Estimator - Auto motive repair center

SUMMARY:
ESTIMATOR: GEORGE (AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY)

Our client in the auto repair center is on a recruitment drive for a Motor Vehicle Estimator is responsible for accurately assessing accident-damaged vehicles, determining the scope of repairs required and preparing detailed, commercially viable repair estimates for submission to customers, insurance companies and other relevant stakeholders.

The successful candidate will act as a key link between the customer, insurer, repair workshop, parts suppliers and management, ensuring that vehicles are assessed correctly, repairs are authorised efficiently and work is completed in accordance with approved repair methods, manufacturer standards and company quality requirements
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The role requires a strong combination of technical automotive knowledge, estimating ability, attention to detail, commercial awareness and excellent customer and stakeholder communication.

Duties and responsibilities include but not limited to:

Vehicle Assessment & Estimating:

• Inspect accident-damage vehicles and accurately identify visible and potential hidden damage
• Assess the extent of damage and determine the appropriate repair or replacement methodology
• Prepare detailed and accurate repair estimates covering:
• Parts, Labour, Panel-beating, Paint, refinishing, Mechanical / electrical components where applicable, consumables, sublet work, additional repairs and supplements
• Ensure estimates accurately reflect the actual repairs required
• Identify possible supplementary damage before and during the repair process
• Take clear photographs and maintain comprehensive supporting documentation
• Ensure all estimates comply with relevant manufacturer repair procedurs and insurer requirements
• Review repair methods and costs to ensure the most appropriate and commercially viable repair solution is proposed

Insurance & Authorisation:

• Liaise professionally with insurance assessors, claims departments and other authorised representatives
• Submit estimates and supporting documentation within required turnaround times
• Follow up on outstanding authorizations and approvals
• Negotiate and agree repair scope, labour operations and parts requirements where necessary.
• Prepare and submit supplementary estimates when additional damage is identified
• Ensured all authorised work is clearly documented before repairs proceed
• Maintain accurate records of approvals, rejection's, supplements and related correspondence

Customer Service:

• Receive customers professionally and explain the assessment and repair process clearly
• Manage customer expectations regarding repair requirements, authorisation and estimated completion timelines
• Provide accurate information regarding the progress of the repair estimate and approval process
• Handle customer queries professionally and escalate complaints where appropriate
• Maintain a high level of customer service throughout the repair process
• Ensure customers receive clear and accurate communication regarding any additional damage or costs

Workshop Liaison

• Work closely with Panel-beaters, Spray Painters, Technicians, Parts personnel and Workshop Management
• Ensure the approved repair scope is clarly communicated to the workshop
• Clarify technical queries and discrepancies between the estimate and actual vehicle condition
• Inspect vehicles during the repair process where necessary to identify additional damage
• Ensure supplements are raised promptly when additional reapirs are required
• Assist in preventing unnecessary delays caused by incomplete estimates or outstanding approvals

Parts and Cost Control:

• Identify and specify the correct parts required for each repair
• Obtain accurate parts pricing and availability
• Ensure OEM / Manufacturer-approved parts requirements are correctly reflected where applicable
• Compare repair versus replacement options where appropriate
• Monitor parts-related costs and ensure estimates remain commercially accurate
• Liaise with suppliers and internal parts departments regarding availability and pricing

Quality & Compliance:

• The Estimator will be expected to:
• Ensure estimates are accurate, complete and professionally presented
• Work in accordance with company procedures and insurer requirements
• Follow applicable manufacturer repair specifications
• Maintain accurate electronci and physical records
• Ensure all required photographs and documentation are uploaded / filed correctly
• Maintain confidentiality of customer and insurance information
• Identify and report discrepancies, potential fraud or irregular claims activity through the appropriate channels
• Support the company's commitment to safe, quality vehicle repairs
• Our client is positioned as an approved major structural auto-body repair facility and describes its operation as focusing on precision body repairs and accident-damaged vehicles, making adherence to correct repair methodology and quality standards particularly important in this role.

POSITION INFO:
Qualifications : Grade 12 \/ matric Automotive qualification or relevant technical training would be advantageous Motor Body Repair \/ Panel-beating qualification would be advantageous 3-5 years' relevant experience in motor vehicle estimating, panel-beating, motor body repair or related automotive environment Previous experience dealing with claims ad assessors is highly advantageous Experience in an approved panel-beating \/ body repair environment preferred Experience with accident-damaged passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles preferred Competencies : Estimating Accuracy - accuracy and completeness or estimates, reduction in missed damage and unnecessary supplements, correct labour, parts and material calculation Turnaround Time - Time taken from vehicle arrival \/ assessment to completed estimate, prompt submission of estimates to insurers, follow up on outstanding authorisations Supplement Management - Accurate identification and documentation of supplementary damage, timely submission and approval of supplements Customer Service - Professional customer communication, customer satisfaction and complaint levels, effective management of expectations Insurance Relationships - Quality and accuracy of submissions, effective communication with assessors and insurers, compliance with insurer processes and requirements Workshop Efficiency - Clear communication of repair requirements, reduction of delays caused by estimating \/ authorisation issues, Alginment between authroised work and actual repair requirements Financial Performance - Accurate costing, control of estimate leakage, achievement of agreed departmental gross-profit and productivity targets