Operations Manager, Panel Beating and Refinishing (Business Development Focus)

About the role

Spray Technology Panel and Paint is a new, fully equipped panel beating and refinishing workshop in Pietermaritzburg. We repair light, commercial and heavy-duty vehicles and we are looking for an experienced Operations Manager who can run a busy workshop.

If you know the Pietermaritzburg motor trade and want to be part of a great team this role is for you.

Your main focus: growing the business

• Win new fleet, corporate, individual and dealer accounts.
• Build strong relationships with insurance brokers, assessors and tow operators to bring repairs to the shop.
• Lead our insurer accreditation applications and keep the workshop ready for audits.
• Quote competitively, follow up every lead and convert enquiries into jobs.
• Set and track monthly sales targets and report pipeline, conversion and return on marketing spend.
• Build our online reputation through customer feedback and Google reviews.

Running the workshop

• Complete jobs on the planned dates and fully utilize use bays and technicians.
• Protect gross profit by controlling labour, paint and parts costs.
• Manage paint and parts stock so jobs are not held up.
• Deliver high first-time quality with little to no rework.
• Lead, coach and keep a stable team of admin, panel beaters, filers and painters and uphold health and safety and industry compliance.
• Keep equipment (spray booths, chassis straightener and welders) clean, well maintained and improve our processes continuously.

Performance bonus

On top of your salary you can earn a bonus that rewards new business and a healthy workshop:

• New business commission: 2% of the revenue from every new fleet, corporate, broker or dealer account you secure for the first 12 months of that account. Paid quarterly.
• Quarterly performance bonus: up to R5,000 a quarter, based on three targets: gross profit margin, jobs finished on the planned date and customer satisfaction with few repairs redone.
• Qualifying conditions: bonuses are paid only when the workshop meets its minimum gross profit target for the quarter and the accounts are paid in full.
• Full terms will be set out in your employment contract.

About you

• Proven experience managing or running a panel beating or automotive repair workshop.
• A track record of bringing in new business such as insurer, broker or fleet relationships.
• Good knowledge of the Pietermaritzburg and KZN motor industry and its contacts.
• Commercially minded with a good understanding of costing, margins and quoting.
• Strong people skills, hands-on and quality-focused.
• Computer literate, and comfortable with quoting and estimating software and reporting.
• Valid driver’s licence and your own transport (for client visits).
• Matric required; a trade or management qualification is an advantage.

What we offer

• Salary of R35,000 to R45,000 a month, depending on experience, plus the performance bonus.
• A chance to help build a new business from the start, with clear accountability and room to grow.
• Modern workshop equipment and a supportive ownership team.

How to apply
Send your CV and a short note on the new business you have won in the past to [email address] or apply through Indeed by 27 October 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Pay: R35 000,00 - R45 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person