Assistant Body Shop Manager / Estimator

Saige Partners•Cedar Rapids, IA

19d

About The Position

A Cedar Rapids client is seeking an experienced Assistant Body Shop Manager / Estimator for a high-volume commercial truck body shop. This direct-hire role combines hands-on estimating with operational and leadership responsibilities. The position supports the Body Shop Manager with daily shop operations and manages estimates from initial inspection through repair completion. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, customer-focused, and able to manage multiple commercial truck repair projects in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Proven experience in body shop estimating, preferably in a commercial truck, heavy-duty vehicle, or similar environment.
Strong understanding of collision and body repair processes, including labor, parts, paint, and structural repairs.
Experience using estimating software and working with insurance claims.
Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a high-volume environment.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Ability to work effectively with customers, technicians, insurance representatives, vendors, and management.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Team-oriented approach and willingness to support the overall operation.
High school diploma or GED required.
2–4 years of relevant body shop, collision repair, estimating, or related experience preferred.

Nice To Haves

Commercial truck or heavy-duty vehicle body shop experience.
Previous leadership, supervisory, assistant management, or shop coordination experience.
Experience working with commercial trucks, heavy-duty vehicles, or diesel equipment.
Familiarity with OEM repair procedures.
Experience with commercial fleet customers.
Background supporting process improvements in a body shop or service environment.
Additional technical training or certifications in collision repair, estimating, or automotive technology.

Responsibilities

Assist the Body Shop Manager with daily operations, workflow, scheduling, and performance.
Inspect damaged commercial trucks and vehicles to determine repair scope.
Prepare estimates for labor, parts, paint, body repairs, and related services.
Manage the estimating process from initial inspection through repair completion.
Coordinate technicians, parts, schedules, and repair timelines.
Review estimates and repair plans with customers, technicians, management, and other stakeholders.
Communicate with customers, insurance companies, adjusters, vendors, and other partners about estimates, approvals, and repair status.
Prepare insurance documentation, estimates, supplements, and other repair records.
Identify additional damage discovered during repairs and prepare supplemental estimates.
Track repair projects, including parts, schedules, progress, and completion dates.
Help ensure technicians have the parts, information, and resources needed to complete repairs efficiently.
Troubleshoot scheduling, parts, customer service, and operational issues.
Help maintain standards for quality, productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Assist with estimating specialized projects, including repainting, customization, conversions, and other non-standard body shop work.