Automotive Experienced Body Shop Estimator - Southfield, Michigan, United States

Job Description

AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCED BODY SHOP ESTIMATOR

Are you interested in joining a growing business that is committed to family, promotes employees from within, is Passionate about protecting the environment, has an inspiring company culture, and is actively involved with the community and local charities? If so, this opportunity might be for you!

THE POSITION: The Estimator is responsible for quoting repair costs to customer in a professional, timely manner while ensuring quality repairs.

The Perks

• Competitive Compensation
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Discounts on Sales and Service
• Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer Paid Life/AD&D, Employee Assistance Program, Pet Insurance)
• Voluntary Benefits (Flexing Spending Account, Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, Legal & Identity Theft Protection)
• 401(k) and Employer Match
• Holiday Savings Program with Employer Match
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
  
  

Skills & Qualifications

• Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of an organization.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Customer Service: Must be able to communicate and get along with customers, members of management, and technicians. A pleasant demeanor is essential to ensure that customers' experiences with the Collision Department are positive.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
  
  

Education And Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 2 years of estimating experience in a collision/body shop
• Strong knowledge of OEM repair procedures and insurance guidelines
• Proficient with CCC One / Mitchell / Audatex
• Valid drivers license
  
  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Write accurate repair estimates using CCC One (or similar estimating software)
• Inspect vehicles for damage and document all necessary repairs
• Communicate clearly with customers, insurance adjusters, and technicians
• Update supplements as needed and maintain organized repair files
• Work closely with the production team to ensure smooth repair flow
• Maintain Customer Satisfaction Index ratings (as determined by the Body Shop Manager)
• Maintain dealership standards for “hours per customer repair order written.”
• Greet customers in a timely, friendly, and professional manner.
• Evaluate the vehicle thoroughly to determine the extent of damage and need for repairs.
• Photograph the vehicle to support the damage for insurance purposes.
• Establish each customer’s method of payment. Obtain approval of credit if necessary
• Obtain customer’s signature on repair order, provide customer with a copy.
• Work with insurance adjusters to ensure all information is provided in order for payment to be received.
• Check job status as often as necessary to ensure timely and accurate work.
• Handle telephone inquiries regarding work in progress and appointments
• Compare final invoice with original repair order.
• Deliver top-tier customer service from drop-off to delivery
• Deliver vehicle to customer and answer and questions.
• Responsible for quality control to ensure that work is completed as requested and to reduce comebacks.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Regularly required to stand, talk, and hear.
• Frequently is required to walk and sit.
• Is potentially exposed to exhaust fumes or other airborne particles.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.
  
  

The Company

Founded in 1980 by Michael Sr. and Maureen LaFontaine, the award-winning and nationally-recognized LaFontaine Automotive Group includes 54 retail franchises, 9 collision centers and 34 Michigan retail locations. The group employs nearly 2,900 individuals. It’s the mission of the LaFontaine Family to personalize the automotive experience by building lifelong relationships that connect families and strengthen communities. The LaFontaine commitment to customers, staff, and local communities is demonstrated by active participation and contributions to numerous non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and charities throughout southeast Michigan. The combination of both the mission and core values provides the basic foundation of our promise … to treat every customer like they are members of our family. From sales to service to parts, LaFontaine Automotive Group is able to meet any customer’s specific needs. LaFontaine represents the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Fiat, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, KIA, Lincoln, Mazda, RAM, Polestar, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo, and Volkswagen. The LaFontaine Family Deal; it’s not just what you get, it’s how you feel. Visit www.familydeal.com for additional details.

Our Mission: To Build Lifelong Relationships that Connect Families, Strengthen Communities, and Personalize the Automotive Experience.

Our Core Values: Accountability, Responsibility, Respect, Communication, Teamwork, Passion.

LaFontaine Automotive Group is an equal opportunity employer.

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