Automotive Maintenance and Damage Manager

We’re now hiring an Automotive Maintenance and Damage Manager to join the Avis Budget Group team. In this role, you will lead the overall performance of the fleet services function with respect to the servicing, vehicle damage repair and in‑fleeting/de‑fleeting of rental vehicles to maximize fleet utilization and profitability for the City/District. You will drive operational excellence, lead a high‑performing team, and maintain safety, efficiency, and accountability across all damage operations. What You’ll Do: Develop, implement, and communicate operating plans to maximize fleet utilization in accordance with business and company guidelines, directing and controlling the vehicle damage repair of fleet vehicles. Monitor team performance against business plans, setting, communicating, and updating goals for key performance indicators such as cost per estimate, overdue idle cars, and vendor management/cycle time. Assess the damage area daily to prioritize vehicles for repair and/or salvage, communicating work to appropriate team members. Ensure all repair orders are completed and processed in accordance with established guidelines. Determine damage repair estimated labor hours and source optimal repair parts. Minimize damage estimate, body shop, and on‑lot repair cycle time. Conduct monthly damage writer reviews and damage writer audits. Forecast, budget and manage key financial drivers, including cost of repair. Select, manage and maintain appropriate body shop relationships and workload assignments, negotiate rates, conduct semi‑annual audits, and ensure service levels and quality standards are met. Ensure proper use of purchase orders, receipt of services and/or goods, timely submission of invoices for approval, and timely payment of invoices. Maintain up‑to‑date vendor insurance policy files. Oversee damage repair of all buses at bussing locations. Manage all areas of the employee lifecycle including hiring, onboarding, training, recognition and performance management of both managers and employees. Supervise, develop, motivate, recognize and evaluate the performance of staff to enable a high‑performing culture. Manage all facets of employee relations, implementing HR policies consistently and fairly, and partnering with Human Resources Business Partners as needed. Provide a safe work environment by ensuring all safety policies and practices are followed and maintained. Perform additional duties as directed by management. Perks You’ll Get: Access to Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance. Eligibility to elect other voluntary benefits, including Group Auto Insurance, Group Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, Identity Theft Protection, FSA, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and additional life insurance coverages. 401(k) Retirement Plan with company matched contributions. Full training to learn the business and enhance professional skills. Employee discounts, including discounted prices on the purchase of Avis/Budget cars. Access to an Employee Assistance Program for counseling, financial and legal consultation, referrals, and more. What We’re Looking For: High School diploma required; 2‑4 year college degree preferred (or equivalent in education, training or experience). Minimum of 2 years management experience of employees in a related field (rental car, automotive shop or service‑oriented field). Prior experience writing damage is preferable. Valid driver’s license and successful background check. Ability to work flexible schedules in a fast‑paced environment, including early morning, nights or weekends as determined by business needs. Ability to lift 50 pounds and oversee multiple work areas. Organizational and prioritization skills. Financial acumen and forecasting skills. Talent management and delegation experience. Proven written and verbal communication skills. Excellent investigation and problem‑solving skills. Negotiation and vendor management skills. The annual starting salary for this position is between $70,000 - $80,000 annually. Factors that may affect starting pay within this range include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. Newark, New Jersey, United States of America Visita Budget Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other category protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Avis Budget Group