March 18, 2026

Where the best automotive jobs are right now in the North West

Intro

The North West continues to be one of the strongest regions in the UK for automotive jobs. With a wide mix of main dealers, independent garages, and commercial workshops, demand for skilled professionals remains high.

For candidates considering their next move, understanding where the best opportunities are can make a big difference.

Strong demand across major locations

Areas such as Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, and Chester are all seeing consistent demand for experienced Vehicle Technicians, Service Advisors, and Workshop Controllers.

Each location offers slightly different advantages, but all remain active markets with ongoing recruitment needs.

Manchester continues to offer a high volume of roles, particularly within main dealer environments. Liverpool combines strong demand with more affordable living costs, while Preston offers a balance of opportunity and work-life stability. Chester attracts candidates looking for quality of life alongside competitive roles.

Salaries and competition

Due to the ongoing skills shortage, salaries across the North West have remained competitive. Skilled technicians, particularly those with diagnostics experience or EV training, are often able to secure strong packages.

Candidates are now in a position to compare multiple opportunities, meaning employers must remain competitive not just on salary, but also on working conditions and progression.

What this means for candidates

For candidates, the North West offers a wide range of opportunities across different locations and business types. This allows for flexibility when choosing a role based on commute, salary, and long-term progression.

If you’re currently exploring new permanent automotive jobs in the North West, you can view our latest vacancies here:
https://www.cb-recruitment.co.uk/cm/jobs

What this means for employers

For employers, the region remains competitive when it comes to attracting skilled staff. Businesses need to be clear, realistic, and efficient in their hiring approach to secure the best candidates.

Employers can also view live candidate profiles currently available across the North West here:
https://www.cb-recruitment.co.uk/cm/employers/candidate-profile-search

For a confidential discussion about hiring across the North West, you can contact us directly here:
https://www.cb-recruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us

Final thoughts

The North West automotive job market continues to offer strong opportunities for both candidates and employers. Understanding the strengths of each location can help support better long-term decisions.

At C&B Recruitment, we specialise in permanent motor trade jobs and automotive jobs, supporting employers and candidates through specialist motor trade recruitment and automotive recruitment across the UK.

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