Julian Rataj

Experience

• 

  Norton Way Motors Ltd

  Jun 2007 - Jul 2010

  • Carry out detailed vehicle assessments for customers and insurance companies• Building and maintaining good relationships with new and current clients • Agreeing repair methods and figures with engineers.•Ensuring that repairs methods were correct, safe and the most economical option.• Dealing with Honda, Mazda and Peugeot warranty claims and liaising with U.K. Head offices.• Invoicing customers and insurance companies ensuring that files were correct and figures in line.

  • Vehicle Damage Assessor

    Nov 2008 - Jul 2010

  • Body Repair Technician / Panelbeater

    Jun 2007 - Jul 2010
• 

  VMS (Fleet Management) Ltd

  Jul 2010 - now

  Operations Director | VMS Automotive GroupAs Operations Director at VMS Automotive Group, I lead the entire operations centre, focusing on driving efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering top-tier service across all operational functions. My role involves overseeing the strategic management of our fleet and customer operations, while continually improving processes to support the growth and success of the organization.• Strategic Operations Leadership: Oversee all aspects of operations, ensuring seamless coordination and execution of key business functions. Lead initiatives to optimize operational performance and align efforts with company objectives.• Process Optimization & Efficiency: Spearhead efforts to enhance operational efficiency, streamline workflows, and implement best practices that reduce costs and improve service delivery across the board.• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements, mitigating risks and ensuring that operations meet the highest standards of compliance and safety.• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to support the overall strategy of the business, providing operational insights and leading initiatives that drive continuous improvement and innovation.• Leadership & Team Development: Lead and mentor a diverse team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration throughout the operations centre.In this role, I am dedicated to building a high-performing operation that drives efficiency, supports growth, and contributes to the continued success of VMS Automotive Group. Show less Operations Manager responsible for Accident Management Department, Dedicated single fleet team, Total Loss team and defleet damages.• Overseeing accident management function for 5,000+ owned fleet and client outsourced fleet.• Handling and management of all total loss claims for the business and liaising with insurers and clients to ensure settlements are agreed swiftly in order to minimize claim cycle times.• Handling of insurance and total loss claims for all Group companies.• Direct responsibility for VMS's first dedicated single fleet team for one of VMS's largest single fleets, managing all fleet aspects including accident, maintenance, compliance, total losses, VOR, recall campaigns, client/supplier relationship etc.• Reporting into and working alongside Operations Director, aiding all areas of VMS Fleet Management where required as well as other group businesses.• Overseeing all accident damage engineering functions within the business, with the Claims Manager and Motor Engineers reporting directly into Operations manager.• Overseeing management of the VMS Accident Repair network, ensuring repairer compliance and maintenance of good working relationships. Show less Claims manager looking after claims team and clients, managing high profile claims, liaising with Insurers, police, local authorities and clients where required.•Reporting into operations director on departmental performance.•Liaising with clients, insurers, brokers and claims handlers on high cost or high level PR claims and incidents ensuring these are dealt with correctly.•Producing reports on productivity of department and individuals.•Reporting into Managing Director on projects throughout different areas of the business in respect of vehicle damages and recharges.•Reporting into clients on monthly, quarterly and yearly spends. Show less

  • Operations Director

    Sept 2024 - now

  • Senior Operations Manager

    Jul 2023 - Sept 2024

  • Operations Manager

    Jun 2021 - Aug 2023

  • Claims Manager

    Jan 2015 - Jul 2021

  • Engineering Manager

    Jun 2011 - Jan 2015

  • Motor Claims Engineer

    Jul 2010 - Jan 2015