Job reference - 1676853

• Remuneration is exceptional and designed to attract a high-quality estimator

• A growth-oriented family-owned business where professionalism meets a friendly cohesive team

• Prior collision repair estimating experience is essential

Road Runner Panel and Paint is a highly respected family run business operating in Invercargill since 2010. Ari and Vince, who himself is a trade qualified Panel Beater, acquired this company in 2014.

A few years and many happy customers later a larger facility was needed to cope with growth. A wonderful, friendly, and down-to-earth culture exists in the business which has grown and thrived. This growth has led to the need to employ a full-time Estimator.

The role and its duties
A full job description is available upon request.

The Collision Repair Estimator / Repair Planner owns the technical and commercial planning of vehicle repairs from initial assessment through to production readiness.

This is a senior role within its technical discipline, with responsibility for repair methodology, repair-versus-replace decisions, estimating, insurer liaison, parts ordering, and the development of complete repair plans.
 
Assessment & Estimating

• Inspect: Alongside technicians, complete physical teardowns to uncover visible and hidden damage

• Estimate: Use PanelQuote to capture all legitimate repair costs accurately

• Evaluate: Make repair-versus-replace decisions for insurance, private, and total-loss vehicles

• Amend: Manage additional damage and process supplementary estimates

Technical Repair Planning

• Research: Document OEM procedures, structural needs, and one-time-use parts.

• Identify sublets: Detail scans, ADAS calibrations, alignments, and mechanical work.

• Pre-plan: Finalise complete repair plans early to prevent production delays.

Parts & Insurers

• Source parts: Order components with the Parts Coordinator, checking availability

• Negotiate: Submit evidence-based estimates to secure insurer scope and pricing approvals

• Partner: Build constructive, non-confrontational relationships with insurance assessors

Customer & Production Handover

• Interface: Serve as primary customer contact until production, then hand to Admin

• Handover: Deliver fully approved, production-ready jobs to the Production Manager

• Collaborate: Keep roles distinct, leaving workshop scheduling to the Production Manager

 
The skills and experience sought
This role is front and centre, not a back-office role. The Estimator/Repair Planner takes on the customer, insurer, supplier, and admin matters that would otherwise go to a Director.
 
The employer's approach to insurer relationships is important; the employer does not confront for the sake of confrontation. This said, a balanced approach and the ability to challenge decisions where appropriate is also needed.
 
The employer seeks to employ an experienced Collision Repair Estimator, Assessor, or Repair Planner who can walk in, understand the environment, and add expertise from day one.
 
A relevant automotive trade qualification (level 4 or equivalent) is required for this role e.g., panel beater or automotive refinisher with estimating experience. 
 
The rewards and work environment
Step into this expanding family-owned business where professionalism and work ethic meet down to earth values and a friendly, cohesive team.
 
Remuneration is exceptional and designed to attract a high-quality estimator to the role. For those considering relocation, discussions as to requirements may also be possible.
 
How to apply
The closing date for applications is Wednesday the 23rd of September.

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.
 
Road Runner Panel and Paint Ltd have access to all applications though enquiries and follow ups should be directed to Automotive Employment NZ.
 
A job description can be obtained by emailing keith@automotiveemployment.co.nz or russell@automotiveemployment.co.nz
 
You can also call Keith on 021 271 3202 or Russell on 027 479 0000.