Vehicle Risk Data Technician

Thatcham Research; Thatcham; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive research organization based in Thatcham is seeking a Vehicle Risk Data Technician to ensure accuracy in vehicle risk data and support ratings. The ideal candidate will have a knowledge of vehicle anatomy, experience in the automotive industry, and strong attention to detail. This hybrid role offers a competitive salary of circa £32,300 along with excellent benefits including a 10% pension and extensive holidays.

Benefits

10% non-contributory pension

29 days holiday + public holidays

Group Life Assurance

Health Cash Plan

Discounted gym membership

Subsidised on-site restaurant

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Existing knowledge and understanding of vehicle anatomy, components, and systems.
• Experience working within the Automotive Industry and/or in a similar role.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to continually develop learning of new systems and reporting tools.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a wider team.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with vehicle manufacturers and internal teams to gather and validate vehicle risk data.
• Support the monthly Group Rating Panel by preparing reports, agendas, and minutes.
• Liaise with engineering operations for timely report delivery.
• Ensure vehicle data is accurate, complete, and aligned with standards.
• Respond to technical queries from insurers, manufacturers, and the public.

Skills

Knowledge of vehicle anatomy

Experience in Automotive Industry

Microsoft 365 applications (Excel, Outlook, Teams)

Attention to detail

Strong problem-solving skills

Education

Recognised motor industry qualification (e.g., NVQ, City & Guilds)

Job description

Vehicle Risk Data Technician| Circa £32,300+ excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid

Are you passionate about vehicles, data accuracy, and making a real impact in the automotive and insurance industries? Join Thatcham Research as a Vehicle Risk Data Technician and play a vital role in shaping how vehicles are assessed for risk and repairability.

As a Vehicle Risk Data Technician, you’ll work closely with the wider Vehicle Data Management (VDM) team to ensure manufacturer vehicle risk data is accurately captured, validated, and aligned with Thatcham’s vehicle database. You’ll be instrumental in supporting Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) and managing vehicle data in our Plaza system.

If you're detail-driven, love working with vehicle data, and want to make a difference in the automotive world, we’d love to hear from you!

What you'll be doing:

• Collaborating with vehicle manufacturers and internal teams to gather and validate vehicle risk data.
• Supporting the monthly Group Rating Panel by preparing reports, agendas, and minutes.
• Liaising with engineering operations for timely New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA) and Damage & Repair (D&R) report delivery
• Ensuring vehicle data is accurate, complete, and aligned with Thatcham’s standards.
• Assisting in the delivery of vehicle repairability projects and research.
• Responding to technical queries from insurers, manufacturers, and the public.
• Working with digital teams to improve tools and systems related to vehicle data.

Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:

• Existing knowledge and understanding of vehicle anatomy, components and systems.
• Experience working within the Automotive Industry and/or in a similar role working with vehicle data. (e.g., technician, assessor, parts specialist).
• Excellent attention to detail with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Competent in the use of Microsoft 365 applications (specifically Excel, Outlook and Teams).
• Ability and willingness to continually develop learning of new systems and reporting tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills, and ability to co‑ordinate multiple tasks.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a wider team.
• Recognised motor industry qualification (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds, ATA or equivalent) – a bonus!

Why Thatcham Research?

• Be part of a respected, forward-thinking organisation at the heart of vehicle safety and insurance innovation.
• Work with a passionate team of experts in a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Enjoy hybrid working, professional development opportunities, and genuine work‑life balance.

Did you know...

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don’t apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn’t exist! If you think you have what it takes but don’t tick every box, we’d still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

Perks & Benefits

Salary - Circa £32,300 dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non‑contributory pension
• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)
• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)
• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)
• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure
• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
• Benenden Health Care (opt‑in benefit)
• Reward & Recognition Programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Sports & Social club
• Payroll charitable giving
• Subsidised on‑site restaurant
• Free on‑site parking

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work‑life balance seriously!)

How we work

We understand the benefits of remote and in‑person collaboration and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week.

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on‑site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our partnerships with the Automotive 30% Club and Women in Data (WiD), we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application
• An initial telephone screening call with our Recruitment Business Partner
• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams
• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)
• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!
• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

We’re committed to removing barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.

If you’re experiencing any issues with our career site or application from, please let us know here: [e-mail]