Vehicle Damage Assessor in North Shields, North Tyneside

Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) / Future progression to General Manager

Location: North Shields | Position: Full-Time, Permanent
VDA Salary: £45,000 Basic | £55,000 – £60,000 OTE
Future GM Salary: £50,000 Basic + Site Performance Bonus (upon progression)

Are you an ambitious Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) ready to step into senior leadership?

We are a high-volume accident repair centre in North Shields seeking a dual-purpose professional. Initially joining as our primary VDA, you will receive direct mentorship to quickly transition into the Site General Manager (GM). If you have exceptional estimating skills and the natural leadership attributes to run a full bodyshop operation, this is your career-defining move.

The Team & Site Scale:

You will inherit and eventually manage a highly efficient team of 13 staff:

• 10 Workshop Operatives (Panel, Paint, MET)
• 1 Workshop Controller | 1 Customer Service Advisor (CSA) | 1 Existing VDA

The Progression Plan:

• Phase 1 (VDA): Hit the ground running managing estimates, image tech, and insurance approvals. £45k basic, £55k–£60k OTE.
• Phase 2 (Site GM): Step up to General Manager. Your package automatically increases to a £50k basic with an extended site-performance bonus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Estimating: Produce comprehensive damage estimates using Audatex and negotiate prompt insurance approvals.
• Leadership & Strategy: Shadow workflows to oversee day-to-day workshop productivity and drive site KPIs (cycle times, parts spend, efficiency).
• Team Management: Lead, motivate, and manage the site's technicians and support staff.

Requirements:

• Proven background as a Bodyshop VDA with active Audatex certification.
• Clear leadership traits, excellent communication skills, and commercial acumen.
• A strong desire to transition away from pure estimating into full operational and people management.

INDPER