Panel Shop Receptionist

Job Purpose

The Panel Shop Receptionist provides professional front-desk support, assists customers throughout the vehicle-repair process, and ensures that job cards, quotations, repair estimates and administrative records are completed accurately and promptly.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome customers and provide professional front-desk assistance.
• Handle walk-in customer queries and resolve account-related issues efficiently.
• Answer telephone calls, respond to emails and direct enquiries appropriately.
• Create and manage job cards accurately within a panel shop environment.
• Prepare accurate quotations and repair estimates—this is an essential requirement.
• Capture customer, vehicle, insurance and repair information correctly.
• Schedule vehicle assessments, repairs, collections and customer appointments.
• Keep customers informed about repair progress, completion dates and delays.
• Liaise with estimators, workshop staff, suppliers, insurance companies and assessors.
• Obtain the necessary customer or insurer authorisation before repairs begin.
• Process invoices, payments and account enquiries where required.
• Follow up on outstanding quotations, approvals, payments and documentation.
• Maintain organised electronic and paper records.
• Assist the Panel Shop Manager with general administrative duties.

Essential Requirements

• Matric or an equivalent qualification.
• Previous experience in a panel shop, motor-body repair centre or similar automotive repair environment is essential.
• Proven experience preparing quotations and repair estimates.
• Experience creating and managing panel shop job cards.
• Basic knowledge of vehicle body repairs, parts, labour and repair processes.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and relevant panel shop or estimating software.
• Strong numerical ability and excellent attention to detail.
• Must be willing and able to commute reliably to Parow.
• Candidates living in Parow or nearby areas will be preferred for practical commuting purposes.
• Must be available to work Monday to Friday and occasional Saturdays when required.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional telephone manner and strong customer-service skills.
• Strong administrative and organisational abilities.
• Ability to manage customer complaints calmly and professionally.
• Accurate data-capturing and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work effectively under pressure.
• Good problem-solving and account-query resolution skills.
• Honest, reliable, punctual and presentable.

Work Location: In person