Collision Repair Planner (Estimator)

Our Client

Our Client wishes to remain anonymous until the interview process begins. Shortlisted Candidates will be provided with the name of the shop during the pre-screen process, before the formal interview, to allow them the opportunity to conduct their own research and make a more informed decision as to whether or not they wish to remain in consideration.

The Opportunity

​​​​​We are seeking an experienced Collision   Repair Planner who understands that great collision repair starts with great planning—and who is excited to work collaboratively with technicians to uncover the full scope of a repair from the outset.

This is an excellent opportunity for a collision professional who wants to take greater ownership of the repair process, work alongside highly skilled technicians, and contribute to a more efficient, transparent and streamlined customer experience.

This is a full-time, on-site position located in  Courtenay, BC . Only current residents of Vancouver Island with reliable transportation to and from the Courtenay area will be considered, as relocation assistance and/or international sponsorship are not offered at this time.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique?

You won't simply write an estimate and wait for supplements to surface.

​​​ In this shop, the Repair Planner works directly alongside a Collision Repair Technician to disassemble the vehicle and identify hidden damage before the actual repair work begins. Together, they develop a comprehensive repair plan that accounts for the full scope of the repair.

This approach means:

• Hidden damage is identified up front , rather than discovered mid-repair.
• A more complete repair plan can be established before work begins.
• Technicians have the parts and information they need to move efficiently through the repair.
• Customers and insurance partners receive clearer communication about the scope of work.
• The shop minimizes delays, interruptions and the inefficiencies associated with repeated supplements.
• The Repair Planner has greater ownership of the repair from initial assessment through completion.

The role also includes end-to-end parts management. Unlike many Collision Estimator positions, this Repair Planner is responsible for ordering, receiving, verifying and inventorying the parts required for each repair project.

What's in it for You?

If you are an experienced Estimator or Repair Planner who enjoys being hands-on, collaborating with technicians and taking ownership of the entire repair plan, this could be an excellent next step in your career.

• Competitive Compensation: $75k - $80k base salary combined with a lucrative monthly productivity bonus program providing significant additional earning potential

• Monday-Friday position with REAL work/life balance. NO WEEKENDS!

• Comprehensive Benefits Program fully covered by the employer (except Disability) plus access to an RRSP program , taking care of your needs today and in the future.

• Be a part of a shop that prioritizes planning over reacting , giving you a more meaningful level of ownership over the repair process.
• Ample opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training and potential for further advancement.
• Annual Christmas bonus and regular company-sponsored team-building events.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of collision repair, excellent organizational skills and the ability to see the entire repair process—not simply the estimate.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience as a Collision Estimator, Repair Planner, Automotive Damage Appraiser or similar collision industry role .

• Strong knowledge of vehicle damage assessment and collision repair processes.

• Experience preparing accurate, detailed collision repair estimates.

• A strong understanding of parts identification, sourcing and ordering.

• The ability and willingness to work directly with a technician during vehicle disassembly.

• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to documentation.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Excellent communication and customer service abilities.

• The ability to build productive relationships with technicians, customers, insurance representatives and fleet partners.

• Strong computer and estimating-system skills.

• A commitment to quality, accuracy and continuous learning.

• I-CAR certification, or a willingness to obtain and maintain certification, is preferred.

What You'll Be Doing

Repair Planning & Estimating

• Monitor incoming repair assignments and manage the repair planning process from initial customer interaction through completion.

• Assess and identify all visible and potential vehicle damage, including unrelated damage, during the initial appointment.

• Map and photograph vehicle damage thoroughly and accurately.

• Work alongside the Collision Repair Technician during vehicle disassembly to uncover and document hidden damage before repair work begins.

• Collaborate with technicians to determine repair methodology, replacement parts and appropriate judgment times.

• Develop a comprehensive repair plan and prepare detailed estimates in accordance with insurance, fleet, company and industry standards.

Parts Management & Inventory

• Take ownership of parts requirements for each repair project from planning through installation.

• Order required OEM, aftermarket and other approved parts in accordance with the repair plan.

• Monitor parts orders and proactively address backorders, discrepancies and delays.

• Receive and inspect incoming parts to ensure they are correct, complete and undamaged.

• Verify received parts against the repair plan and purchase orders.

• Organize and inventory parts for individual repair projects to ensure technicians have what they need when they need it.

• Coordinate the return of incorrect, damaged or unused parts as required.

• Maintain accurate parts-related documentation and notes throughout the repair.

Production Coordination & Customer Service

• Communicate effectively with customers throughout the repair process and provide timely updates.

• Coordinate closely with the scheduling team and production staff to maintain an efficient workflow.

• Communicate repair plan changes and requirements clearly to technicians and management.

• Manage supplements and reconciliations when required, recognizing that the shop's comprehensive planning process is designed to minimize supplemental work.

• Update appropriate systems and maintain accurate repair documentation.

• Communicate next steps to customers following reassembly and explain the company's clean vehicle policy.

• Conduct final quality-control checks using established checklists and work with technicians to address deficiencies before delivery.

• Handle warranty claims in accordance with company procedures, maintaining ownership of the claim from start to finish.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Support technicians with research, documentation and repair information as required.

• Maintain strong working relationships with customers, insurance and fleet representatives, technicians and other members of the team.

• Participate in daily morning meetings and monthly repair planning meetings.

• Monitor and work toward established KPIs, productivity targets and quality objectives.

• Dedicate time each week to reviewing updates to insurance and fleet policies and procedures.

• Maintain I-CAR certification and participate in ongoing training and professional development.

• Assist other Repair Planners and support overall shop workflow when required.

• Ensure estimates and documentation are complete, accurate and supported by photographs and appropriate documentation.

• Prepare detailed technician packs to clearly communicate the repair plan to the production team.

• Educate customers on the repair process, timelines and next steps.

• Provide separate estimates for unrelated damage when applicable and identify opportunities to upsell appropriate repairs.

Sound exciting? 
Submit your application today - we'd love to hear from you!

Please note that Cormack Recruitment utilizes CoRecruit, an AI note-taking system, when facilitating pre-screen conversations and formal interviews. No other AI applications are used in the screening of Candidates at any time.