About CHS
CHS is an award-winning commercial vehicle accident repair business. We work with major UK insurers and numerous blue-chip businesses to keep cars, vans, trucks and trailers safely on the road.
Due to continued growth, we are looking for an experienced and motivated Commercial Vehicle Estimator / HGV Damage Assessor & Parts Assistant to join our growing support team at our Head Office in Hoddesdon.
This is a varied dual role combining commercial vehicle damage assessment and estimating with parts support. The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring repairs are accurately estimated, the correct parts are identified and ordered, and repairs progress efficiently through the business.
The Role
The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing commercial vehicle and HGV accident damage, preparing accurate repair estimates and supporting the parts function to ensure repairs can be completed efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
The role will involve working closely with customers, insurers, engineers, suppliers, technicians, workshop staff and the wider operations team.
Estimating & Damage Assessment Responsibilities
- Carry out detailed inspections and assessments of damaged commercial vehicles, HGVs, trucks and trailers.
- Prepare accurate and detailed repair estimates for insurers, fleet operators, customers and third parties.
- Use industry-standard estimating systems, including Audatex, and apply manufacturer repair methods where applicable.
- Identify all repair requirements, including parts, labour, materials and repair or replacement operations.
- Assess the extent of accident damage and determine the most appropriate repair methods.
- Liaise with insurers, engineers, customers, fleet operators and internal departments.
- Negotiate repair costs and estimates with insurers and customers where required.
- Identify any additional damage discovered during the repair process and ensure estimates are amended and authorised where necessary.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure internal systems are kept fully updated.
- Monitor estimating targets and service level agreements.
- Work closely with workshop and operations teams to ensure repairs progress efficiently.
Parts Assistant Responsibilities
- Identify and source the correct parts required for vehicle repairs.
- Obtain quotations and check pricing, availability and delivery times from suppliers.
- Raise and process parts orders accurately and efficiently.
- Liaise with manufacturers, dealers, suppliers and alternative parts providers.
- Ensure parts are ordered in line with authorised estimates and repair requirements.
- Monitor outstanding orders and proactively chase suppliers to minimise delays.
- Check delivered parts against orders and report any discrepancies, shortages or damaged items.
- Ensure parts are correctly allocated to the relevant vehicle repair job.
- Support the workshop and technicians with parts queries and requirements.
- Assist with managing parts stock and maintaining accurate stock records where required.
- Identify cost-effective sourcing options while maintaining the required quality and repair standards.
- Process parts returns and credits where necessary.
- Maintain accurate records of parts orders, invoices and supplier information.
- Work closely with the estimating team to ensure all required parts have been included within repair estimates.
Candidate Requirements
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- Previous experience as a Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA), Estimator, Damage Assessor, Commercial Vehicle Estimator or Parts Advisor/Parts Assistant.
- Experience within the automotive, commercial vehicle, HGV, truck, trailer or accident repair industry.
- Commercial vehicle and HGV accident repair experience is highly desirable.
- Experience using Audatex or other industry-standard estimating software would be advantageous.
- Strong understanding of vehicle repair methods and accident repair processes.
- Experience identifying, sourcing and ordering vehicle parts.
- Good knowledge of commercial vehicle, HGV or automotive parts would be advantageous.
- The ability to accurately identify repair methods, replacement requirements, parts and labour operations.
- Good communication and negotiation skills.
- The ability to build effective working relationships with insurers, customers, suppliers and internal teams.
- Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
- The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
- Good computer and administrative skills.
- A reliable, professional and customer-focused approach.
- The ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
- A full UK driving licence is preferred.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for a versatile and organised individual who can confidently support both the estimating and parts functions within a busy commercial vehicle accident repair business.
You may currently be working as a Commercial Vehicle Estimator, HGV Damage Assessor, VDA, Parts Advisor, Parts Assistant or within a similar role and be looking for an opportunity to develop your skills within a growing business.
Experience with HGVs, trucks, trailers, vans or other commercial vehicles would be particularly advantageous.
Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 4:00pm
Salary
Salary will be dependent upon experience and will be discussed at interview.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
