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- Tasks: Evaluate vehicle damage and prepare detailed repair estimates in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join one of the UK's top automotive retailers with a focus on people and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health support, and discounts on tech and gym memberships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive industry while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Experience in vehicle repair and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Enjoy ongoing training and a supportive team culture in a growing company.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 44000 ÂŁ per year.
About us: We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing 32 manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from over 150 dealerships across the UK and Ireland. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to recognising the valuable contribution each person makes. That’s why we continue to invest in a leading rewards and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, and life outside of work.
Salary: ÂŁ44,000 OTE with a Basic of ÂŁ38,000
Full Time Permanent
Overview: Are you looking for a role where you can truly make a difference, continuously develop your skills, and work at the forefront of automotive technology? An exciting opportunity has arisen at Lookers Paint & Body Centre North Shields as a Vehicle Damage Assessor. The Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) plays a crucial role in accurately evaluating vehicle damage, preparing detailed repair estimates, and supporting the smooth flow of work within the bodyshop. This position requires strong technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct thorough inspections of damaged vehicles to assess the full extent of repairs required.
- Liaise with customers, insurers, engineers, and internal teams to ensure clarity and agreement on repair methods and costs.
- Identify the most cost‑effective and safe repair solutions in line with industry standards.
- Update job files, documentation, and system records with precision and attention to detail.
- Support workflow planning by advising on repair times, parts requirements, and potential delays.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of vehicle construction, repair techniques, and industry best practices.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- IMI Accreditation – preferred (ATA VDA or equivalent)
- Strong understanding of modern vehicle repair methods and materials.
- Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Confident communicator with the ability to explain technical information clearly.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Competent IT skills, including estimating software and bodyshop management systems.
- Experience working in an accident repair centre or bodyshop environment.
- Knowledge of hybrid and electric vehicle repair considerations.
- Customer‑focused mindset with a professional approach.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
What This Role Offers:
- Opportunity to work with a skilled and supportive team.
- Ongoing training and professional development, including IMI pathways.
- Competitive salary and benefits package (customisable to your organisation).
- A key position within a growing and reputable repair operation.
Core Benefits:
- Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the business.
- Generous annual leave that increases with your length of service.
- Enhanced family leave, including 6 months’ full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks’ full pay for paternity leave.
- Access to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible payments.
- Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needs.
- Smart Health – 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeing.
- Dental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatments.
- Critical illness cover for peace of mind during life’s most challenging moments.
- Financial Wellbeing: MyView PayNow – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user-friendly app.
- Free will writing services to help plan for the future.
- Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protection.
- Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyle.
- Travel insurance to help you explore with confidence.
- Access to home and technology vouchers and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts.
We strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities. We have a great bunch of people, and we like to celebrate and encourage success at all levels.
Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential.
If your application is successful, we will conduct relevant employment checks prior to you commencing employment with us. These will include verifying your recent employment, address, credit history and a standard criminal record check. For roles that require you to drive, a driving licence check will also be carried out. Please note, all offers of employment are made subject to a 6 month probation period commencing from your start date.
We take our data protection responsibilities very seriously and are committed to upholding and respecting your privacy rights. Information about how we will process your data including the types of data we collect, the purposes for which we use it, who we may share it with and how long we keep it are set out in our privacy notice. It also includes information about your individual privacy rights. Please make sure you read our Privacy Notice so that you understand how we may collect and use your data.
Vehicle Damage Assessor Newcastle upon Tyne, England upon Tyne, United Kingdom employer: Lookers plc
Contact Detail:
Lookers plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vehicle Damage Assessor Newcastle upon Tyne, England upon Tyne, United Kingdom
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Lookers and understand their values, culture, and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and even lead to referrals, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to vehicle damage assessment. Think about how you can showcase your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Lookers and ready to take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Vehicle Damage Assessor Newcastle upon Tyne, England upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Vehicle Damage Assessor role. Highlight your relevant experience in vehicle inspections and repair estimates, and don’t forget to mention any IMI Accreditation you have!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the automotive industry and how your skills align with our needs. Keep it concise but impactful.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: As a VDA, you'll need to communicate effectively with customers and teams. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully liaised with different stakeholders in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lookers plc
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of modern vehicle repair methods and materials. Being able to discuss specific techniques or technologies relevant to the role will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who truly understands the industry.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a Vehicle Damage Assessor, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Practice explaining technical information in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, which is crucial for ensuring clarity with customers and insurers.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments. Highlighting your analytical skills and how you identify cost-effective repair solutions will make you stand out as a proactive candidate.
✨Be Detail-Oriented
Attention to detail is key in this role. During the interview, mention your experience with updating job files and documentation accurately. You might even want to bring along examples of your work to showcase your meticulous nature.
