Damage Manager

Job Title: Damage Manager
Location: Poole  
Salary: upto £40,000 per year
Role: Permanent – Full time
 
Are you an experienced people manager with a background in vehicle damage, claims, fleet operations or insurance? Do you thrive on balancing commercial outcomes with excellent customer service? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
 
Our client is seeking a proactive and commercially minded Damage Manager to take ownership of their vehicle damage function and lead a high-performing team. Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will oversee the complete damage lifecycle, ensuring fair, evidence-based assessments while protecting customer relationships and maximising cost recovery.
 
This is a leadership role with genuine influence, where you'll have the autonomy to improve processes, drive operational performance and make a tangible impact on the wider business.
 
Key Responsibilities:

Managing the full vehicle damage process from assessment through to recovery and case closure
Leading, developing and motivating a team, ensuring consistently high standards of service and performance
Overseeing end-of-hire damage assessments and ensuring all supporting evidence is robust, accurate and defensible
Managing escalated, complex and disputed damage cases
Driving uninsured loss recovery and damage claim resolution
Coordinating repairs through external suppliers and repair networks
Monitoring supplier performance, challenging standards where necessary and improving turnaround times
Producing management reports covering recovery rates, damage trends and financial performance
Identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiencies and customer outcomes
Maintaining compliance with company policies, procedures and quality standards 
What We’re Looking For:

Previous management experience within fleet, rental, insurance, automotive or claims environments
Strong understanding of vehicle damage, repair processes, claims handling or cost recovery
Experience managing supplier relationships, repair networks or bodyshop providers
Strong commercial awareness and sound decision-making skills
Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
Ability to manage difficult conversations whilst maintaining positive customer relationships
Strong analytical skills and confidence working with data and reporting
High attention to detail and a solutions-focused mindset
A proactive leader who takes ownership and drives continuous improvement 
The Ideal Candidate Will Be:

Commercially astute and customer-focused
Calm, professional and confident under pressure
A strong people leader who enjoys developing others
Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
Resilient, decisive and accountable
Motivated by achieving results whilst delivering a positive customer experience
Passionate about improving processes and driving operational excellence 
What's In It For You?

Opportunity to lead a key operational function
Direct exposure to senior leadership and decision making
Stable and growing business environment
Genuine opportunity to influence change and improve performance
Supportive and collaborative culture 
Commutable Locations: Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne, Blandford Forum, Ringwood, Ferndown, Wareham
 
If you're an experienced Damage Manager, Claims Team Leader, Fleet Claims Manager, Vehicle Damage Controller or similar professional looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
 
This role is handled by McCarthy Recruitment, an award‑winning multi‑sector recruiter. We believe that you matter and care about unlocking your full potential.
Work with us to find your perfect role and start your journey today.
 
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The Legal Bit:
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying for this role, you are explicitly consenting for McCarthy Recruitment to hold and process your data in compliance with GDPR