Estimator

Position Summary 

Summit Body has served the commercial truck and transportation industry in Portland for over 35 years building and mounting dry vans, flatbeds, and refrigerated vans. In 2021, Summit acquired the Seattle-area service center, formerly National Truck & Paint Specialists. Summit’s Seattle location has similarly been servicing commercial truck and transportation industry in the greater Seattle area since 1978, repairing and refinishing all makes and models of medium, heavy duty, specialty, and fleet vehicles. 

The Estimator is responsible for assessing and estimating the cost of repairs for commercial vehicles involved in collisions, as well as upfitting and complete paint operations. This role involves evaluating vehicle damage, preparing detailed repair estimates, and working closing with insurance adjusters, repair technicians, and customer to ensure accurate and timely repairs. This role is critical in developing and maintaining valuable customer relationships.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Damage Assessment: Inspect and evaluate the extent of damage to commercial vehicles involved in collisions. Identify and document all necessary repairs and parts required. Inspections to be on-site and mobile.  
• Estimate Preparation: Prepare detailed and accurate repair estimates (15 weekly) using industry-standard software and tools. Include labor, parts, and additional costs as needed. Take required photos at the time of estimate.  
• Customer Communication: Communicate with vehicle owners, fleet managers, and insurance adjusters to explain the repair process, provide cost estimates, and address any questions or concerns. 
• Insurance Liaison: Work closely with insurance companies to facilitate the claims process. Provide necessary documentation and negotiate repair costs as required. 
• Repair Coordination: Collaborate with the Service Supervisor and vendors to ensure that repairs are completed according to estimates and within agreed-upon timeframes. Coordinate supplementals with customer, vendors, and the Service Supervisor.  
• Quality Control: Ensure that all repairs meet industry standards and customer expectations. Conduct follow-up inspections as needed to verify the quality of work. 
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of estimates, repairs, and communications following established processes. Update and manage files related to each repair job. 
• Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service throughout the repair process. Address and resolve any issues or concerns that may arise, ensuring complete customer satisfaction from start to finish. Conduct follow-up after the repair process to ensure the customer is satisfied with the results and address any lingering issues. 
• Continuous Improvement: Continuously review and refine estimating processes to improve accuracy and turnaround time. Ensure that all estimates comply with company policies, industry regulations, and customer expectations. Develop and implement strategic approaches to mobile estimating that improve efficiency and reduce time spent on each estimate. Regularly review completed jobs to identify areas for process improvement, leveraging feedback to refine estimating strategies. 

Qualifications 

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a collision estimator or in a related role, preferably in the commercial vehicle industry. 
• In-depth knowledge of vehicle repair processes, parts, and labor costs. Familiarity with industry-standard estimating software (e.g., CCC ONE, Mitchell, Audatex). 
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively with customers, insurance adjusters, and repair technicians. 
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and repair projects simultaneously, keeping all records, parts, and schedules organized. 
• High level of accuracy and detail in estimating repairs, understanding vehicle components, and assessing damage. 
• Proficiency in using computer software and tools for estimating and record-keeping. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ERP systems.  
• High school diploma or equivalent in combination with relevant industry experience. 
• Relevant certifications (e.g., I-CAR) are preferred but not required. 
• Must pass pre-employment drug test and annual random retesting. 
• Must have own transportation and valid driver’s license. 

Work Environment 

Significant portion of the work will be performed in the field, conducting mobile estimates at customer locations. Office-based work will be required for finalizing estimates, coordinating repairs, and administrative duties. The role requires some physical activity, including inspecting damaged vehicles and conducting on-site assessments. 

Compensation 

Salary range of $70K - 90K/year DOE, health/dental/life insurance, paid vacation, 401K plan and ESOP participation.   

Summit Body & Equipment is an equal opportunity employer. Nothing in the job description guarantees employment and/or restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.