Assistant manager/lead vehicle damage assessor

Reference:JUN20263439

Expiry date: 16:30, Tue, 16th Jun 2026

Location: Chatham Walderslade

Benefits: A superb range of exclusive, colleague-only benefits and discounts

Join us as an Assistant Manager / Lead Vehicle Damage Assessor at our busy, state-of-the-art workshop in Chatham Walderslade. Earning a fantastic salary of up to £62,000 OTE.

At FMG Repair Services in Chatham, one of our friendliest and stable repair centres, you’ll have access to industry-leading technology, outstanding facilities, and the full support of an experienced, professional team – giving you everything you need to succeed and progress your career.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Vehicle Damage Assessor ready to step up into a leadership-focused role, combining hands‑on estimating with team support and operational oversight. As a Lead VDA / Assistant Manager, you’ll play a key role in driving performance, maintaining high standards, and supporting the wider bodyshop team – while continuing to deliver expert assessments and exceptional customer service.

What you’ll be doing:

Inspecting damaged vehicles and accurately assessing the full extent of damage. Producing detailed electronic and manual repair estimates. Identifying correct prescribed repair methods in line with Thatcham and BSI standards. Liaising effectively with insurance companies to gain repair authority. Communicating repair methodologies clearly to customers, engineers and technicians. Supporting workshop workflow and assisting with day-to-day operational management. Mentoring and guiding team members to maintain quality and efficiency. You’ll be assessing a wide range of vehicles, so staying up to date with repair methodologies, manufacturer bulletins, and insurer requirements is key. Teamwork is central to this role – working collaboratively across departments to ensure every vehicle is returned safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

Benefits

• fantastic uncapped monthly bonus schemes plus guaranteed average bonus when you are on holiday!
• start with 23 days annual leave, plus public holidays and an extra day off to celebrate your birthday!
• free life assurance (x2 your basic salary)
• exclusive colleague-only vehicle leasing schemes
• pension & save-as-you-earn share scheme
• A Benefits App giving a huge range of retailer discounts and cashback deals
• well‑being services (incl. 24/7 GP service, mental health support and physiotherapy + Health Cash Plan, Dental Plan & Travel Insurance)
• Stream App for all our colleagues – a Financial Wellbeing app that gives you more control over your pay. It lets you choose whento get paid, put money aside each month, and provides discounts on your shopping; check benefits eligibility and get connected to a financial coach.
• You’re rewarded for your part in our success – lots of customers means lots of work to share, which in turn means lots of opportunity to boost your earnings through our fantastic bonus schemes.
• We invest in you – we believe everyone should have the opportunity to better themselves and look to progress, not just within FMG RS but the wider ZIGUP business too.
• We’re growing – it’s an exciting time for the industry and we’re committed to being at the cutting edge, investing in everything from our EV capabilities, our workshops to our Training Centres.

We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, identities, and abilities. If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, just let us know. We’re here to support you.

If you’re an experienced VDA ready to take the next step into a leadership role or an established Lead VDA looking for a fresh opportunity within the UK’s leading Accident and Collision Repair specialist, we’d love to hear from you.

Keep your career moving, smarter.