We have an exciting new opportunity for someone to join us as a Driver/ Valeter at our Accident Repair Centre in Darlington.
ROLE TITLE: Collection and Recovery Driver/ Valeter
REPORTING TO: General Manager
MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:
To support the smooth operation of the accident repair centre by carrying out the safe and timely collection and delivery of customer and company vehicles, maintaining excellent customer service at all times, and ensuring all vehicles are cleaned, checked, and presented to a high standard prior to handover or use.
The Driver/ Valeter plays an important role in creating a positive customer experience by ensuring vehicles are returned in a clean, roadworthy, and professional condition that reflects the quality of the repair carried out.
MAIN TASKS
Vehicle Collection & Delivery
- Collect and deliver customer and courtesy vehicles in a safe, professional, and timely manner.
- Ensure all vehicle collections and deliveries are completed in line with company procedures and schedules.
- Carry out handovers professionally, ensuring customers are treated courteously, respectfully, and efficiently at all times.
- Complete all relevant paperwork and vehicle handover documentation accurately, including vehicle condition checks where required.
- Ensure all documentation is correctly completed when transferring vehicles to and from customers, suppliers, or other sites.
- Report any damage, faults, incidents, delays, or concerns relating to any vehicle immediately to management.
Driving & Road Safety
- Drive all vehicles safely, responsibly, and in accordance with road traffic laws, company policy, and insurance requirements.
- Take due care when driving in adverse weather, heavy traffic, or unfamiliar areas.
- Conduct basic visual checks before use and report any defects, warning lights, or roadworthiness concerns without delay.
- Immediately report any accidents, traffic offences, incidents, or vehicle damage to the General Manager.
Vehicle Preparation & Valeting
- Wash, vacuum, clean, and polish customer and courtesy vehicles using approved products, materials, and equipment.
- Prepare repaired vehicles to a high presentation standard prior to customer handover.
- Carry out final presentation and cleanliness checks to ensure vehicles are returned in a condition that reflects the company’s quality standards.
- Ensure courtesy cars are cleaned, fuelled, checked, and ready for customer collection.
- Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and presentation of the workshop forecourt, parking areas, and vehicle storage areas.
Customer Service
- Deliver a consistently high standard of customer care and professionalism at all times.
- Act as a positive representative of the business when interacting with customers, insurers, suppliers, and the public.
- Support a smooth and professional customer journey through punctuality, communication, and attention to detail.
Administration & Site Support
- Handle payments, receipts, or customer documentation where required, ensuring all company procedures are followed.
- Liaise effectively with reception, workshop, VDAs, and management to support the day-to-day operation of the repair centre.
- Keep the car park, customer parking areas, and vehicle movement areas tidy, organised, and safe.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Comply fully with all company health and safety policies, site rules, and legal requirements.
- Use cleaning products, chemicals, and equipment safely and in accordance with COSHH and manufacturer guidance.
- Ensure vehicles are only driven where the appropriate licence, insurance, and training requirements are in place.
- Maintain awareness of safe working practices within the workshop, yard, valeting, and customer-facing areas.
- Wear appropriate PPE and maintain a safe and tidy working environment at all times.
OTHER DUTIES
Due to the size and complexity of the establishment, you will undertake any other reasonable tasks or duties that are deemed to be within your capability, as directed by a senior manager of the group with whom you have a reporting relationship.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
- Full, valid UK driving licence
- Confident driving a range of manual and automatic vehicles
- Good communication and customer service skills
- Reliable, punctual, and well presented
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good attention to detail
- Awareness of health and safety responsibilities
Desirable
- Previous experience in a bodyshop, accident repair centre, dealership, or valeting environment
- Experience of customer vehicle handovers
- Familiarity with courtesy car procedures
- Basic knowledge of vehicle condition checks
OTHER
Our core business hours are 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.
- Competitive salary plus team bonus.
- 30 days holiday including public holidays, plus additional days with service.
- Pension contributions.
- Recommend a friend technician bonus incentive.
- Long Service Awards – colleague recognition scheme.
- Health cash plan and rewards platform – claim back medical costs & high street discounts.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Please note: If you have not heard from us within three weeks of submitting your application, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We thank you for your interest and encourage you to apply for future opportunities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Experience:
- Driving: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
