Contract: Full time, Permanent Hours: 45 hours per week - Monday to Friday Location: Stoke-on-Trent Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 plus car/allowance and bonus (OTE up to £80,000 per annum)

Bodyshop Manager

About The Vella Group

The Vella Group is one of the UK’s leading accident repair specialists, with over 30 years’ experience supporting drivers and insurer partners. Operating across a growing network of modern bodyshops, The Vella Group is committed to technical excellence, outstanding customer service, and continuous investment in people, equipment, and innovation.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Bodyshop Manager to lead our site in Stoke-on-Trent. In this role, you will oversee all operational and technical activities, managing workflow, supporting technicians and support staff, ensuring compliance, and maintaining excellent relationships with customers, suppliers, and Work Providers. You will drive productivity, lead daily production meetings, and ensure the highest standards are achieved across the site, from estimate to vehicle return.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Production Leadership

Manage all repair, estimating, and production processes, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to repair methodologies. Oversee daily workflow, producing schedules and leading production meetings to review performance and plan upcoming work. Achieve consistent labour utilisation, ensuring technicians’ skills are fully deployed and productivity targets are met. Identify production constraints and escalate to the Operations Manager when needed. Support all site departments to maintain smooth and collaborative operations.

Customer Experience & Work Provider Management

Act as senior point of contact for customer complaints, resolving issues professionally and maintaining high satisfaction. Build and maintain strong relationships with Work Providers, understanding contracts and negotiating effectively. Keep customers informed throughout the repair journey, communicating updates, changes, and expectations clearly.

Estimating, Administration & Compliance

Ensure supplementary estimates are produced and submitted promptly with supporting images in line with contractual agreements. Maintain accurate notes and updates in internal management systems to track claim progression. Monitor workloads to meet internal and contractual SLA requirements. Ensure full compliance with BSI 10125, HSE, COSHH, EPA regulations, and internal audit requirements. Conduct final QC checks to maintain repair quality.

People Leadership

Lead, motivate, and support all onsite staff, fostering a high‑performance culture. Oversee on‑the‑job training for new and existing team members. Conduct regular performance reviews and develop staff with clear expectations and growth plans. Promote a team culture centred on quality, safety, and accountability.

Quality, Safety & Site Standards

Stay up to date with repair methods, technology, and manufacturer guidelines. Maintain housekeeping standards and ensure equipment is properly maintained. Drive continuous improvements in processes, efficiency, and overall site performance.

Additional Expectations

Flexibility to undertake additional duties as required, including support at other sites. Attend training courses to stay current with industry standards and company policies.

What You’ll Get in Return

We believe in taking care of our people. When you join The Vella Group, you’ll enjoy:

33 days holiday including bank holidays Pension scheme & death in service insurance Enhanced maternity & paternity pay Access to Perkbox – discounts on retail, travel, and more MediCash – free healthcare support Internal and external training to develop your skills Childcare support – vouchers or workplace nursery benefit Free parking and provided uniform

Working Hours

Monday to Friday 45 hours per week

Location

This is an on-site role based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Ready to bring your skills to a team that values quality, teamwork, and career development? Apply now and become part of our growing success story.

REF-(Apply online only)