Manager, Body & Paint (Automotive)

Vantage Automotive Ltd; Singapore; On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the automotive sector is seeking a dynamic leader for their Body & Paint department. In this pivotal role, you will drive service revenue, manage financial performance, and foster partnerships with insurance companies. Your expertise in budgeting and customer service management will be crucial in achieving business objectives. Join a forward-thinking company that values trust, reliability, and quality, and make a significant impact in a vibrant and growing environment. If you are passionate about the automotive industry and ready to lead a dedicated team, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing a body and paint workshop.
• Proven experience in budgeting and financial management.
• Strong track record in business development and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly Body & Paint workshop labor turnover and service revenue targets.
• Manage department P&L, budgeting, and financial performance.
• Build relationships with insurance companies for partnerships.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial Management

Business Development

Customer Service Management

Negotiation Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Motor Claims Framework

Automotive Components Knowledge

Paint and Bodywork Equipment

Job description

Vantage Automotive Limited is a proud member of the Sime Motors Singapore, driven by a customer-first culture guided by our ethos of trust, reliability and quality. As the official distributors for Peugeot, Ford and BYD in Singapore, and a provider of extensive aftersales and roadside assistance services via our Quick Lane Service Centre, we tap on our diverse expertise to guarantee customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the achievement of monthly Body & Paint workshop labor turnover and service revenue targets.

• Drive initiatives to generate additional service revenue in the Body & Paint business.

• Manage the department’s Profit & Loss (P&L), including budgeting, cost control, and financial performance monitoring.

• Prepare annual budgets for the Body & Paint department and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.

• Identify and pursue business development opportunities to grow the Body & Paint business.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with insurance companies to secure partnerships, streamline claims processes, and drive referrals.

• Ensure claims and repairs are completed in compliance with the Motor Claims Framework (MCF) and guidelines set by the General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA).

• Oversee the optimal performance of workshop capacity, efficiency, productivity, and utilization.

• Review, negotiate, and establish competitive labor and parts rates to maximize profitability.

• Manage the delivery of exceptional customer service throughout the service reception process.

• Motivate and maintain staff morale to meet objectives and consistently deliver high-quality service aligned with company goals.

• Investigate and respond to customer feedback, including letters and complaints, in collaboration with relevant teams.

• Uphold the quality of service and repair work, ensuring safety standards are met in accordance with the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) framework.

• Follow up with credit customers and insurance companies to ensure timely payment collection.

• Authorize pick-up/delivery and courtesy car services when required.

• Support Customer Service Advisors (CSAs) in answering customer inquiries and managing complaints as needed.

• Approve Goodwill requests (within the approved Limits of Authority).

• Monitor and follow up on the completion of technical campaigns and ensure that customer data in GDMS reflects the completed repairs.

• Ensure post-service follow-up with customers within 3–5 days to confirm satisfaction and that all work was carried out correctly.

• Monitor outstanding Repair Orders (ROs), Work in Progress (WIP), and parts on backorder status, taking corrective action as necessary.

• Drive operational improvements by motivating the team, streamlining workflows, and enhancing working conditions.

• Coordinate workshop capacity and provide information to Service Advisors for scheduling body and paint work appointments.

• Prepare and present monthly performance reports for the Body & Paint department.

• Develop and manage the Body & Paint staff incentive program.

• Identify areas of improvement for individual CSAs and provide coaching to enhance their Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) scores.

• Ensure the cleanliness and organization of the Body & Paint service counter and workshop areas.

• Streamline work processes and contribute to the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Prepare monthly reports on vehicle intake, WIPs, outstanding ROs, roll-over vehicles, credit debtors, and departmental performance.

• Ad-hoc projects as assigned.

Requirements:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

• At least 5 years of experience managing a body and paint workshop and leading a team. Experience in setting up a body and paint shop is an advantage.

• Proven experience in budgeting, financial management, and P&L responsibility.

• Strong track record in business development and fostering partnerships, particularly with insurance companies.

• Proficient in customer service management, with a strong understanding of Motor Insurance Claims processing.

• In-depth knowledge of automotive components, paint and bodywork equipment, and warranty processing.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong negotiation and influencing abilities.

• Solid understanding of workplace health and safety regulations and practices.

Sime, ranked No. 25 in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list, is the parent company of Sime Motors, a leading automotive player in the Asia-Pacific region. With a presence in nine markets—Malaysia, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan—Sime Motors is invested across the entire automotive value chain, from assembly, importation, distribution, and retail, to after-sales services and rental. With over 13,900 employees across these markets, we are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our business.