Cosmetic Paint Polisher / Finisher
Job Title: Cosmetic Paint Polisher / Finisher
Reports to: Cosmetic Bodyshop Manager / Supervisor
Hours: 40 hours per week
Pattern: Mon - Fri
Salary: Up to £32,000 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 Paint Polisher / Finisher is responsible for completing the final finishing stages of cosmetic and Bodyshop repairs, ensuring vehicles achieve the required Carbase retail standard before progressing through Prep.
Working at the end of the paint and repair process, you will remove minor paint imperfections, polish and refine repaired panels and ensure vehicles are presented to a consistently high standard.
Key responsibilities include:
- Machine polishing repaired and refinished vehicle panels.
- Removing minor paint defects including flatting marks, dust nibs, light scratches, holograms and surface imperfections.
- Wet and dry sanding / flatting where required prior to final polishing.
- Refining paint finishes to achieve the required gloss, clarity and consistency.
- Carrying out minor touch-ins and finishing work where appropriate.
- Inspecting completed paintwork and identifying defects requiring further rectification.
- Working closely with Paint Technicians, SMART Repair and Bodyshop colleagues to achieve right-first-time quality.
- Ensuring repaired areas blend consistently with surrounding panels.
- Supporting final vehicle presentation and preparation standards.
- Prioritising work in line with vehicle flow and Prep Centre requirements.
- Maintaining polishing machines, tools and equipment in good working condition.
- Using compounds, polishes and finishing products correctly and efficiently.
- Maintaining a clean, organised and safe working area.
- Following all Health & Safety, COSHH and Prep Centre procedures.
- Supporting the wider Cosmetic team where required to maintain vehicle throughput.
Candidate Requirements
We are looking for someone with:
- Previous experience as a Vehicle Polisher, Paint Finisher, Bodyshop Polisher or similar automotive role.
- Strong knowledge of automotive paint finishing and polishing techniques.
- Experience using rotary and/or dual-action polishing equipment.
- Experience with flatting, sanding and paint defect removal.
- Excellent attention to detail and a strong eye for paint finish and surface defects.
- The ability to identify when additional paint or Bodyshop rectification is required.
- A quality-focused approach while working efficiently within a high-volume environment.
- Good understanding of polishing compounds, pads and finishing products.
- The ability to work independently and as part of the wider Cosmetic Bodyshop team.
- Previous experience within a vehicle preparation centre, Bodyshop or accident repair environment is desirable.
- A full UK driving licence is required.
Success in the role will be measured through finish quality, right-first-time completion, reduced paint rectification, vehicle turnaround time and the consistent presentation of vehicles to Carbase retail standards.
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.