Bodyshop Manager

Gemini Accident Repair Centres; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Cycle to work scheme

Free parking

Health & wellbeing programme

On-site parking

Referral programme

Job summary

Gemini ARC in Swindon is seeking a General Manager to lead site operations, drive profitability, and uphold quality and regulatory standards. You will oversee staffing, workflow, and service levels, ensuring a safe, efficient bodyshop environment and exceptional customer care.

You will manage finances, KPIs, supplier and insurer relationships, and staff development, with a focus on performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in management within an accident repair centre, bodyshop, or automotive environment.
• Strong operational, financial, and people management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of bodyshop processes, quality standards (BS10125:2022), and SLA requirements.
• Experience managing staff performance, recruitment, training, and development.
• Ability to handle customer complaints effectively and maintain high standards of service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the smooth running of the site, organizing staffing to meet operational needs.
• Audit and monitor workflow to meet productivity targets and service levels.
• Recruit, induct, and coach staff; manage performance and development.
• Handle customer complaints and ensure resolution with directors.
• Monitor KPIs, profit margins, forecasts, and drive sales growth and insurer relations.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements; conduct audits.
• Lead the team to deliver quality objectives and maintain a positive work environment.

Skills

People management

Operational leadership

Financial acumen

Customer service

Training & development

Job description

Rev up your career with us! Join our Gemini ARC team as we pave the way for car accident repair excellence. We're seeking skilled technicians who are ready to transform dents and dings into works of automotive art. If you have a passion for precision and a drive for perfection, this job is for you!

General Manager

Reporting To:Operations

Staff Reporting to the Jobholder:All staff within the location business.

Main Purpose of Role

To manage and oversee all activities within the site, ensuring the efficient operation of the business, high standards of customer care, compliance with regulatory and quality standards, and maximisation of profitability and reputation. The General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the site, including staffing, operational efficiency, compliance, and financial performance.

Main Tasks

Operational Management

• Ensure the smooth running of the business by organising staffing levels to meet operational needs while maintaining quality and profitability.
• Oversee the completion of all work in line with company procedures, customer expectations, and agreed service levels (SLA).
• Audit and monitor workflow within the bodyshop to prevent delays and ensure productivity targets are met.
• Maintain awareness of customer requirements, KPIs, and quality standards to proactively manage operational performance.

Staff Management & Development

• Responsible for recruitment, induction, and training in liaison with the Training Team.
• Manage staff performance, including annual reviews, disciplinary, and grievance processes.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and coaching to staff to ensure development and competency in their roles.
• Ensure staff maintain high standards of health and safety, housekeeping, and operational compliance.

Customer Care & Quality

• Handle customer complaints effectively and elevate as required, ensuring resolution and reporting to directors.
• Ensure all jobs meet company and industry standards (e.g. BS10125:2022) and that quality checks are consistently applied.
• Maintain customer satisfaction through proactive service, monitoring customer feedback, and ensuring audit trails are kept for compliance.

Financial Management

• Monitor financial performance, including KPIs, profit margins, and forecasts, and take proactive steps to manage business results.
• Responsible for sales growth, trade account development, and insurer relationship management.
• Prepare and present reports to Operations as required.
• Maintain responsibility for the monthly P&L and overall business profitability.

Compliance, Safety & Security

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and legal regulations.
• Conduct regular site audits and maintain oversight of all compliance records.
• Audit job cards, tools, and equipment to ensure correct use, maintenance, and operational readiness.
• Maintain control over waste management, utilities, and site security.

Teamwork & Leadership

• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative working environment.
• Communicate effectively with staff, directors, customers, and stakeholders.
• Ensure clear processes are in place to support staff in delivering operational and quality objectives.

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

• Proven experience in management within an accident repair centre, bodyshop, or automotive environment.
• Strong operational, financial, and people management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of bodyshop processes, quality standards (BS10125:2022), and SLA requirements.
• Experience managing staff performance, recruitment, training, and development.
• Ability to handle customer complaints effectively and maintain high standards of service.
• Strong organisational, planning, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of health, safety, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Professional, approachable, and confident leadership style.

Desirable

• Experience with insurer relationships, trade accounts, and marketing initiatives within the automotive industry.
• Familiarity with audit processes and performance reporting systems.
• Experience with budget management, P&L analysis, and financial forecasting.

Pay and Bennefits

Competitive base salary discussed on interview - desirable site bonus rewarded for performance and production measures plus car allowance.

Hours are 8am - 5pm Monday - Friday, 30-minute lunch break.

• 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.

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 Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person