REPAIR ESTIMATOR & SERVICE ADVISOR

Job Description

Job Description

The Estimator is responsible for accurately assessing damage on medium- and heavy-duty trucks, preparing detailed repair estimates, coordinating with Insurance Adjusters, communicating with customers, and supporting the body shop Team in achieving quality repairs, strong cycle times, and profitable operations.

Estimator also performs Service Advisor duties.

Core Responsibilities:
-Create estimates in AdjustRite software, including gathering necessary repair order information, inspecting the vehicle, documenting the repairs needed, ensuring we obtain a written vendor parts quote, and calculating the full estimate of repair costs, including labor time and lead times. 

Estimate preparation includes:
-Inspecting damaged heavy-duty vehicles to identify the full extent of body, frame, and paint damage, including structural integrity checks.
-Utilizing measuring tools to accurately document damage dimensions.
-Identifying necessary repairs like panel replacements, frame straightening, and rust remediation.
-Ensuring all damage has been discovered during inspection, as much as possible.
-Communicate with the Customer and Insurance company the repair estimate details and obtain approval to begin work.
- Perform Service Advisor duties including writing up Repair Orders, communicating with Customers, entering notes in SDL, fielding incoming phone calls, and assisting walk-in traffic.
- Work with the Supervisor and Parts Associate to obtain a schedule of work and lead times on parts orders, to provide updates to the Customer as required.
- Call on Customers and Prospects by in-person visits, phone calls, emails, and other means, documenting the calls in Sales Overdrive. Maintain strong Customer relations.
- Follow up and update Customers as needed on their Repair Order status using notes from SDL and communications with the Supervisor, GM, and Parts Associate. Customer update frequency varies depending on each job. Always ensure Customers know the status of the repair.
- Stay current with technical training and developments relevant to the industry.
- Ensure records are kept on quotes, estimates, repair order approvals and denials, and customer communication details.

Other duties as needed for daily operations at Total Truck Collision

Accurate and timely estimates
Customer satisfaction
Effective communication including estimates awaiting approval, vehicle status updates with customers, and call reports

Skill & Knowledge Requirements:
Ability to learn, and operate, on multiple computer program platforms
Highly organized and able to communicate well with others

Education & Experience Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent
At least 5 years collision or heavy truck service and parts industry experience

Physical & Other Requirements:
Ability to lift 25+ pounds, climb stairs and ladders, and operate around equipment
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to walk around the shop and grounds frequently.
Ability to work in an unconditioned environment for portions of the day.
Ability to climb in and out of heavy truck cabs as needed.
Willingness to step in and assist the staff when short-staffed or in need of additional support.

Summary:
The Estimator plays a key role in driving the success of Total Truck Collision through effective Customer communication, Employee interaction, Vendor interaction and Insurance Company relations. The ideal candidate is an experienced Individual with a strong background in heavy truck repair operations, and possesses the skills necessary to meet goals and deadlines while maintaining a focus on Customer satisfaction and operational excellence.