About Vanwise
At Vanwise, we are committed to delivering high-quality vehicles and outstanding customer experiences. To support this, we rely on efficient vehicle preparation, accurate appraisals, and effective stock management. The Vehicle Appraiser plays a key role in ensuring every vehicle entering and leaving site is correctly processed, assessed, documented, and prepared to the highest standard.
Role Overview
The Vehicle Appraiser is responsible for the accurate check-in, appraisal, processing, storage, and dispatch of all vehicles arriving at and leaving the dealership. This includes identifying mechanical and cosmetic preparation requirements, recording vehicle condition, maintaining accurate stock records, and ensuring vehicles are prepared efficiently through the preparation process.
The role is also responsible for ensuring all outbound vehicles are correctly checked out, with all required documentation, keys, and condition reports completed prior to collection or delivery.
A key performance requirement of this role is that all incoming vehicle check-ins are completed within a maximum of 20 minutes from arrival.
Key Responsibilities
Vehicle Check-In & Appraisal
- Receive and check in all incoming vehicles, including retail stock, purchased vehicles, and part exchanges.
- Accurately date stamp all arriving vehicles in line with company procedures.
- Complete the full vehicle check-in process within a maximum of 20 minutes per vehicle.
- Conduct thorough vehicle appraisals, identifying all mechanical, cosmetic, and preparation requirements.
- Record appraisal findings accurately within the relevant systems.
- Ensure appraisal information is communicated promptly to the preparation, workshop, and sales teams.
- Identify and escalate any significant defects or issues requiring immediate attention.
- Verify the presence of all vehicle documentation, service history, spare keys, and accessories at the point of arrival.
Vehicle Photography & Initial Presentation
- Ensure every arriving vehicle is cleaned or washed down where necessary to allow accurate appraisal and presentation.
- Capture a minimum of two high-quality exterior "beauty shot" photographs of every arriving vehicle for initial advertising and stock presentation purposes.
- Ensure photographs are completed promptly following arrival and uploaded to the relevant systems.
- Report any vehicle damage identified during photography that may not have been recorded during acquisition.
Vehicle Processing & Site Management
- Ensure all incoming vehicles are correctly positioned and parked in designated areas.
- Update the DCM system with accurate vehicle location information at all times.
- Support efficient site flow by ensuring vehicles are moved through preparation stages without unnecessary delay.
- Assist with vehicle movements between preparation, workshop, imaging, and display areas.
- Maintain organised vehicle storage areas and ensure stock remains easily identifiable and accessible.
- Monitor vehicle progress through the preparation process and escalate delays where necessary.
Vehicle Dispatch & Check-Out
- Manage the check-out process for all vehicles leaving site, whether by customer collection, trade sale, auction, or delivery.
- Ensure all relevant vehicle documentation is present and complete prior to release, including V5C registration documents where applicable.
- Verify that all spare keys, locking wheel nut keys, service records, handbooks, and supporting documentation accompany the vehicle.
- Complete and obtain signed vehicle condition reports for every vehicle leaving site.
- Ensure vehicles are signed out accurately within company systems and records updated accordingly.
- Conduct final vehicle checks prior to collection or delivery to confirm readiness and completeness.
- Liaise with the sales and logistics teams to ensure smooth and timely handovers.
Operational Efficiency
- Support the business in reducing vehicle preparation lead times.
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of all vehicle arrivals and departures.
- Maintain high standards of stock control and vehicle record accuracy.
- Work closely with preparation, workshop, and sales teams to maximise operational efficiency.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the vehicle preparation and stock management process.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in record keeping.
- Good understanding of vehicle condition assessment (mechanical and cosmetic).
- Organised with strong administrative and system input skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work across multiple departments.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience in vehicle appraisal, vehicle preparation, stock control, or dealership operations.
- Familiarity with DMS and stock management systems (e.g. DCM or similar).
- Knowledge of vehicle preparation and remarketing processes.
- Experience managing vehicle documentation and handover procedures.
Personal Attributes
- Methodical and detail-focused.
- Proactive and solution-driven.
- Strong sense of accountability and ownership.
- Team player with excellent communication skills.
- Able to work effectively under time-sensitive deadlines.
- Committed to maintaining high operational standards and vehicle presentation.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- 100% of vehicle check-ins completed within 20 minutes of arrival.
- 100% of arriving vehicles photographed with a minimum of two beauty shots.
- 100% of vehicles cleaned where necessary prior to appraisal and photography.
- Accurate appraisal information recorded for all incoming vehicles.
- Vehicle locations maintained accurately within DCM.
- 100% of outbound vehicles released with completed documentation, spare keys, and signed vehicle condition reports.
- Minimal stock record discrepancies and appraisal-related errors.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Opportunity to work in a growing and dynamic automotive business.
- Supportive team environment.
- Ongoing training and development.
- Career progression opportunities within Vanwise.
To apply, please submit your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Pay: £28,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
