Body Damage Manager

Avis Budget Group • St. Louis, MO

10d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Body Damage Manager to lead the vehicle damage repair function for the City/District. This role is responsible for driving operational performance, managing vendor repair relationships, controlling repair costs, and ensuring vehicles are repaired efficiently to maximize fleet availability and quality standards. The ideal candidate brings strong collision repair knowledge, financial discipline, and the ability to lead a high-performing team in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• High School diploma required; 2–4 year college degree preferred (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Minimum of 2–4 years management experience in automotive service, rental car, fleet operations, or collision repair
• Demonstrated experience writing and reviewing automotive damage estimates
• Strong knowledge of collision repair processes and repair cost controls
• Proven vendor negotiation and body shop management experience
• Financial acumen with the ability to manage repair budgets and key performance indicators
• Strong organizational, investigative, and problem-solving skills
• Proven leadership and talent development capability
• Valid driver’s license required
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends as business needs require
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and oversee multiple operational work areas
• This position requires regular, on-site presence and cannot be performed remotely

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and communicate operating plans to optimize vehicle damage repair and reconditioning processes
• Direct and oversee automotive damage appraisals, repair estimates, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Determine and validate damage repair estimated labor hours and ensure optimal sourcing of repair parts
• Minimize damage estimate processing time, body shop cycle time, and on-lot repair turnaround to improve fleet utilization
• Manage performance against key metrics including cost per estimate, vendor cycle time, overdue idle vehicles, venue quality average grade, and overall repair expense control
• Select, negotiate, and manage body shop partnerships to ensure pricing, service levels, and quality standards are consistently achieved
• Conduct vendor audits, monitor service level agreements, and maintain up-to-date vendor insurance documentation
• Ensure proper use of purchase orders, timely invoice submission, and compliance with vendor management policies
• Conduct regular damage writer reviews and audits to ensure estimate accuracy, consistency, and adherence to guidelines
• Assess daily damage inventory to prioritize vehicles for repair, salvage, or alternative action in alignment with business needs
• Partner with Service and Parts leadership to coordinate vehicle flow and reduce percent out of service
• At bussing locations, oversee the damage repair process for buses within the operation
• Lead hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, recognition, and performance management of damage writers and support staff
• Manage all employee relations matters in partnership with Human Resources, ensuring fair and consistent policy application
• Maintain a safe work environment by ensuring all safety standards and company policies are followed
• Perform additional duties as directed by management

Benefits

• Access to Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance
• Eligible to elect other voluntary benefits including: Group Auto Insurance, Group Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, Identity Theft Protection, FSA, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and additional life insurance coverages
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company matched contributions
• Full training to learn the business and enhance professional skills
• Employee discounts, including discounted prices on the purchase of Avis/Budget cars
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for services including counseling, financial and legal consultation, referrals for care service and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED