Head VDA / Estimator

Salary/rate:£46,000 – £50,000 basic salary
Type of work desired:Permanent
Desired work region:Greater Manchester
Relocation possible:No
Reason for leaving:Looking for a new Challenge
References on file:2081
Sector:Estimator/VDA
Post Date:January 30, 2026
Ref:2081
Scroll

Meet Our Recruiter

About Profile

Head VDA / Estimator

This candidate is an experienced Head VDA / Estimator with over 20 years’ experience within the accident repair sector, operating at senior and management level in high-volume bodyshop environments. They currently lead a team of estimators within a large, fast-paced accident repair centre, maintaining control of throughput, quality and insurer relationships.

They are highly confident assessing vehicle damage, producing accurate estimates and negotiating repair costs with insurance companies, work providers and private individuals. Used to working under pressure, they ensure repair processes are followed correctly while supporting operational efficiency across the workshop.

Alongside hands-on estimating, they work closely with senior management and workshop teams, assisting with daily repair flow, authorisations and performance targets. Their background includes prestige accident repair exposure and strong manufacturer process knowledge, supported by excellent customer service and negotiation skills.

Key Experience & Strengths

Head VDA / Estimator with senior management responsibility
Leadership of a team of VDA / Estimators
High-volume accident repair centre experience
Vehicle damage assessment and accurate estimating
Negotiation with insurers, work providers and private customers
Strong understanding of repair processes and workflow
Supporting bodyshop managers with day-to-day operations
Audatex estimating expertise
Prestige accident repair background
Calm, professional and commercially aware approach

What They’re Looking For

Head VDA / Estimator or VDA Management role

Salary Expectations

£46,000 – £50,000 basic salary

Availability

4-week notice period

Location

Open to roles within a 60-minute commute of Manchester

This candidate would be an excellent addition to an accident repair centre or group seeking a senior-level VDA who can lead teams, control estimating quality, manage insurer relationships and support smooth, profitable workshop operations.

motor trade jobs, automotive jobs, motor trade recruitment, automotive recruitment, head VDA jobs, senior estimator jobs, accident repair management, vehicle damage assessor roles

More candidates I am representing

View All

Parts Advisor

£29,000 – £31,000 basic salary plus bonus
Main dealer Parts Advisor experience Confident using Kerridge and Keyloop systems Parts identification and ordering Workshop parts supply to technicians Customer service via phone and face-to-face Stock control and inventory management Goods inwards and delivery processing Vehicle Health Check (VHC) support using RTC systems Strong attention to detail and organisation Full UK driving licence

Dealership Accountant

£40,000 – £50,000 basic
Motor trade accounting experience (24+ years) Group and dealership accounts management Monthly management accounts preparation Balance sheet reconciliations and reporting Manufacturer composite submissions Variance analysis and financial reporting Cashflow management and forecasting VAT returns and audit preparation Stock and goodwill analysis Intercompany accounting processes Experience with Keyloop Drive and dealership systems AAT qualified

Service Advisor

£30,000 – £32,000 basic salary plus bonus
Main dealer Service Advisor experience Consistently high CSI performance KPI-driven environment experience Service bookings and job card processing Drive, 1Link and Global Connect systems Workshop coordination and communication Vehicle Health Check (VHC) sales and upselling Customer relationship management Strong organisational and communication skills Stable career history Full UK driving licence

Technician

£36,000 – £38,000 basic salary plus bonus
Advanced diagnostics and fault finding Hyundai certified technician Extensive main dealer experience Hybrid and modern vehicle system knowledge Manufacturer diagnostic systems and processes Electrical and mechanical fault diagnosis Routine servicing and repair work Strong problem-solving and analytical approach High attention to detail and first-time fix focus Full UK driving licence