Internal Estimator

Willis Automotive is a family and locally owned automotive group located in Des Moines, IA. We carry INFINITI, Cadillac, Lexus, MINI Cooper, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Chevrolet, and Nissan. Our growing company also includes Collision, Detail, and Reconditioning teams. At Willis Automotive, we adhere to our six core values to maintain a tradition of automotive excellence and service leadership for all of our guests!

Willis Automotive Offers:

• A great benefits package, available the first month following 30 days of employment, which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability, plus additional supplemental insurances
• 401k with company match
• Paid Time Off and 7 paid holidays
• Employee discounts at all locations
• Paid training and development on and off-site
• Employee appreciation: employee of the month, food trucks, community involvement, discounted event tickets, and more!

Primary Function:

Under the direction of the Collision Center Assistant Manager, this position is responsible for writing estimates on damaged dealer-owned vehicles within company standards. This position exercises initiative and independent judgment in the performance of assigned tasks and performs all duties within the objectives, standards, core values, and policies of Willis Automotive.

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Performs visual and physical vehicle inspections and write appropriate estimates for work to be completed. Requires walking the lots, and regularly traveling to other buildings. 
• Sees through to completion repair process for lot damage, transportation damage on new, delivered vehicles, and service-incurred damage. Routinely communicates with sales managers, service managers, and accounting staff to ensure smooth internal logistics. 
• Obtains pricing and availability on replacement parts. 
• Schedules work and monitors progress of all work through completion. Communicates with stakeholders regarding work progress and delays.
• Verifies and ensures technician’s hours are recorded properly for work performed.
• Invoice final repair bills 

Additional Duties: 

• Answers incoming calls to the Collision Center as necessary. May back up the collision front desk if needed.
• Performs profile updates needed for the estimating system.
• Follows company collision management system
• Responsible for the accounts receivables for each vehicle in the shop

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma/equivalent required.
• Working knowledge of body repair and paint methods preferred.
• Working knowledge of a Dealer Management System preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain insurability required.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or Google programs
• Strong attention to detail required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required
• Strong customer service skills required

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

This position will work primarily indoors, but will also work in all outdoor weather conditions. This position will be exposed to noise, vibration, dust, paint, exhaust fumes and other hazardous and non-hazardous materials. This position will stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, handle and get in and out of vehicles on a regular basis.