Lead Vehicle Damage Assessor VDA

HP4 Recruitment Ltd; Darlaston; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Birthday day off

Pension scheme

Share options

Life assurance 2x salary

Vehicle leasing

Discounts & cashback

GP access

Wellbeing support

Training & progression

Workshop facilities

Job summary

HP4 Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Lead Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) for a busy accident repair centre in Birmingham. The role combines hands-on damage assessment and estimating with leadership responsibilities to support the VDA and workshop teams.

You will oversee repair methods, liaise with insurers, and ensure repairs meet Thatcham and BSI standards while maintaining high productivity and quality in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) required.
• Strong knowledge of automotive accident repair and estimating.
• Experience producing accurate repair estimates and identifying repair methods.
• Understanding of Thatcham repair standards and BSI requirements.
• Ability to lead and support workshop teams.

Responsibilities

• Inspecting damaged vehicles and assessing repairs required.
• Producing accurate electronic and manual repair estimates.
• Identifying repair methods in line with standards.
• Liaising with insurers for repair authorisation.
• Communicating methods and estimates to customers and technicians.
• Supporting and guiding VDA and workshop teams.
• Monitoring repair performance and quality.
• Keeping up to date with manufacturer methods and insurer requirements.
• Working with workshop departments for efficient turnaround.

Skills

Vehicle Damage Assessor

Automotive repair knowledge

Damage estimating

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Team leadership

Job description

Lead Vehicle Damage Assessor (Lead VDA)

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £55,000 + Uncapped Bonus

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

The Opportunity

Our client is looking for an experienced Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) to join their busy, state-of-the-art accident repair centre in Birmingham as a Lead VDA.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established Lead VDA or an experienced Vehicle Damage Assessor looking to take the next step into a more senior, leadership-focused position.

You will combine hands-on vehicle damage assessments and estimating with supporting the wider team, overseeing operational performance and ensuring repairs are completed efficiently, safely and to the highest possible standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspecting damaged vehicles and assessing the full extent of repairs required.
• Producing accurate electronic and manual repair estimates.
• Identifying appropriate repair methods in line with Thatcham and BSI standards.
• Liaising with insurance companies to obtain repair authorisation.
• Communicating repair methods and estimates to customers and technicians.
• Supporting and guiding the wider VDA and workshop teams.
• Monitoring repair performance, quality and operational standards.
• Keeping up to date with manufacturer repair methods, technical bulletins and insurer requirements.
• Working closely with workshop departments to ensure efficient vehicle turnaround.

Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA).
• Strong knowledge of automotive accident repair and vehicle damage estimating.
• Experience producing accurate repair estimates and identifying repair methods.
• Understanding of Thatcham repair standards and BSI requirements.
• Confident communicating with insurance companies, customers and workshop teams.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy accident repair environment.

What's on Offer?

• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Additional day off for your birthday.
• Company pension scheme.
• Save-as-you-earn share scheme.
• Life assurance at twice your basic salary.
• Colleague vehicle leasing schemes.
• Retailer discounts and cashback offers.
• 24/7 GP access and mental health support.
• Financial wellbeing support.
• Ongoing training and career progression opportunities.
• Access to excellent workshop facilities and industry-leading technology.