Automotive Estimator II (Manheim)

Automotive Estimator II (Manheim) at Cox Automotive summary:

Experienced automotive estimator responsible for inspecting damaged vehicles, creating accurate reconditioning and collision repair estimates using Manheim and other estimating software, and documenting damages for client approval. Role includes auditing and training junior estimators, ensuring compliance with client SOPs/insurance programs (DRP/IRP/COD), and verifying repair feasibility, paint matching, recalibrations, and quality-control checks. Requires 5+ years automotive/estimating experience, OE/ASE/I-CAR certifications, valid driver’s license, and ability to work in fast-paced, hands-on shop conditions.

This position is responsible for generating accurate and timely estimates for reconditioning services offered to all wholesale and retail clients on consigned vehicles. The estimator will examine damaged vehicles and identify/document recommended work for client approval. Estimates will be generated with Manheim estimating tools.

PRIMARY DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITES

• Clearly and accurately create vehicle repair estimates based on damages, paint, color match, and blending procedures
• Able to utilize estimating tool to provide accurate estimates
• Document damages in estimating tool to provide visibility to the client
• Proficient in all Market Center client account standards
• Adheres to all company safety standards and reports any unsafe conditions through appropriate channels.
• Responsible for auditing and training other estimators
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Minimum 5+ years auto experience including service, estimations, insurance adjuster and/or appraiser experience
• Clearly and accurately create vehicle repair estimates based on damages, paint, color match, and blending procedures
• Fluent knowledge in estimating software including, but not limited to Audatex, CCCOne, Mitchell and/or Xtime including associated procedure pages
• Fluent in examination of damaged vehicles to determine extent of structural, body, mechanical and/or interior damage
• Understand vehicle materials including, but not limited to magnesium, aluminum, UHSS, HSS • Understands repairability of panels including PDR, body repairs, body lines, and panels that require rivets and adhesive bonding
• Fluent in determining feasibility of repair versus replacement of parts • Proficient in taking photos to support estimate items for quicker processing
• Experience with vehicles and parts that require recalibrations and functionality resets
• Fluent and ability to follow DRP, IRP, COD insurance collision programs and/or required shop SOP agreements accordingly including rates
• Ability to train/mentor junior estimatics inspectors for future progression in the training program
• Demonstrated knowledge of paint products including primers, PPG, Dupont, BASF, Sikkens including paint procedures, color match, and prep.
• Knowledge of all R&I items for repairs, refinish procedures including adjacent panels and glass
• Knowledge of frame types and damages including buckles, kinks, bends, sag, sway, and crush zones
• Understanding of inertia damages to adjacent panels
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills regarding customer repairs and supplement items to ensure customer satisfaction
• Fluent in all quality control checks for repair completion per SOP and client guidelines
• OE, ASE, & I-Car certifications required
• Knowledge of general mechanical repairs including understanding of alignment concerns with caster, camber, and toe
• Fluent in types of wheels and repairability including chrome, chrome clad, machine finish, steel, and painted wheels
• Fluent in previous repairs including hidden damage, cracked bonding, filler, welds, caulking, clamp marks, pull areas, paint, inner panel color match and scratches versus paint cracks
• Ability to understand and apply instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
• Communicate effectively with vendors, clients, and team members. Ensure timely completion of estimates
• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid driver's license and safe driving record required.
• Ability to drive vehicles with standard and automatic transmission.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Technical abilities
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (e.g. tools, equipment).
• Vision abilities required include close, distance and color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Regular exposure to weather conditions, fumes, and noise.

YDGCOX

USD 20.00 - 30.00 per hour

Compensation:

Hourly base pay rate is $20.00 - $30.00/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.

Benefits:

Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.

Keywords:

automotive estimator, collision estimating, Manheim estimating tools, Audatex CCCOne Mitchell, paint color match, DRP IRP COD, I-CAR ASE OE certified, recondition estimates, vehicle damage appraisal