About the Role
Our client, a premier automotive dealership in Rustenburg, North West, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Automotive Body Shop Manager to lead their bustling body shop operations. This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of the body repair and refinishing services, ensuring operational efficiency, exceptional quality, and outstanding customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will possess strong management skills, a deep understanding of automotive body repair techniques, and a proven track record of success in a high-volume environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day operations of the automotive body shop, including estimating, repair scheduling, quality control, and parts management.
- Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of skilled technicians and support staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
- Ensure all body repairs and refinishing work are completed to the highest standards of quality and in a timely manner, meeting manufacturer specifications.
- Oversee the accurate and efficient creation of repair estimates, working closely with insurance adjusters and customers.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels for parts and supplies, managing procurement and supplier relationships.
- Implement and enforce strict safety protocols and environmental regulations within the body shop.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as profitability, customer satisfaction, cycle time, and technician productivity, implementing strategies for improvement.
- Manage customer relations, addressing concerns and ensuring a positive service experience.
- Collaborate with dealership management to align body shop goals with overall dealership objectives.
Requirements
- A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in automotive body repair, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
- Extensive knowledge of collision repair techniques, frame straightening, and automotive paint systems.
- Proven experience with insurance claims processing and working with various insurance providers.
- Strong leadership, team-building, and motivational skills.
- Excellent organisational and time-management abilities, with a focus on efficiency.
- Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Audatex, CCC) and dealership management systems (DMS).
- Understanding of financial statements and P&L management for the body shop.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with staff, customers, and insurance representatives.
- Valid driver's license.
Benefits
- Attractive salary package with performance-based incentives and bonuses.
- Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
- Generous employee discounts on vehicles, parts, and services.
- Opportunities for professional development and industry certifications.
- A leadership role within a respected and established dealership in Rustenburg.
- Supportive management team and a positive workplace culture.
- Potential for advancement within a larger dealer group.