Vehicle Damage Assessor

FMG Repair Services Limited; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uncapped bonus schemes

23 days annual leave plus holidays and

Life assurance (x2 salary)

Vehicle-leasing schemes

Pension & share scheme

Benefits app with discounts

Well-being services

Financial wellbeing app

Job summary

FMG Repair Services Limited in Gateshead is seeking an experienced Lead Vehicle Damage Assessor to combine hands-on estimating with team leadership and operational oversight in a busy, tech-forward workshop.

You will inspect damaged vehicles, produce detailed repair estimates, and liaise with insurers while upholding high standards of customer service and workmanship. A strong leader who stays current with repair methods will thrive here.

Qualifications

• Inspecting damaged vehicles and assessing extent of damage.
• Producing detailed repair estimates and selecting methods.
• Liaising with insurers to obtain repair authority.
• Leading a team to maintain high standards and service quality.

Responsibilities

• Inspect damaged vehicles and assess full extent of damage.
• Produce detailed electronic and manual repair estimates.
• Identify prescribed repair methods per Thatcham/BSI standards.
• Coordinate with insurance companies to secure repair authority.
• Communicate repair methods clearly to customers, engineers, and technicians.
• Work with colleagues across departments to ensure timely, safe vehicle return.

Skills

Vehicle damage assessment

Estimating

Insurance liaison

Team leadership

Job description

Salary: Up to £50k - based on skill set and experience (uncapped bonus structure)

Lead Vehicle Damage Assessor at our busy, state-of-the-art workshop in Gateshead

At FMG Repair Services in Gateshead, one of our largest repair centres, you’ll have access to industry-leading technology, outstanding facilities, and the full support of an experienced, professional team - giving you everything you need to succeed and progress your career.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Vehicle Damage Assessor ready to step up into a leadership-focused role, combining hands‑on estimating with team support and operational oversight.

As a Lead VDA, you’ll play a key role in driving performance, maintaining high standards, while continuing to deliver expert assessments and exceptional customer service.

What you’ll be doing:

Inspecting damaged vehicles and accurately assessing the full extent of damage. Producing detailed electronic and manual repair estimates. Identifying correct prescribed repair methods in line with Thatcham and BSI standards. Liaising effectively with insurance companies to gain repair authority. Communicating repair methodologies clearly to customers, engineers and technicians. You’ll be assessing a wide range of vehicles, so staying up to date with repair methodologies, manufacturer bulletins, and insurer requirements is key. Teamwork is central to this role - working collaboratively across departments to ensure every vehicle is returned safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

Why choose FMG RS?

Of course, we offer a fantastic basic salary, but there’s much more to being a VDA at FMG RS than just that. Some of our most popular benefits include (but aren’t limited to) …

• fantastic uncapped monthly bonus schemes plus guaranteed average bonus when you're on holiday!
• start with 23 days annual leave, of course, you’ll have public holidays too and an extra day off to celebrate your birthday!
• free life assurance (x2 your basic salary)
• exclusive colleague-only vehicle-leasing schemes
• pension & save-as-you-earn share scheme
• A Benefits App giving a huge range of retailer discounts and cashback deals
• well-being services (incl. 24/7 GP service, mental health support and physiotherapy + Health Cash Plan, Dental Plan & Travel Insurance)
• Stream App for all our colleagues - a Financial Wellbeing app that gives you more control over your pay. Not only does it let you choose when to get paid it also lets you put money aside each month and in addition you can get discounts on your shopping, check what benefits you're eligible for and can even put you in touch with a financial coach!

We’re going places …

You’re rewarded for your part in our success - lots of customers means lots of work to share, which in turn means lots of opportunity to boost your earnings through our fantastic bonus schemes;

We invest in you - We believe everyone should have the opportunity to better themselves and look to progress, not just within FMG RS but the wider ZIGUP business too;

We’re growing - it’s an exciting time for the industry and we’re committed to being at the cutting edge, investing in everything from our EV capabilities, our workshops to our Training Centres;

Join the FMG RS family

With the best people in the industry within our Group, we really believe that no one else can do what we do as well as us. So what are you waiting for?

We’re also part of something bigger - ZIGUP, a leading provider of integrated mobility solutions, supporting customers across the UK, Ireland, and Spain. We are proud to have been awarded a King's Award for Enterprise in 2025, recognised for our commitment to promoting opportunity and supporting social mobility. Unlock your potential in an industry-leading business, surrounded by inspiring individuals and leaders, fuelled by the opportunity to thrive in your career.

We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, identities, and abilities. If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, just let us know. We’re here to support you.

We are agile. We are experts. We are imaginative. We are reliable.