Location: Bendigo, Victoria
Employment Type: Full‑time, On‑site
Salary: $120,000 – $200,000 per annum
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About Us
We are launching a new, modern panel shop in Bendigo. Our commitment is to deliver top‑quality vehicle repair, outstanding customer service, and efficient operations. With state‑of‑the‑art equipment, strong industry standards, and a dedicated team, we aim to be the leading choice for customers and insurers alike in the region.
The Role:
As our Panel Shop Manager, you will play a vital role in setting up and running a high‑performing shop. Your oversight will stretch from front‑of‑house to workshop floor, ensuring customers, staff, and insurance partners all receive a superior experience. Key duties include:
Front of House & Customer Relations
· Be the first point of contact for customers: handle enquiries, manage expectations, maintain professionalism.
· Build and maintain strong relationships; ensure excellent communication around timelines, cost estimates, and insurance requirements.
Liaising with Insurance Companies
· Prepare accurate estimates and documentation for insurance claims.
· Negotiate approvals, manage insurer processes, and resolve any issues or disputes efficiently.
· Ensure compliance with insurers' protocols and standards.
Floor / Workshop Management
· Oversee operations on the workshop floor: workflow, staff allocation, quality control, and safety.
· Lead and supervise technical staff (panel beaters, painters, etc.), encouraging productivity and continuous improvement.
· Maintain equipment, manage parts/inventory, ensure the facility is kept to high standards.
Estimating (Bonus Skill)
· Experience with quoting and estimating is highly regarded but not essential
· If you bring this skill, it's a strong advantage
Team Leadership & Operations Oversight
· Foster a collaborative, accountable workshop culture.
· Drive achievement of business goals: profitability, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
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The Person We're After
· Demonstrated experience (5+ years preferred) managing a panel shop, automotive body repair facility or similar.
· Strong skills on the front line: excellent communication, customer service focus, and an ability to handle enquiries professionally.
· Solid understanding of insurance processes, estimating, and documentation.
· Proven leadership: supervising technical staff, setting standards, managing workflows, and keeping teams motivated.
· Good organisational and time‑management skills; able to balance multiple jobs and maintain high standards.
· Focused on quality, safety, detail, and continuous improvement.
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What's On Offer
· A competitive base salary of $120,000 – $200,000 per annum, depending on your experience and demonstrated performance.
· A brand new, modern facility with up‑to‑date tools/equipment and a strong emphasis on safe, clean, efficient operations.
· Opportunity to build a workshop culture from the ground up in Bendigo
· Support for ongoing training and professional development.
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Apply Now
If you're an experienced manager who thrives in a hands‑on, high‑quality environment, and you're ready to lead a modern panel shop in Bendigo, we'd love to hear from you.
Click Apply Now and upload your resume and cover letter. For a confidential discussion, contact us