Body Shop Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the automotive industry, the focus on body shop managers is increasingly critical.

As vehicle technology advances, the need for skilled professionals who can manage, supervise, and ensure the quality of automotive body repairs is growing.

But let’s delve into the details: What’s truly expected from a body shop manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core duties of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of automotive body shop management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we’re presenting a customizable body shop manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Body Shop Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Body Shop Managers oversee the work of mechanics and body repair staff at auto repair shops.

They ensure that repair work is completed efficiently and safely, adhering to industry quality and safety standards.

Body Shop Managers are primarily responsible for the management of the workshop and its staff, with duties and responsibilities including:

• Coordinate and schedule repair jobs in the shop
• Provide estimates for repair work and communicate these to customers
• Supervise body shop technicians to ensure high-quality and efficient repair services
• Ensure the shop is compliant with health and safety regulations
• Handle customer complaints and issues
• Maintain inventory and order necessary supplies, equipment and parts
• Liaise with insurance companies for claim processing
• Monitor and manage the budget and expenses of the body shop
• Recruit, train, and evaluate body shop staff
• Ensure customer satisfaction through prompt and quality service

 

Body Shop Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an experienced Body Shop Manager to lead our team and oversee all aspects of our auto body repair shop.

This includes managing staff, maintaining shop equipment, ensuring health and safety regulations are followed, and managing customer satisfaction.

A successful Body Shop Manager will have a strong background in automotive repair, excellent managerial skills, and a customer-oriented approach.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the body shop department
• Manage staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and insurance companies
• Manage customer complaints and ensure customer satisfaction
• Coordinate with the parts department to ensure inventory levels are maintained
• Keep up to date with the latest industry trends and techniques
• Maintain a high standard of quality for all completed work

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Body Shop Manager or similar role in automotive repair
• Knowledge of the automotive industry and latest repair techniques
• Strong managerial and customer service skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations
• Excellent problem-solving abilities
• High school diploma; Degree in Business Administration or relevant field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Body Shop Manager
• Work Environment: Garage setting, with a mix of office work and hands-on oversight of shop operations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the General Manager or Dealership Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Body Shop Manager Do?

Body Shop Managers typically work for automotive repair shops, dealerships, or independently owned body shops.

Their primary responsibility is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the body shop.

This includes managing staff, setting work schedules, ordering parts and supplies, and ensuring that repairs are completed accurately and on time.

They are also in charge of providing estimates for repair work, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Body Shop Managers must ensure that all work complies with safety standards and regulations.

They also need to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest repair techniques and equipment.

Furthermore, they are often responsible for hiring, training, and evaluating employees, as well as handling any customer complaints or issues that arise.

Body Shop Managers may also handle administrative tasks such as budgeting, maintaining inventory records, and implementing shop policies and procedures.

 

Body Shop Manager Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Body Shop Manager should possess the skills and qualifications that meet your job requirements, such as:

• Management skills to effectively supervise the staff, oversee the shop operations, and ensure that the shop is running smoothly and efficiently.
• Knowledge of auto body repair techniques and standards, and the ability to oversee and guide repairs performed by the shop staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills to liaise with staff, customers, and insurance companies, promoting a positive work environment and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Problem-solving skills to address any issues or conflicts that arise in the shop, whether they relate to staff, customers, or repair work.
• Financial acumen to manage the shop’s budget, control costs, and ensure profitability. This also includes negotiating with suppliers and insurance companies to get the best deals.
• Excellent customer service skills to interact with customers, understand their concerns, and ensure their needs are met in a timely and satisfactory manner.
• Technical skills to understand vehicle diagnostics, provide accurate estimates for repairs, and ensure quality control.
• Attention to detail to ensure all repairs meet the highest standards for safety and quality.

 

Body Shop Manager Experience Requirements

Body Shop Managers typically require a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in the auto body repair industry.

This experience can be gained from various roles such as Auto Body Technician, Auto Body Painter, or Auto Repair Specialist.

