle systems (diesel engines, air brakes, electronic control systems).
- Ability to complete and maintain accurate maintenance and compliance documentation.
- Right to work in the UK and willingness to work the site shift pattern, including occasional overtime when required.
Useful where relevant
- Full UK driving licence (Cat B) or Cat C entitlement for on-road testing and vehicle movements.
- Previous experience with trailer maintenance, telematics systems or specific OEM diagnostics.
- Manufacturer-specific training or higher-level qualifications (e.g. IMI Level 4).
- Forklift or plant licence for workshop vehicle handling.
- Experience as an MOT tester or working knowledge of tachograph and transport compliance requirements.
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a HGV Mechanic job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
Be specific about the fleet
State the typical vehicle types and approximate fleet size (e.g. artic tractors, rigids, refrigerated trailers) so candidates know if their experience matches.
Clarify shift pattern and overtime
Experienced technicians prioritise shift details, weekend requirements and whether on-call or emergency cover is expected.
List the essential tools and training
Tell applicants which diagnostic tools, qualifications or in-house training will be required or provided.
Use clear, measurable requirements
Prefer concise statements of minimum experience or qualifications rather than vague phrases; include examples of typical tasks.
HGV Mechanic salary considerations
Do not quote a single market figure without context. HGV Mechanic pay varies considerably by region, fleet type and shift work. When setting a range, consider the factors below and state whether overtime, weekend enhancements and tool allowances are included.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What HGV Mechanic candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What are the exact working hours and shift pattern?
Candidates need clarity on start times, whether shifts rotate, weekend working and expectations for overtime or on-call.
Will PPE, workshop tools and diagnostic equipment be supplied?
Technicians want to know which items they must provide and what the employer supplies, including any tool allowances.
Is training or qualification support offered?
Experienced applicants often look for NVQ/IMI sponsorship, manufacturer training or support for career development.
What types of vehicles and manufacturers make up the fleet?
Specific experience with certain makes, trailers or refrigerated systems can be important for suitability.
How is pay structured and are there overtime rates or shift premiums?
Candidates will want to understand base pay, overtime calculation, bonuses and any allowances.
Where to post a HGV Mechanic job
Recruit for HGV Mechanics both broadly and within targeted channels. Use general UK job boards for volume and local reach, specialist transport and commercial vehicle forums or trade publications for experienced technicians, and local colleges or apprenticeships to attract recent trainees. Combine online ads with local depot signage and targeted approaches to technician networks to reach passive candidates who may not be actively searching.
HGV Mechanic job description FAQs
Does an HGV Mechanic need a driving licence?
Not always. Many workshop roles do not require a Category C licence, but employers commonly prefer a full UK driving licence to move vehicles within the depot or conduct road tests. Specify any driving requirements in the advert.
Which qualifications are standard for this role?
Employers typically expect a recognised vocational qualification such as NVQ/IMI Level 3 (or equivalent) or documented practical experience. Apprenticeship-trained technicians are also commonly recruited.
Should the advert include a salary range?
Yes. Publishing a clear salary range and details of overtime rates or allowances improves applicant quality and speeds hiring, especially for experienced technicians.
How long does recruitment usually take?
Timelines vary with market conditions and role specificity. Finding an experienced HGV mechanic can take from a few weeks to several months; advertising broadly and using specialist channels reduces time to hire.
Is specialist training usually provided?
Many employers offer in-house training, NVQ/IMI sponsorship or manufacturer courses for technicians. State any training support or progression routes to attract candidates.
Ready to create your HGV Mechanic advert?
Use this template to build a clear vacancy listing, include the shift and fleet details that matter to technicians, and advertise through both general and specialist channels to reach qualified applicants.
