We are currently seeking a Smart Repair Technician to join the sales team at our Internal Preparation Centre, Harlow.

Our Harlow Preparation Centre plays a key role in ensuring every vehicle leaves in first-class, showroom-ready condition. We're looking for an experienced Smart Repair Technician to join our team at the Harlow Preparation Centre. You'll be responsible for carrying out high-quality cosmetic repairs to bodywork, paintwork and alloy wheels, ensuring every vehicle meets our exacting presentation standards before it reaches the forecourt. You will be operating in our recently renovated and newly equipped cosmetic repair environment, including dual smart repair booth, alloy wheel spray out unit and diamond cut wheel lathe.

This is a full-time permanent role, where you will be working 42.5 hours a week Mon-Fri, with a competitive basic salary plus a bonus scheme (£41k OTE) and opportunities for Saturday overtime for those who wish to work additional hours.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out SMART repairs on minor scuffs, scratches, stone chips, and paint blemishes across bodywork panels and bumpers.

• Refurbish and repair alloy wheels, including diamond-cut, painted, and machined finishes.

• Repair and recolour interior and exterior trim, including bumpers and plastic components.

• Colour-match and blend paint accurately across a range of manufacturer finishes.

• Inspect incoming vehicles to identify repair requirements and assess feasibility of SMART repair versus a full bodyshop referral.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised work area in line with health and safety standards.

• Keep tools, spray equipment, and consumables in good working order, reporting any equipment issues promptly.

• Accurately record completed work, materials used, and time taken for job costing and quality tracking.

• Work closely with the Preparation Centre team, valeters, and management to keep vehicles moving through the site efficiently.

• Maintain consistently high standards of workmanship and attention to detail on every vehicle.

• Assist the wider cosmetic team in the preparation of repairs ready for spraying.

• Adhere to strict Health and safety guidelines at all times.

• Ongoing training will be provided.

Minimum Requirements:

• Proven experience as a SMART repair technician, ideally within a dealership, prep centre, or bodyshop environment.

• Relevant IMI/ATA qualification (e.g. NVQ/City & Guilds in Vehicle Body Repair, or equivalent SMART repair certification) is desirable.

• Skilled in paint spraying, colour matching, and blending techniques.

• Strong eye for detail and a genuine pride in delivering a high-quality finish.

• Able to work efficiently and manage your own workload to meet daily targets.

• A full, valid UK driving licence is required.

• Own tools preferred (though core equipment is provided on site).

• A team player with a positive, reliable attitude.

Working Hours: 42.5 hrs per week, (Monday - Friday, periodic overtime).

Salary: Competitive basic salary plus a bonus scheme (£41k OTE)

Benefits: 25 Days Holiday Allowance, Company Pension Scheme, Staff Discount on Vehicles and Servicing, Career Development

Gates are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability or other characteristics. Our hiring decisions are made using an unbiased approach and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and candidates to feel welcome.

Reasonable adjustments: All interviews assess the skills of the job itself and should not put you at a disadvantage of your disability/condition. If you require reasonable adjustment, please let us know so we can accommodate you. To do this, please include your reasonable adjustment requirements during the application stage or contact the person who offered you an interview. You do not have to disclose your condition when you are applying for a role with us. The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on their ability to do daily activities.