Our Story
Get to know Vanlife Conversions
Our journey started back in 2018 when founders Oli and Emily decided to convert a van to travel around Europe. They loved the freedom vanlife offered and waking up to a new view each morning as they travelled through France and Italy in their van named Archie. They swapped the 9-5 to join the vanlife movement full time and started the business to help others do the same.
Since then Vanlife Conversions has been creating premium contemporary van conversions to help others get on the road and create the lifestyle they desire.
We pride ourselves on excelling in four key areas
These four elements form the cornerstone of our business.
Design
Inspired by dream homes, all our vans utilise domestic sinks and taps, solid wood worktops and finishing details such as hand crafted windowsills. Our design style is contemporary, luxurious and bespoke to you.
Craftsmanship
Our vans are hand built by expert craftsmen using traditional joinery techniques and precision engineering. We only use the finest market leading appliances meaning our conversions are built to last and suitable for all seasons.
Innovation
We specialise in off-grid vans where the electrical systems are at the forefront of technology, designed to harness and utilise solar power. Eco composting toilet options eliminate the need for chemicals further enhancing sustainable and self-sufficient living.
Customisation
Whether you're seeking a cosy camper for weekend getaways, a rugged off-grid adventurer, or a stylish mobile office, we're here to bring your vision to life. We ensure every detail reflects your personal style and functional requirements.
Meet the team
Get to know the experts behind our van conversions
Oli, formerly a Captain in the British Army, has a meticulous eye for detail and numerous qualifications in construction, carpentry, electrics and leisure vehicles. He drives the direction of the company, forever refining our conversions and keeping us at the forefront of technological advances.
Emily, formerly a NHS medical doctor leads client communications so is likely to be who you contact when dropping us an email or call. With experience in PR she also manages all marketing and business operations.
Stuart has years of experience in metalwork, carpentry and coachbuilding including construction of specialist vehicles for the police and Formula 1. He is at the forefront of all conversion work.
Sam has extensive experience in fine joinery and finishing techniques. He is involved in all aspects of the conversion process with an emphasis on finishing details to a high standard.
Sam has years of experience in all trades and a deep understanding of small-space building in particular. He has a significant role in every stage of the van conversion process.
David is a master carpenter and joiner with decades of experience crafting bespoke interiors and fine woodwork. He plays a key role in creating our beautifully finished interiors.
Iain has over 25 years of experience in the electrical and maintenance industry and is a registered electrician working in the domestic and automotive industry. He is our specialist electrician and helps us to continually innovate our electrical setups.
Gemma specialises in CAD design and creating detailed renders, helping bring each client’s vision to life. She also manages our social media and content creation, while supporting the day-to-day running of the business through administration and client communications.
Jess, a former client, now supports us with a range of tasks, including general administration, marketing, and content creation. She works remotely from the van we converted for her, which she has called home for the past three years while traveling across Europe with her husband and their two dogs.
Global Impact
Every time you do business with us, something great happens in the world. We’re passionate about creating a real, meaningful and global impact beyond our vans.
Explore our current job openings
Join the team at Vanlife Conversions
Campervan Builder / Van Conversion Technician
Vanlife Conversions Ltd
Location: Great Bromley, near Colchester, Essex — CO7 7TP
Salary: £27,500–£34,000 per year, depending on experience
Job type: Full-time
Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm
Build campervans you can be proud of
Enjoy practical work, solving problems and seeing something take shape from start to finish?
We’re looking for a capable, enthusiastic person to join our small workshop team building premium campervans. You’ll help turn empty vans into thoughtfully designed living spaces, with fitted furniture, kitchens, beds, showers and the systems that make travelling off-grid possible.
Previous campervan experience isn’t essential. We welcome applicants with experience in carpentry, joinery, cabinet making, kitchen fitting, plumbing, electrical work, vehicle fitting, assembly or other practical trades and workshop roles.
You don’t need experience in every aspect of a conversion. Bring useful practical skills, care for your work and a willingness to learn, and we’ll help you develop the skills needed for our builds.
About us
Vanlife Conversions is a veteran-owned business based in Great Bromley, Essex. We specialise in bespoke, high-end campervan conversions that combine quality craftsmanship with comfortable interiors and modern technology.
We’re a small team where your work and ideas make a visible difference. You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues, contribute to complete builds and see the finished campervans head off with their owners.
What you’ll do
Depending on your experience, your work will include:
- Building and fitting furniture, cabinetry, worktops and interior finishes.
- Preparing vans and installing insulation, flooring and wall and ceiling linings.
- Helping install plumbing, electrical components and other conversion systems, with appropriate guidance and training.
- Working from drawings and build specifications.
- Solving practical fitting challenges and checking the quality of your work.
- Keeping your workspace safe, clean and organised.
- Sharing ideas and helping the team improve how we build.
What we’re looking for
- Experience in a practical trade, workshop environment or relevant hands-on work.
- Confidence using hand and power tools safely and accurately.
- Attention to detail and pride in producing a good finish.
- An interest in campervans and a willingness to learn new skills.
- The ability to work independently on familiar tasks and ask for guidance when needed.
- Reliability, a positive attitude and respect for colleagues.
Experience building or working on campervans, motorhomes, boats or other vehicle interiors would be useful, but it isn’t a requirement.
How we work
You’ll fit well here if you:
- Take pride in doing a job properly: including the details that won’t be visible once a van is finished.
- Take responsibility: flag problems early, help resolve them and learn from them.
- Respond well to feedback: listen, ask questions and apply what you’ve learned.
- Follow through: complete agreed tasks and communicate when something is holding you up.
- Support the team: share information, help colleagues and treat people with respect.
What we offer
- £27,500–£34,000 per year, depending on your relevant skills and experience.
- Annual performance and pay reviews, with opportunities to progress as your skills and responsibilities develop.
- Training and support to broaden your practical skills.
- Varied work on premium campervan builds.
- A small, supportive team where your ideas are valued.
- Monday-to-Friday working, 8.30am–5pm. 40 hours a week
- Company pension.
- Free on-site parking.
- Company bonus scheme linked to business performance
This is a workshop-based role in a rural location, so please consider how you would reliably travel to Great Bromley.
How to apply
Please send your CV to emily@vanlifeconversions.co.uk, along with answering this question - What interests you about building campervans, and why would you like to join Vanlife Conversions? (Subject heading - Job application). Feel free to attach any photos or evidence that may be useful to show your abilities.
A few sentences in your own words are plenty. Please also mention any practical experience you think would be useful in the role, whether from employment or personal projects.
We’re interested in what you can do, the care you take in your work and what you’d like to learn.
We look forward to hearing from you!