Assistant Branch Manager
- Posted14 September 2026
- LocationPalmerston North City
- Job type Permanent
- Discipline Panel and Paint Estimator , Automotive
- Reference1681888
Job description
Job reference - 1681888
Collision repair industry role with six-figure salary + further benefits
Light or heavy automotive collision repair estimating experience is required
Key leadership role supporting the team, customers, and Manawatu branch success
About Royans
Join a genuinely family-owned business with an 80-year heritage.
Royans Transport Accident Repairs has been a trusted name in heavy commercial vehicle repairs since 1944. With 650+ employees across 27 branches in New Zealand and Australia, Royans remains proudly family owned.
Royans expanded internationally into New Zealand in 2020 and has since grown to six sites across the North and South Islands.
Their family business culture creates a supportive, friendly environment where people are genuinely valued. Long employee tenures are testament to this - because at Royans, you don't just take a job, you build a career you'll love.
About the role
A full job description is available upon request.
Reporting to the Branch Manager, the Assistant Branch Manager plays a key role in the safe, efficient and effective operation of the Manawatu branch.
At the heart of the role is preparing accurate, timely quotes and maintaining close communication with vehicle owners, insurers, and assessors throughout each job, ensuring work is completed safely, on time, and to first-class quality.
Key responsibilities:
Supporting the Branch Manager, you will contribute to:
Leadership that drives a positive, safety-first workplace culture
Recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training of branch staff
Managing employee performance, conduct, and leave balances
Ensuring compliance with people & safety company policies
Building and growing the customer base, as well as liaising with customers, assessors, and tow operators
Driving turnover and profit in line with annual budget targets
Invoicing insurance companies within required timeframes
In your estimating and coordination capacity, you will be responsible for:
Building strong customer relationships through professional customer contact and preparation of accurate quotes, including on-site, off-site, and phone quotes
Maintain accurate record-keeping and job management tracking, including photos, adjustments and documentation to provide clear visibility of the repair progress, customer requirements and agreed commitments
Working collaboratively with insurers and assessors to facilitate timely assessments, quote approval and updates on any additional work that may be required
Coordinating key repair requirements including parts orders, pre-accident market values, towing and salvage requirements to minimise delays and keep repairs progressing
Reviewing jobs in progress and assist leading production meetings with the Workshop team to ensure repairs are progressing efficiently and customer expectations are being met
Ensuring a high-quality customer outcome through final quality checks on completed repairs prior to delivery
The skills and experience sought
Extensive experience in the heavy or light automotive collision repair industry
Leadership and employee management experience
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with tact and professionalism
A growth mindset and continuous improvement approach
Excellent time management and the ability to prioritise competing demands
The challenge and rewards
This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a senior, six-figure leadership role with a genuinely family-owned company that invests in its people.
A drive for growth that provides real scope to further develop your career. Live the Royans values and lead by example in everything you do.
Additional benefits will be discussed at time of application.
How to apply
The closing date for applications is Monday the 5th of October.
Click the apply now section and upload your resume.
Your application will be automatically acknowledged at the time of application and again at the commencement of processing.
Royans have access to all applications though enquiries and follow ups should be directed to Automotive Employment NZ.
You can also contact Keith Naude 021 271 3202 / keith@automotiveemployment.co.nz or Russell Phillips 027 479 0000 / russell@automotiveemployment.co.nz directly for a confidential discussion.