Area Manager - Collision Repair - SoCal

Chiltonautobody; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Chiltonautobody is seeking an Area Manager to lead multiple collision repair centers across a defined geographic area. You will oversee daily operations, ensure repair quality, safety, and policy adherence while driving growth and financial performance.

You will develop General Managers and key staff, foster accountability, and collaborate with HR on workforce planning. Strong customer service and insurer relationship skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years in collision repair operations, estimating, or auto body management.
• Multi-site or regional leadership experience required.
• Proven track record of driving operational results and team development.
• Strong understanding of collision repair processes and procedures.
• Proficient with CCC One estimating software.
• Advanced understanding of collision estimatics and insurance workflows.
• Skilled in budget management, financial reporting, and P&L analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily operations across multiple collision repair centers.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, safety standards, and repair quality.
• Conduct regular site visits, audits, and quality control checks.
• Set and monitor performance goals for centers and teams.
• Drive revenue growth, control costs, and oversee budgeting and financial reporting.
• Analyze KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate General Managers and key shop personnel.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and professional growth.
• Partner with HR to develop workforce planning and employee development strategies.
• Ensure consistent delivery of excellent customer service across all locations.
• Handle escalated customer concerns.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with insurance carriers and partners.
• Maintain PBA Agreements and achieve better than industry results (score cards).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean or similar methodologies.
• Contribute to regional and corporate strategic planning efforts.
• Promote and enforce workplace safety programs.
• Ensure all facilities meet compliance standards and production readiness.
• Maintain and monitor shop equipment is compliant with service.

Skills

Multi-site leadership

P&L analysis

Budget management

Leadership & customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business / Operations Management

Master's degree (plus)

Tools

CCC One estimating software

Job description

Overview

The Area Manager is responsible for the multi-site operational leadership, financial performance, customer satisfaction, and team development across a defined geographic area. This leadership role ensures alignment with company standards, operational goals, and growth initiatives while fostering a high-performance culture.

Core Responsibilities

Operational Oversight

• Lead and manage daily operations across multiple collision repair centers.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, safety standards, and repair quality.
• Conduct regular site visits, audits, and quality control checks.

Performance & Financial Management

• Set and monitor performance goals for centers and teams.
• Drive revenue growth, control costs, and oversee budgeting and financial reporting.
• Analyze KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.

Leadership & Tean Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate General Managers and key shop personnel.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and professional growth.
• Partner with HR to develop workforce planning and employee development strategies.

Customer Service & Insurance Relations

• Ensure consistent delivery of excellent customer service across all locations.
• Handle escalated customer concerns.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with insurance carriers and partners.
• Maintain PBA Agreements and achieve better than industry results (score cards).

Strategic Initiatives & Process Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean or similar methodologies.
• Contribute to regional and corporate strategic planning efforts.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and enforce workplace safety programs.
• Ensure all facilities meet compliance standards and production readiness.
• Maintain and monitor shop equipment is compliant with service.

Qualifications and Skills

Experience

• 5-10+ years in collision repair operations, estimating, or auto body management.
• Multi-site or regional leadership experience required.
• Proven track record of driving operational results and team development.
• Technical & Business Acumen
• Strong understanding of collision repair processes and procedures.
• Proficient with CCC One estimating software.
• Advanced understanding of collision estimatics and insurance workflows.
• Skilled in budget management, financial reporting, and P&L analysis.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
• Master's degree is a plus (required for some senior-level roles).

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to fast-paced environments.
• Customer-focused with excellent problem-solving abilities.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of performing physical tasks and lifting over 50 lbs if needed.
• Must have a valid driver's license and meet company insurance eligibility.