Collision Repair Manager Pinellas Park FL

From Automotive Retailing Today...

Job Definition

The collision repair manager oversees the collision repair and refinish processes from start to finish, and is responsible for hiring and supervising the technicians in this department. To assure adequate sales volume, the manager develops business through insurance adjusters, customers and other sources.

As with all positions within dealerships, collision repair managers are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards.

Job Duties

The job duties of a collision repair manager include:

• Properly staffing the department, including hiring and training staff.
• Checking daily output, monitoring daily productivity reports and performance and conducting periodic spot checks for quality.
• Setting attainable goals for department staff, including creating and overseeing an annual operating budget for the collision repair shop.
• Building strong relationships with insurance company personnel.
• Carrying out marketing strategies to advance collision repair business.
• Maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Giving fair and accurate estimates on costs and time required for collision repair work, overseeing work performed and preparing final billing for completed repairs.

Job Requirements

Most employers will expect their collision repair managers to have ASE Master Technician Certification in Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology. A minimum of two years experience in a collision repair shop is also preferred.

Collision repair managers should have a solid background in business, mathematics and computers. This position is required to maintain the profitability of the department while controlling expenses and maintaining customer satisfaction.

This position requires strong communication skills to deal with customers, employees and vendors.

Managers are required to not only understand and keep abreast of the federal, state, and local regulations that affect their operations, but also to comply with these regulations.

People working within the automotive retail industry often have to work extended hours, evenings and weekends to achieve their goals.

Education Requirements

A post-secondary education is recommended, which may include an associate's degree in collision repair and refinishing and/or a bachelor's degree in business administration or some other related field.

A background in business and automotive classes is useful.

Career Path

Collision repair managers are generally promoted to this position from the ranks of collision repair technicians and would most likely have some management training and five to ten years of experience in automotive repair. With experience in the service and parts department, body shop managers can become a fixed operations director.

Salary Range

The average annual earnings of collision repair managers are approximately $52,000 to $72,000. Earnings vary depending on experience, and the dealer's geographic location and size.

Most dealerships, especially larger ones, also pay bonuses and have special incentive programs.

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Benefits

Benefits vary by employer, but most dealerships offer on site training, health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefit options. Talk with the specific dealer human resource manager about benefit packages.

Physical Demands

Working in the automotive industry can be physically demanding. Certain positions require employees to spend most of their workday on their feet and to carry heavy and awkwardly sized items. A reasonable level of physical fitness and flexibility is beneficial.

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