Assistant Body Shop Manager​/Estimator

Job Overview:
Our Cedar Rapids client, [type of business], is seeking an experienced Assistant Body Shop Manager / Estimator to join a high-volume commercial truck body shop. This role offers the opportunity to combine hands-on estimating expertise with broader operational and leadership responsibilities.

You will support the Body Shop Manager with daily shop operations while managing the estimating process from initial inspection through repair completion. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, customer-focused, and comfortable managing multiple commercial truck repair projects in a fast-paced environment.

This is a Direct Hire role.

What you will be doing as a Assistant Body Shop Manager / Estimator…

• Assist the Body Shop Manager with daily operations, workflow, scheduling, and performance.
• Inspect damaged commercial trucks and vehicles to determine the scope of repairs.
• Prepare accurate 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 to keep projects moving.
• Review estimates and repair plans with customers, technicians, management, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate with customers, insurance companies, adjusters, vendors, and other partners regarding estimates, approvals, and repair status.
• Prepare insurance documentation, estimates, supplements, and other repair records.
• Identify additional damage discovered during repairs and prepare supplemental estimates as needed.
• Track multiple repair projects, including parts, schedules, repair 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 as they arise.
• Help maintain high standards for quality, productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Assist with estimating specialized projects, including repainting, customization, conversions, and other non-standard body shop work.

Skills you ideally bring to the table as a Assistant Body Shop Manager / Estimator…

• Proven experience in body shop estimating, preferably within 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 with a willingness to step in and support the overall operation.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2–4 years of relevant body shop, collision repair, estimating, or related experience preferred.
• Commercial truck or heavy‑duty vehicle body shop experience highly desirable.

• 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.