Qualified Vehicle Damage Assessor

Gemini Accident Repair Centres; Cannock; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Cycle to work scheme

Free parking

On-site parking

Referral programme

Job summary

Gemini Accident Repair Centres in Cannock, United Kingdom, is seeking a skilled Vehicle Damage Assessor to prepare accurate estimates for insurer and customer approvals and guide the repair planning process. You will work with the Bodyshop team, use Audatex and Autoflow systems, and ensure high standards of safety, profitability, and customer care.

IMI accreditation and 3 years VDA experience are essential.

Qualifications

• IMI accreditation in Vehicle Damage Assessment is essential.
• Previous experience in vehicle damage assessment or estimating in a bodyshop.
• Knowledge of insurer requirements, estimating systems and repair planning.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in preparing estimates and managing parts.
• Ability to communicate with bodyshop staff, insurers and customers.
• Good organisation and record-keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare manual and computerised vehicle damage estimates.
• Ensure estimates align with repair feasibility, quality standards and profitability.
• Maintain accurate records of estimates and obtain authorisation where needed.
• Liaise with insurers or customers to obtain work authorisation.
• Order parts with correct specification, quantity and timely delivery.
• Coordinate with workshop on total loss vehicles and relay repair processes to the team.

Skills

IMI Accreditation in Vehicle Damage

Experience in VDA estimating

Attention to detail

Communications with insurers/customers

Organisational skills

Independent work

Education

IMI Accreditation in Vehicle Damage Assessment

Tools

Audatex

Autowflow

Job description

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 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.

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

• IMI Accreditation in Vehicle Damage Assessment
• 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

• Experience with parts verification, labeling, 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 essential.

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)
• Audatex: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

• IMI Accreditation (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person