Rev up your career with us! Join our Gemini team as we pave the way in car accident repair excellence. If you have a passion for precision and a drive for perfection, this job is for you!
ROLE TITLE: Vehicle Damage Assessor
REPORTING TO: Bodyshop Manager
MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:
To prepare accurate and efficient vehicle damage estimates in line with insurer and customer requirements, ensuring the repair can be carried out efficiently, with high standards of customer care and satisfaction, and while achieving satisfactory profit margins for the business.
QUALIFIED/ NON-QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN EXPECTATIONS
Qualified Vehicle Damage Assessor
A qualified VDA is expected to complete estimates independently to the required technical, safety, and quality standards. This may also include supporting, guiding, and, where appropriate, supervising VDA Apprentices.
Non-Qualified Vehicle Damage Assessor
A non-qualified VDA will carry out duties appropriate to their level of skill, training, and experience, under the direction and supervision of a qualified VDA or manager.
MAIN TASKS
Estimation & Repair Planning
- Prepare manual and computerised vehicle damage estimates efficiently, ensuring compliance with insurer/customer requirements.
- Confirm that estimates reflect repair feasibility, quality standards, and profitability.
- Maintain accurate records of all estimates, highlighting any work requiring authorisation before commencement.
- Liaise with insurers or customers to obtain authorisation for work, following up on any unauthorised estimates.
Parts Management
- Order parts in accordance with the estimate, ensuring correct specification, quantity, and timely delivery.
- Verify whether parts received are genuine, non-genuine, or “green” (reconditioned/used) for suitability, and ensure correct labelling and traceability.
- Return incorrect or unnecessary parts promptly and in line with company procedures.
Workshop Liaison
- Communicate estimate details clearly to bodyshop personnel, ensuring full understanding of required repairs.
- Coordinate with the workshop on vehicles deemed a total loss, as agreed with the insurer.
- Support the workshop team in understanding the repair process, reducing errors, delays, or rework.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Adhere to all company health and safety policies and procedures relevant to the role.
- Maintain awareness of safe working practices when assessing vehicles and handling parts or tools.
- Ensure compliance with audit and record-keeping requirements related to estimates and parts management.
OTHER DUTIES
Due to the size and complexity of the establishment, you will undertake any other reasonable tasks or duties that are deemed to be within your capability, as directed by a senior manager of the group with whom you have a reporting relationship.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
- Previous experience in vehicle damage assessment or estimating within a bodyshop or accident repair environment.
- Knowledge of insurer requirements, estimating systems, and repair planning.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in preparing estimates and managing parts.
- Ability to communicate effectively with bodyshop staff, insurers, and customers.
- Good organisational and record-keeping skills.
- Understanding of health, safety, and workshop compliance procedures.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
- IMI Accreditation in Vehicle Damage Assessment
- Experience with parts verification, labelling, and traceability procedures.
- Familiarity with total loss procedures and insurer negotiation.
- Experience supervising or mentoring VDA Apprentices.
PAY AND BENEFITS:
Salary will be discussed during the interview and will depend on experience and qualifications. The role includes site bonus opportunities.
A minimum of 3 years’ experience, IMI Accreditation, and familiarity with Audatex and Autoflow are all preferred.
Hours are 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday, 30-minute lunch break.
- Competitive salary plus team bonus.
- 30 days holiday including public holidays, plus additional days with service.
- Pension contributions.
- Recommend a friend technician bonus incentive.
- Long service awards.
- Colleague recognition scheme.
- Health cash plan: claim back medical costs.
- Rewards platform: high street discounts.
- Cycle to work scheme.
VDA, Vehicle Damage Assessor, Vehicle Estimator, Vehicle Inspector
Please note: If you have not heard from us within three weeks of submitting your application, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We thank you for your interest and encourage you to apply for future opportunities.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Experience:
- VDA: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- IMI Accreditation (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
