Cosmetic Alloy Wheel Technician
Job Title: Cosmetic Alloy Wheel Technician
Reports to: Cosmetic Lead
Hours: 40 hours per week
Pattern: Mon - Fri
Salary: Up to £36,000 DOE
Location: Carbase Preparation Centre
About Carbase
Carbase is the South West’s largest independent pre-owned dealership group, offering a wide range of quality vehicles alongside flexible finance options and aftersales support.
As a family-run business, certified as a Great Place to Work, we’re built on a commitment to trust, transparency and delivering a great customer experience.
With multiple stores, dedicated autocentres and a preparation centre, our team works together to make buying, selling and maintaining vehicles simple, straightforward and enjoyable for our customers.
Job Description
The Cosmetic Alloy Wheel Technician is responsible for the repair, refurbishment and finishing of alloy wheels across vehicles progressing through the Carbase Preparation Centre.
The role requires the ability to complete the full alloy refurbishment process, including conventional painted repairs and CNC machine-cut wheel refurbishment, together with tyre removal, refitting and wheel balancing.
Key responsibilities include:
- Inspecting alloy wheels and determining the appropriate repair and refurbishment method.
- Identifying wheels that are damaged beyond an acceptable or safe repair standard.
- Completing repairs to kerbing, scratches, corrosion and other cosmetic wheel damage.
- Preparing alloy wheels for refinishing, including sanding and surface preparation.
- Operating CNC machinery to refurbish machine-cut alloy wheels.
- Setting up and operating CNC wheel-cutting equipment accurately and safely.
- Completing painted, polished-face and CNC machine-cut wheel finishes.
- Mixing and applying paint and refinishing products where required.
- Removing and refitting tyres without damaging refurbished wheels.
- Balancing wheels correctly following repair and tyre refitting.
- Checking tyres, valves and associated components during the process and highlighting defects where appropriate.
- Carrying out final quality inspections to ensure wheels meet Carbase preparation standards.
- Maintaining CNC equipment, tyre machines, balancing equipment and other specialist tools.
- Working efficiently to support vehicle flow through the Cosmetic Department.
- Minimising rework and material waste through accurate repair and preparation.
- Maintaining a clean, organised and safe Alloy Wheel working area.
- Following all Health & Safety, COSHH and equipment operating procedures.
- Supporting continuous improvement across the Alloy Wheel process.
Candidate Requirements
We are looking for someone with:
- Previous experience as an Alloy Wheel Technician, Wheel Refurbishment Technician or CNC Alloy Wheel Technician.
- Proven experience operating CNC wheel-refurbishment machinery.
- Experience completing conventional painted and CNC machine-cut wheel refurbishment.
- Strong understanding of alloy wheel preparation and refinishing processes.
- Experience removing and refitting tyres.
- Competence using wheel-balancing equipment.
- Good knowledge of paint preparation, colour matching and finishing techniques.
- The ability to assess whether wheels are suitable for repair.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing a high-quality finish.
- Good practical and mechanical ability.
- The ability to identify and resolve issues with refurbishment equipment or processes.
- A productive, self-motivated approach suitable for a high-volume vehicle preparation environment.
- A full UK driving licence is required.
Success in the role will be measured through wheel refurbishment quality, CNC machine-cut accuracy, right-first-time completion, productivity, reduced rework, correct tyre fitting and balancing, and efficient vehicle progression through the Alloy Wheel process.
Benefits
- 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 25 days with service.
- Recognition programmes.
- Company pension scheme.
- Staff discounts on car purchases, EV chargers and servicing.
- Health & Wellbeing support via Ben.
- Bike to Work scheme.
- Access to Money@Work financial wellbeing support.
- BHSF Health Cash Plan.