Bodyshop Manager

Bespoke Professionals; Manama; On-site; BHD 14,000 - 17,500; Full time

Job summary

An established automotive group in Bahrain is seeking an experienced Bodyshop Manager to oversee operations at its accident repair center. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the automotive repair sector, proven leadership skills, and the ability to enhance service quality while driving efficiency. This role includes managing budgets, leading a team, and maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.

Benefits

Company Car

Annual Return Ticket

Performance-Linked Incentives

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years in the automotive repair sector.
• 8+ years in a senior management capacity.
• Deep knowledge of collision repair techniques.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end repair processes.
• Manage budgets and ensure revenue growth.
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Leadership

Technical Knowledge

Commercial Mindset

Customer Focus

Problem Solving

Education

Diploma or Degree in Automotive/Mechanical Engineering or Business

Tools

Bodyshop Software (Summit, Audatex, Mitchell)

Job description

Diploma or Degree in Automotive/Mechanical Engineering, Business, or a related field. Industry certifications (I-CAR or equivalent) are highly valued.

Job Description

Reports to: General Manager

About the Role

An established automotive group is looking for an experienced Bodyshop Manager to take full ownership of its accident repair centre operations. This leadership role is suited for someone who thrives on driving efficiency, raising repair standards, and delivering a customer journey that builds trust and long-term loyalty. The right candidate will not only manage day-to-day operations but will also shape the bodyshop into a benchmark of quality and profitability in the market.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee the end-to-end repair process, from vehicle intake to on-time delivery.
• Set and manage budgets, ensuring revenue growth and cost control.
• Lead, mentor, and performance-manage a multidisciplinary team.
• Uphold rigorous repair and safety standards in line with manufacturers’ requirements.
• Build and maintain strong ties with insurers, fleet partners, and corporate clients.
• Track and improve performance indicators such as turnaround times, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Manage stock levels for parts, paints, and consumables.
• Drive compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Ensure accurate quotations, efficient invoicing, and timely payments.

What We’re Looking For

• Education: Diploma or Degree in Automotive/Mechanical Engineering, Business, or a related field. Industry certifications (I-CAR or equivalent) are highly valued.
• Experience: At least 15 years in the automotive repair sector, with 8+ years in a senior management capacity.
• Leadership: Proven ability to inspire teams, delegate effectively, and build a culture of accountability.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong grasp of modern collision repair, ADAS systems, structural repair, and refinishing.
• Commercial Mindset: Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and maximizing workshop profitability.
• Customer Focus: Confidence in handling client escalations and nurturing long-term business partnerships.
• Systems & Tools: Familiar with bodyshop software (Summit, Audatex, Mitchell) and MS Office applications.

The Package

• Company Car
• Annual Return Ticket
• Performance-Linked Incentives

Ideal Profile

• Nationality: Preference for Bahraini nationals

Requirements & Skills

1. Technical & Industry Expertise

• Deep knowledge of collision repair techniques, including frame and unibody alignment, paint refinishing, and ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) calibration.
• Understanding of manufacturer repair standards and OEM compliance.
• Familiarity with bodyshop management software (Audatex, Mitchell, Summit, etc.) and digital estimating tools.
• Awareness of emerging automotive technologies (electric/hybrid vehicles, sensor calibration, etc.).
• Strong ability to motivate, train, and develop multi-disciplinary teams (technicians, painters, estimators, admin staff).
• Skilled in workforce planning, shift scheduling, and performance appraisals.
• Ability to foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Experience maximizing profitability through workflow optimization and efficient resource allocation.
• Strong business development mindset, with ability to grow insurance, fleet, and corporate accounts.

4. Customer Relationship Management

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for dealing with clients, insurers, and corporate partners.
• Proven ability to handle complaints and escalations while maintaining customer trust.
• Track record of achieving high customer satisfaction scores.

5. Operational Excellence

• Expertise in workflow optimization, workshop loading, and cycle-time reduction.
• Ability to implement and monitor KPIs (productivity, efficiency, customer satisfaction, cost per repair).
• Strong focus on quality control and safety standards.

6. Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Analytical mindset to diagnose operational issues and implement corrective measures quickly.
• Sound judgment in balancing customer needs, profitability, and safety compliance.

7. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Thorough knowledge of workshop safety regulations and environmental best practices.
• Commitment to ensuring a safe, compliant, and efficient workplace.

8. IT & Reporting

• Advanced use of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for reporting and presentations.
• Comfortable with data-driven decision-making and dashboard analysis.