Panel Shop Manager – Brand New Workshop

5 days ago

Bendigo, Victoria, Australia The Hire Lab Full time $120,000 - $200,000 per year

Location: Bendigo, Victoria

Employment Type: Full‑time, On‑site

Salary: $120,000 – $200,000 per annum


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.


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.


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.


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

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