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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering top-notch light damage repairs and expanding business opportunities.
- Company: Birchwood Group, a forward-thinking company with a strong colleague engagement philosophy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health cash plan, pension scheme, and access to car benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving growth and inspiring a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams within automotive sectors and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a vibrant environment with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
SMART (Body Shop) Manager – Eastbourne
Overview
Birchwood Group is a forward-looking company with retail stores, workshops and facilities based across the south coast of Sussex and Hampshire, turning over £150m per annum. We have a powerful colleague engagement philosophy and want inspired people to join us.
SMART refers to light damage repairs — from scuffs and dents to paint chips and alloy wheel refurbishment.
We are seeking a dynamic, commercially minded Bodyshop Manager to take charge and grow one of our Sussex SMART repair centres. If you\’re a natural leader with the drive to grow a business, inspire a team, and deliver results, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.
The site already benefits from a valuable stream of internal work from our own car franchises on the patch, and we now wish to focus on expanding retail and B2B opportunities.
Your duties will include but are not limited to the following:
- Leadership: Manage, develop, and motivate a high-performing team.
- Customer Focus: Deliver outstanding service and quality to build lasting client relationships.
- Business Growth: Drive new sales opportunities and expand service offerings.
- Sales: To grow relationships, old and new. Retail upsell and selling through our busy car service receptions is an irresistible opportunity.
- Marketing: Support marketing initiatives to increase B2B and B2C business.
- Performance Management: Achieve financial, productivity, and quality targets.
- Process Improvement: Implement new systems and technologies for efficiency.
- Operations: Oversee workflow, capacity planning, and KPI performance.
- Compliance: Maintain high health and safety, and environmental standards.
- Administration: Manage reporting, budgets, and financial documentation.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:
- Proven experience managing teams within automotive or related sectors.
- Strong leadership, organisational, and commercial skills.
- Understanding of accident repair, bodyshop processes, and insurance procedures.
- Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
- Relevant automotive qualifications (desirable).
Package:
- Salary: £40,000 + Bonus (OTE £60,000)
- Hours: 42hrs per week, Monday to Friday and Saturday\’s on a rota
- Holiday: 22 days per year + bank holidays
- Car: Access to our car benefit solutions scheme
- Benefits: Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, company pension subsidised vehicle purchase and aftersales scheme (upon completion of probation)
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer
Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, unfortunately, we are unable to contact each applicant individually regarding the status of their application. If you do not hear from us within 2 weeks, please assume you were unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £40,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
SMART (Body Shop) Manager employer: Birchwood Group
Contact Detail:
Birchwood Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SMART (Body Shop) Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Bodyshop Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Birchwood Group and their SMART repair centres. Show us that you understand their business model and how you can contribute to their growth. Tailor your answers to highlight your leadership and customer service skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings—be proactive! Visit our website regularly and apply directly through it. This shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in our minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Bodyshop Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace SMART (Body Shop) Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience in managing and motivating teams. We want to see how you've inspired others and driven results in your previous roles.
Focus on Customer Service: Since customer focus is key for us, share examples of how you've delivered outstanding service and built lasting relationships with clients. This will show us you're the right fit!
Demonstrate Business Growth Experience: We’re looking for someone who can drive new sales opportunities. Include any relevant achievements or strategies you've implemented that led to business growth in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website: To make things easier for both of us, please apply through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birchwood Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SMART repairs and the body shop processes. Understand the ins and outs of accident repair and be ready to discuss how you can improve efficiency and quality in the workshop.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you inspired your team to achieve targets or improve performance, as this role is all about leadership.
✨Customer Focus is Key
Be ready to talk about how you’ve delivered outstanding customer service in previous roles. Highlight any strategies you've used to build lasting client relationships and how you plan to expand B2B and retail opportunities at Birchwood Group.
✨Think Business Growth
Come prepared with ideas on how to drive new sales opportunities and expand service offerings. Show that you’re commercially minded by discussing potential marketing initiatives or upselling strategies that could benefit the business.