Hands-on experience with auto body repairs, including vehicle painting and surface preparation, is highly beneficial.

In addition to technical experience, at least 2 years of managerial or supervisory experience is often required.

This is because the role involves managing staff, coordinating work schedules, overseeing quality control, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, experience with industry-related software and tools, including inventory management and customer relationship management systems, can be a significant advantage.

Those with more than 5-7 years of industry experience, including significant managerial experience, may be considered for senior-level management positions.

These roles require extensive knowledge of auto body repair, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple teams and projects simultaneously.

Continued education in the form of industry certifications and training is also highly valued, as it shows commitment to staying updated with the latest techniques and technologies in the auto body repair industry.

 

Body Shop Manager Education and Training Requirements

A Body Shop Manager generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent education.

In addition to this, they need to have experience in auto body repair and painting techniques.

Some technical schools offer associate degrees or certificates in collision repair which can be beneficial for this role.

These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on training, covering topics such as welding, repair estimation, auto body repair techniques, and auto body painting.

In many cases, Body Shop Managers start their careers as entry-level technicians and work their way up, gaining practical experience and learning the trade from experienced professionals.

Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) can also be advantageous.

These certifications require passing an exam and having a certain amount of work experience.

While not always required, some Body Shop Managers may pursue a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field to enhance their managerial skills.

Continuing education is often important in this role due to the frequent advancements in automotive technology.

Therefore, Body Shop Managers might choose to participate in workshops or training programs throughout their career to stay updated on the latest techniques and industry standards.

 

Body Shop Manager Salary Expectations

A Body Shop Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $57,678 (USD) per year.

However, the exact salary can vary significantly based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the size of the shop, and its geographical location.

 

Body Shop Manager Job Description FAQs

What are the primary responsibilities of a Body Shop Manager?

The Body Shop Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the shop, ensuring high-quality repair work, managing the shop’s budget, ordering parts and supplies, and scheduling repairs.

They also handle customer service, providing estimates, and securing approvals for work.

Body Shop Managers also supervise the technicians and staff, ensuring they follow safety regulations and standards.

 

Do Body Shop Managers need any specific qualifications or education?

Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, and a degree in business management or a related field can be beneficial.

More importantly, Body Shop Managers need extensive experience in auto body repair and should have a deep understanding of the industry.

They also need to have a valid driver’s license and some positions may require ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification.

 

What should you look for in a Body Shop Manager’s resume?

Look for experience in managing a body shop or a similar automotive service facility.

They should have a background in auto body repair and it’s beneficial if they have experience in customer service.

Excellent knowledge of the mechanics and parts of vehicles, as well as understanding of industry software for estimates and scheduling, is a must.

Certifications such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) can also be valuable.

 

What qualities make a good Body Shop Manager?

An effective Body Shop Manager is detail-oriented and has excellent organizational and management skills.

They should be capable of multitasking and prioritizing tasks.

Being customer-focused, they should have strong communication and interpersonal skills.

They should also have a good understanding of automotive repair techniques, tools, and equipment.

Problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure are also important qualities for a Body Shop Manager.

 

What are the challenges in hiring a Body Shop Manager?

The biggest challenge in hiring a Body Shop Manager is finding a candidate who possesses a combination of technical automotive knowledge and strong managerial skills.

The candidate also needs to have a customer service mindset and the ability to manage the financial aspects of the shop.

Because of these diverse requirements, finding a qualified Body Shop Manager can be challenging.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the realities of being a body shop manager.

Guess what?

It’s not just about fixing cars.

It’s about steering the course of automobile repair and restoration, one car at a time.

Armed with our reliable body shop manager job description template and real-life examples, you’re geared up to navigate your career path.

But why hit the brakes now?

Accelerate further with our job description generator. It’s your next pit stop for precision-detailed job listings or revving up your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every vehicle repair or modification is part of a larger journey.

Let’s drive that future. Together.

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