Body Shop Estimator
- Palm Springs Ford
- 69 200 Highway 111, Cathedral City, CA
- Full Time
- $75,000 – $115,000 a year
We are currently looking for an experienced Body Shop Estimator to become a key player on the active collision repair team at Palm Springs Ford. Serving as the face of our shop, you will guide our clients through the entire repair journey, from evaluating their vehicle's initial damage to handing back the keys upon completion. We need a highly organized, articulate professional capable of drafting precise, profitable repair plans while adhering strictly to major insurance carrier standards. Collaboration is critical in this role; you will coordinate daily with our parts specialists and collision techs to guarantee safe, timely, and high-quality repairs. If you bring a true passion for guest satisfaction alongside top-tier organizational abilities, we'd love to connect with you.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation range of $75,000 - $115,000 depending on experience, with opportunity to pursue a more aggressive pay plan for the right person
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and health coverage
- Retirement savings via our 401(k) program
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Vacation time and paid time off (PTO)
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Discounts on vehicle repairs and purchases
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Career advancement potential at a secure, family-operated dealership
What You'll Do
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Vehicle Evaluation: Perform detailed, accurate physical examinations on damaged autos to uncover both obvious and underlying structural issues.
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Repair Planning: Craft detailed, precise estimates, strictly following OEM and insurance carrier requirements.
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Insurance Coordination: Serve as the main liaison for adjusters by discussing and negotiating repair expenses, uploading digital imagery, and promptly filing necessary supplements.
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Client Communication: Walk vehicle owners through the repair lifecycle, offering consistent progress reports and breaking down the completed work at pickup.
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Shop Collaboration: Team up with our Parts Department and Body Shop Foreman to verify parts availability and keep vehicles moving efficiently through the repair phases.
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Administrative Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to legal standards and company protocols for all digital records, authorizations, and required paperwork.
What We're Looking For
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Demonstrated success in writing quality estimates and effectively managing supplements within a modern collision center.
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Outstanding interpersonal and written communication abilities, including a polished phone presence.
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Strong emotional intelligence, enabling you to remain calm, empathetic, and professional while helping clients in stressful situations.
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Superior organizational and multi-tasking skills necessary to manage numerous open repair orders at once.
Palm Springs Ford is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind based on any protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local law.