Cosmetic Paint Polisher / Finisher

Carbase; West of England; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Place to Work

Job summary

Carbase is seeking a Cosmetic Paint Polisher / Finisher to complete the final finishing stages of cosmetic and Bodyshop repairs at the Carbase Preparation Centre. You will polish panels, refine finishes and ensure vehicles meet Carbase retail standards before prep completion.

Role requires experience with rotary and/or dual-action polishers, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a high-volume environment. Mon-Fri, 40 hours per week, salary up to £32,000 DOE.

Qualifications

• Experience in vehicle polishing and paint finishing.
• Strong knowledge of automotive paint finishing and polishing techniques.
• Experience using rotary and/or dual-action polishing equipment.
• Experience with flatting, sanding and paint defect removal.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong eye for paint finish and surface defects.
• Ability to identify when additional paint or Bodyshop rectification is required.

Responsibilities

• Machine polish repaired and refinished vehicle panels.
• Remove minor paint defects including flatting marks, dust nibs and light scratches.
• Wet and dry sanding / flattening prior to final polishing.
• Refine paint finishes to achieve gloss and consistency.
• Carry out minor touch-ins and finishing work where appropriate.
• Inspect completed paintwork and identify defects for rectification.
• Work with Paint Technicians and Bodyshop colleagues to ensure right-first-time quality.
• Maintain polishers, pads and finishing products correctly.
• Maintain a clean, safe working area.

Skills

Vehicle Polisher

Paint Finisher

Bodyshop Polisher

Rotary Polishing

Dual-action Polishing

Paint Defect Removal

Attention to Detail

High-Volume Environment

UK Driving Licence

Tools

Rotary Polisher

Dual-Action Polisher

Job description

Cosmetic Paint Polisher / Finisher

Job Title: Cosmetic Paint Polisher / Finisher
Reports to: Cosmetic Bodyshop Manager / Supervisor
Hours: 40 hours per week
Pattern: Mon - Fri
Salary: Up to £32,000 DOE
Location: Carbase Preparation Centre

About Carbase

Carbase is the South West's largest independent pre-owned dealership group, offering a wide range of quality vehicles alongside flexible finance options and aftersales support.

As a family-run business, certified as a Great Place to Work, we're built on a commitment to trust, transparency and delivering a great customer experience.

With multiple stores, dedicated autocentres and a preparation centre, our team works together to make buying, selling and maintaining vehicles simple, straightforward and enjoyable for our customers.

Job Description

The Cosmetic Paint Polisher / Finisher is responsible for completing the final finishing stages of cosmetic and Bodyshop repairs, ensuring vehicles achieve the required Carbase retail standard before progressing through Prep.

Working at the end of the paint and repair process, you will remove minor paint imperfections, polish and refine repaired panels and ensure vehicles are presented to a consistently high standard.

Key responsibilities include:

• Machine polishing repaired and refinished vehicle panels.
• Removing minor paint defects including flatting marks, dust nibs, light scratches, holograms and surface imperfections.
• Wet and dry sanding / flatting where required prior to final polishing.
• Refining paint finishes to achieve the required gloss, clarity and consistency.
• Carrying out minor touch-ins and finishing work where appropriate.
• Inspecting completed paintwork and identifying defects requiring further rectification.
• Working closely with Paint Technicians, SMART Repair and Bodyshop colleagues to achieve right-first-time quality.
• Ensuring repaired areas blend consistently with surrounding panels.
• Supporting final vehicle presentation and preparation standards.
• Prioritising work in line with vehicle flow and Prep Centre requirements.
• Maintaining polishing machines, tools and equipment in good working condition.
• Using compounds, polishes and finishing products correctly and efficiently.
• Maintaining a clean, organised and safe working area.
• Following all Health & Safety, COSHH and Prep Centre procedures.
• Supporting the wider Cosmetic team where required to maintain vehicle throughput.

Candidate Requirements

We are looking for someone with:

• Previous experience as a Vehicle Polisher, Paint Finisher, Bodyshop Polisher or similar automotive role.
• Strong knowledge of automotive paint finishing and polishing techniques.
• Experience using rotary and/or dual-action polishing equipment.
• Experience with flatting, sanding and paint defect removal.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong eye for paint finish and surface defects.
• The ability to identify when additional paint or Bodyshop rectification is required.
• A quality-focused approach while working efficiently within a high-volume environment.
• Good understanding of polishing compounds, pads and finishing products.
• The ability to work independently and as part of the wider Cosmetic Bodyshop team.
• Previous experience within a vehicle preparation centre, Bodyshop or accident repair environment is desirable.
• A full UK driving licence is required.

Success in the role will be measured t