Panel Technician | Circa £40,000 + excellent benefits | Permanent | On-site

(Internal job title: Panel Specialist)

The future of automotive collision repair is evolving. As the technologies used in automotive body repair advance, we play an industry leading role in re-shaping vehicle repair data in the UK. Want to be involved? Come and join us as a Panel Specialist working in our state-of-the-art Research Technology Centre (RTC).

Working at the forefront of automotive repair, and with the very latest automotive designs and technologies, you’ll be responsible for applying your panel repair expertise to conduct research that delivers risk management and vehicle repair data that influences safe, cost-effective repair for our member insurers and commercial customers.

If you have a passion for the automotive industry, coupled with hands-on experience as a Panel Technician and are excited by the prospect of working with cutting edge, new vehicle technology then this could be the role for you!

As a Panel Specialist, you will:

• Conduct research to develop safe and cost-effective body repair methodologies for vehicles.

• Provide risk management information to member insurers by leveraging your panel expertise to assess vehicle repairs.

• Utilise practical panel skills, including body component removal and refitting, chassis alignment, and hot/cold joining techniques, to contribute to repair research projects for insurers and commercial clients.

• Identify and apply established technologies and methods for comprehensive vehicle panel repair.

• Create body repair manuals for global vehicle manufacturers.

Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:

• Previous experience in the motor vehicle repair industry.

• Proficiency in executing all aspects of panel body repair processes based on existing knowledge and experience.

• Familiarity with joining technologies in vehicle body construction, such as hot/cold repairs, rivet and bonding techniques, and carbon/composite constructions.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Recognised motor vehicle certification (e.g., City & Guilds, NVQ, ATA) would be advantageous.

Why Thatcham Research?

Join a purpose-driven organisation at the forefront of automotive and insurance innovation. You’ll work with passionate experts, contribute to industry-shaping initiatives, and help deliver real value to our Members and Customers.

Did you know...

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

Perks & Benefits

Salary - Circa £40,000 dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non-contributory pension

• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays

• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)

• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)

• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)

• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure

• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform

• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)

• Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)

• Reward & Recognition Programme

• Discounted gym membership

• Sports & Social club

• Payroll charitable giving

• Subsidised on-site restaurant

• Free on-site parking

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work-life balance seriously!)

How we work

This role is based on-site in Thatcham, working in our Repair Technology Centre (RTC).

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our partnerships with the Automotive 30% Club and Women in Data (WiD), we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application

• An initial telephone screening call with our Recruitment Business Partner

• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams

• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)

• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!

• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

We’re committed to removing barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.

If you're experiencing any issues with our career site or application from, please let us know here: careers@thatcham.org ⁠