Bodyshop Manager in Newport

Full Time: Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.00pm, i.e. 42.5 hours per week, 1 hour lunch break (unpaid).

REPORTING TO: AFTERSALES MANAGER

Premier Motors is looking for an experienced, motivated, and customer-focused Bodyshop Manager to lead our busy Accident Repair Centre. This is an excellent opportunity for a proven Bodyshop professional to manage all aspects of workshop operations, drive performance, and lead a skilled team in delivering exceptional repair quality and customer service.

The successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day running of the Bodyshop, ensuring repairs are completed safely, efficiently, and to manufacturer and industry standards while maintaining excellent relationships with customers, insurance companies, and suppliers.

A company car is provided as part of the remuneration package.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the daily operation of the Bodyshop and Accident Repair Centre.
• Lead, motivate, coach, and develop a team of Paint Technicians, Panel Technicians, MET Technicians, VDA/Estimators, Administrators and Apprentices.
• Plan and allocate workshop workload to maximise productivity and efficiency.
• Ensure all repairs are completed to manufacturer specifications, BSI standards, and company quality procedures.
• Liaise with insurance companies, accident management companies, engineers, and third-party assessors to progress repair authorisations and resolve repair queries.
• Monitor repair progress to ensure vehicles are completed on time and customers are kept fully informed throughout the repair process.
• Maintain excellent customer satisfaction through effective communication and high-quality workmanship.
• Monitor labour sales, workshop efficiency, productivity, and profitability, implementing improvements where required.
• Ensure accurate completion of estimates, job cards, invoicing, and recording of parts and paint materials.
• Control workshop costs, materials, and consumables while minimising waste.
• Maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, and external partners.
• Ensure all workshop equipment is maintained, calibrated, and used correctly.
• Take responsibility for compliance with all Health & Safety legislation, COSHH regulations, environmental requirements, and company policies.
• Carry out regular Health & Safety inspections and risk assessments, ensuring a safe working environment for all employees and visitors.
• Ensure technicians receive ongoing training and maintain manufacturer and industry accreditations.
• Support the Aftersales Manager in achieving departmental objectives, KPIs, and continuous business improvement.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience/Special Requirements:

• Previous experience managing or supervising a successful vehicle Bodyshop or accident repair centre.
• Strong technical knowledge of modern vehicle repair techniques and manufacturer repair standards.
• Experience dealing with insurance companies, accident management companies, and engineering assessors.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Good commercial awareness with experience monitoring productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
• A strong commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Sound knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, COSHH, and workshop compliance requirements.
• Experience using Bodyshop management and estimating systems would be advantageous.
• A full clean UK driving licence.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
• Monday to Friday working – occasional weekend working if required.
• 42.5-hour working week.
• Ongoing manufacturer and management training.
• Company pension scheme.
• Employee discounts.
• Supportive and professional working environment.

Hours Of Work:

• Salary dependent on experience, will be discussed at interview stage
• Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.00pm, i.e. 42.5 hours per week, 1 hour lunch break (unpaid).

Closing Date: 1st September 2026 (please note that the vacancy may be closed sooner if a successful candidate is found, so please do not delay if you wish to apply for this position.)

2-3 Riverway, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5UY