Damage Manager

Job Title: Damage Manager

Location: Poole

Salary: upto £40,000 per year

Role: Permanent – Full time

Please make an application promptly if you are a good match for this role due to high levels of interest.

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. xwzovoh

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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.