Panel Beater / Technician

Panel Beater / Technician | Maidstone, Kent | Full Time | £40,000–£60,000 per annum Our client is an independent, family-run vehicle repair business located just outside Maidstone, Kent. With over 30 years of experience, they have an established team of professionals and hold three manufacturer approvals. They carry out a wide range of vehicle body repairs, with insurance work forming the majority of their workload. The Role As a Panel Beater / Technician, you will carry out high-quality vehicle body repairs across a variety of makes and models, using modern repair techniques and following manufacturer procedures and Thatcham methods. You will need to work independently, manage your time effectively and contribute to the smooth running of the workshop, maintaining repair quality and meeting deadlines. You will also work alongside the wider team, provide informal on-the-job guidance to a trainee when required and support vehicle damage assessments by advising on repair or replacement options. Key Responsibilities · Repair dents in steel and aluminium panels using pulling towers and keys · Carry out panel alignment, removal and replacement · Undertake MIG and spot welding, MIG brazing and panel bonding · Complete plastic welding, plastic component repairs, body filler repairs and fine finishing to a high standard · Carry out rivet-and-bond repairs where required · Undertake dismantling and reassembly of components, including strip and refit work on own repairs · Follow manufacturer-specific repair methods, Thatcham procedures and relevant standards, including BS 10125 requirements · Complete quality control checks throughout repairs and ensure repair QC check sheets are completed · Work collaboratively with the MET technician, paint team and other workshop staff to maintain workflow and meet deadlines · Provide practical guidance and training to a trainee on repair techniques and safe working practices · Assist vehicle damage assessors with technical input on repair and replacement decisions where required Requirements Essential · Minimum of 5 years' experience in panel beating or vehicle body repairs · Ability to work independently, use initiative and resolve practical repair problems · Experience repairing aluminium panels, as well as steel · Competence in dent pulling using a pulling tower and keys · Proficiency in MIG and spot welding, and MIG brazing · Experience with plastic welding and plastic component repairs · Ability to complete body filler repairs and fine finishing to a high standard · Ability to strip and refit components on own repair jobs · Understanding of manufacturer repair procedures and quality control requirements · Ability to manage workload effectively, work as part of a team and meet deadlines · Willingness and ability to achieve and maintain the required industry-recognised repair standard, with company-funded support available Desirable · ATA accreditation, NVQ Level 3 or an equivalent recognised qualification · Experience with rivet-and-bond repair techniques · Experience in fibreglass repairs · Relevant electric vehicle qualification or experience with EV safety procedures · Experience providing practical guidance to trainees What's In It For You · Salary of £40,000–£60,000 per annum, depending on experience and capability · Full-time position working 45 hours per week · Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm · 20 days' paid annual leave, plus bank holidays · Voluntary overtime paid at time and a half, subject to availability · Workplace pension scheme after a qualifying period · Company-branded T-shirts, sweatshirts and overalls · Panel equipment provided · Company-funded support for relevant accreditation and additional technical training · Opportunity to join an established, family-run vehicle repair business with over 30 years of experience What's next? It's easy! Click “APPLY” now! We can't wait to hear from you! Your data will be handled in line with GDPR. TPBN1_UKTJ