Bodyshop Manager

Our client is seeking an experienced and driven Bodyshop Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of their busy dealership. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of the accident repair centre, including estimating, workshop productivity, quality control, customer satisfaction, insurer relationships, and financial performance. What you’ll be doing: You will ensure that all repairs are completed to manufacturer standards, delivered on time, and achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction while maintaining departmental profitability. Key Responsibilities • Supervising members of the Bodyshop team, creating an environment in which all team members are fully utilised and working to the best of their ability. • Regularly review staff, equipment and procedures with a view to increasing productivity and effectiveness. • Achieve the performance standards of the agreed profit plan. • Check daily preparation of job cards and reception procedures. • Ensure the effective operation of planned selling of labour and ensure that idle time and work in progress is kept to a minimum. • Produce and review daily operating controls with the Head of Business • Check daily that invoices and warranty claims are being progressed with no unnecessary delays and in fairness to customers and the Company. • Establish and check safeguards and reporting procedures to ensure health, safety and welfare of personnel and visitors and define standards to protect vehicles, property and plant. • To regularly check all equipment and tools in the Bodyshop to ensure they are safe to operate and fit to use. • Ensure that trade plates are correctly used and all relevant regulations are complied with. • Investigate and resolve any recurring technical problems. • Liaise with other Managers to ensure business runs effectively, e.g. plan with reconditioning work. • Appraise sales department cars as required. • Maintain and develop good relationships with insurance assessors and sub-contractors to ensure best value for work. • Establish a formal quality control procedure allied to bonus schemes, work loading etc. • Handle customer complaints quickly and efficiently, in line with Company policy and deal with staff involved. • Deal promptly and effectively with all customer correspondence. • To assist in planning the forward capacity of the Bodyshop by liaising with the Bodyshop bookings/admin staff on the availability of labour, work in progress, internal work, etc. • To use the Audatex and management system to carry out internal and retail estimates. Follow-up estimates using the tracker system What we need from you • Previous experience as a Bodyshop Manager, Assistant Bodyshop Manager, or Senior Estimator. • Strong vehicle damage assessment and estimating experience. • Knowledge of modern vehicle repair techniques and paint processes. • Experience working with insurance companies and accident management providers. • Excellent leadership and people management skills. • Strong commercial awareness and financial management ability. • Excellent communication and customer service skills. • Full UK driving licence. • Experience within a franchised motor dealership • Manufacturer-approved bodyshop experience.