Qualified Panelbeater

Job Description: Qualified PanelbeaterPosition

Qualified Panelbeater / Automotive Body Repair Technician

Job Purpose

The Qualified Panelbeater is responsible for repairing and restoring damaged motor vehicle bodywork to the manufacturer’s specifications and required quality standards. The role involves assessing accident damage, carrying out structural and cosmetic repairs, replacing damaged panels and components, and ensuring that repaired vehicles are safe, properly aligned, and ready for finishing.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect vehicles to assess the extent of body and structural damage.
• Identify damaged, bent, dented, or misaligned body panels and components.
• Strip vehicles and remove damaged panels, fittings, trim, and components as required.
• Repair, straighten, reshape, and replace damaged body panels.
• Perform cutting, welding, grinding, and other metalwork using appropriate tools and equipment.
• Carry out chassis and body alignment where required.
• Fit and align replacement panels, doors, bonnets, fenders, bumpers, and other body components.
• Ensure correct panel gaps, body lines, and overall vehicle alignment.
• Repair minor plastic and composite components where applicable.
• Work according to manufacturer repair procedures and workshop specifications.
• Use workshop equipment and tools safely and correctly.
• Conduct quality checks on completed repairs before the vehicle is sent for preparation and painting.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised work area.
• Report additional damage or repair requirements to the supervisor or estimator.
• Complete repairs within agreed timeframes and productivity targets.
• Follow all workplace health and safety procedures.

Minimum Requirements

• Qualified/Trade Tested Panelbeater.
• Relevant automotive body repair qualification or equivalent recognised trade qualification.
• Previous experience in an automotive body repair or accident repair environment.
• Knowledge of vehicle body construction and repair techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret repair instructions and technical information.
• Experience with welding, panel beating, body alignment, and panel replacement.
• Ability to use panelbeating tools, measuring equipment, welding equipment, and workshop machinery.
• Valid driver's licence would be advantageous.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent workmanship and quality awareness.
• Good mechanical and technical aptitude.
• Ability to accurately assess vehicle damage.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Commitment to workplace safety.
• Professional attitude and reliability.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy workshop environment.

Key Performance Areas

• Quality and accuracy of repairs.
• Compliance with manufacturer and company repair standards.
• Productivity and turnaround times.
• Correct use and care of tools and equipment.
• Minimising rework and repair defects.
• Compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Customer and workshop satisfaction.

Working Conditions

The position is based in an automotive body repair workshop and may involve standing for extended periods, working with tools and machinery, handling vehicle components, and exposure to noise, dust, welding fumes, and workshop chemicals. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Workshop Manager / Panel Shop Manager

Employment Type

Full-time, subject to the company's employment requirements and applicable labour legislation.

Pay: Up to R2 500,00 per week

Work Location: In person