Estimator Apprentice at Puget Collision – Fort Collins, Colorado

Auto Body Collision Repair: Estimator Apprentice

The Estimator Apprentice is an hourly/commission position in training for promotion to Estimator. The Estimator position is a skilled experienced professional in all aspects of repair planning in auto collision repair and proficient in managing most insurance company direct referral programs. Once the responsibilities below are achieved, promotion to Estimator will be considered with performance reviews on a 6-month cadence. Based on performance, one to three years is the usual training period for promotion to an Estimator.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform all assigned responsibilities according to the Company Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to identify express repairs and schedule vehicles appropriately to obtain cycle time efficiency.
• Ability to increase profitability by proper application of labor resources, sales mix, and ensuring repair vs replace.
• Write a complete auto body collision repair plan after disassembling the vehicle including thorough photo documentation and pre-scanning.
• Ensure repairs adhere to OE standards, DRP part choices, refinish guidelines and ADAS requirements for calibrations and scanning.
• Verify quality is checked at each stage of the vehicle repair process.
• Source, order & receive parts according to insurer and company guidelines.
• Ensure accurate final bill and estimate accuracy; sublet posted, all supplements are noted including customer authorizations and parts listed correctly per DRP guidelines.
• Ensure proper customer communication, keeping them informed throughout the repair; ensuring notes in the file are accurate and complete.
• Deliver the vehicle to the customer going over the repair, the paperwork and ensuring all final payments are collected.
• Build strong relationships with DRP, Fleet and Dealer partners, meeting performance metrics and standards.
• Ensure all documentation is scanned into the CCC one file: check-in sheet, estimate, adjusted sheets, invoices, payments, and final bills.
• Maintain an accurate CCC Calendar and review inbox items and DRP portals daily.

Key Performance Metrics:

• Ensure profitability with Gross Profit of 45% or higher.
• Customer Service Index Score 90+ for keeping the customer informed, on time deliveries, return rate and Net Promoter Score. Surveys should be a minimum of 40% taken monthly.
• Cycle Time efficiency should be less than the state average.
• Maintain $0 accounts receivable over 31 days and clean files that are ready to close at delivery.

Skills/Qualifications:

• I-CAR Pro-Level 1 certification is mandatory within 90 days.
• Knowledgeable in Auto Body Estimating, with ability to utilize Mitchell and CCC estimating systems.
• Knowledge of metal/refinish replacement and repair techniques.
• Structural and suspension damage analysis ability.
• Exceptional customers service skills and results
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Adheres to the company’s non-disclosure and confidentiality policies concerning customer information.