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- Tasks: Join us as a Panel Specialist, conducting research on innovative vehicle repair methodologies.
- Company: Thatcham Research, a leader in automotive and insurance innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, health plans, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of automotive technology and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in motor vehicle repair and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
The future of automotive collision repair is evolving. As the technologies used in automotive body repair advance, we play an industry leading role in re‑shaping vehicle repair data in the UK. Want to be involved? Come and join us as a Panel Specialist working in our state‑of‑the‑art Research Technology Centre (RTC). Working at the forefront of automotive repair, and with the very latest automotive designs and technologies, you’ll be responsible for applying your panel repair expertise to conduct research that delivers risk management and vehicle repair data that influences safe, cost‑effective repair for our member insurers and commercial customers.
If you have a passion for the automotive industry, coupled with hands‑on experience as a Panel Technician and are excited by the prospect of working with cutting edge, new vehicle technology then this could be the role for you!
As a Panel Specialist, you will:
- Conduct research to develop safe and cost‑effective body repair methodologies for vehicles.
- Provide risk management information to member insurers by leveraging your panel expertise to assess vehicle repairs.
- Utilise practical panel skills, including body component removal and refitting, chassis alignment, and hot/cold joining techniques, to contribute to repair research projects for insurers and commercial clients.
- Identify and apply established technologies and methods for comprehensive vehicle panel repair.
- Create body repair manuals for global vehicle manufacturers.
Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:
- Previous experience in the motor vehicle repair industry.
- Proficiency in executing all aspects of panel body repair processes based on existing knowledge and experience.
- Familiarity with joining technologies in vehicle body construction, such as hot/cold repairs, rivet and bonding techniques, and carbon/composite constructions.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Recognised motor vehicle certification (e.g., City & Guilds, NVQ, ATA) would be advantageous.
Why Thatcham Research? Join a purpose‑driven organisation at the forefront of automotive and insurance innovation. You’ll work with passionate experts, contribute to industry‑shaping initiatives, and help deliver real value to our Members and Customers.
Perks & Benefits:
- Salary - Circa ÂŁ40,000 dependent on skills & experience.
- 10% non‑contributory pension
- 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
- Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)
- Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)
- Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)
- Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure
- Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
- Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
- Benenden Health Care (opt‑in benefit)
- Reward & Recognition Programme
- Discounted gym membership
- Sports & Social club
- Payroll charitable giving
- Subsidised on‑site restaurant
- Free on‑site parking
When we work: Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work‑life balance seriously!)
How we work: This role is based on‑site in Thatcham, working in our Repair Technology Centre (RTC).
What we do: At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair.
Our Values: As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging: We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual’s authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit.
Recruitment process: We’re proud to manage our recruitment in‑house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application!
All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.
Panel Technician in Thatcham employer: Thatcham Research
Contact Detail:
Thatcham Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Panel Technician in Thatcham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Thatcham Research and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your conversations 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 and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your panel repair skills and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience. Think about specific examples where you've solved problems or improved processes in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website! Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we want to hear from you. Remember, the perfect candidate doesn’t exist, so go for it and show us what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Panel Technician in Thatcham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the automotive industry shine through! We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role and the cutting-edge technology you'll be working with.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience as a Panel Technician. We love seeing how your skills align with what we do, so don’t hold back on sharing specific examples of your panel repair expertise and any relevant projects you've worked on.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Panel Specialist role. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thatcham Research
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your panel repair knowledge and techniques. Familiarise yourself with the latest joining technologies and methodologies in automotive body repair. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your previous roles as a Panel Technician. Highlight your hands-on experience with body component removal, chassis alignment, and any research projects you've contributed to. This will demonstrate your practical skills and how they align with the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain complex technical concepts in a way that's easy to understand, especially if you're discussing your past experiences or methodologies.
✨Embrace the Values
Familiarise yourself with the company's values: Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive, and Trusted. Think of examples from your career that reflect these values and be prepared to discuss them during the interview. This will show that you’re a good cultural fit for the team.
