The service manager keeps a dealership's service department profitable, builds lasting relationships with customers and leads the people who fix the cars. If you work in automotive service and want to move up, this is what the job asks of you.
At a glance
| Role | Runs the service department: staff, budget, inventory and customer care |
|---|---|
| Experience | At least 1–2 years managing a service department or working in automotive service |
| Education | A bachelor's degree is not always required; coursework in automotive technology or business management helps |
| Certifications | Automotive management programs, general management certificates, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence credentials |
What the job involves
A service manager has two sides to the job. One is the team: hiring, interviewing candidates, motivating staff and making sure new people get the training and equipment they need. The other is the customer: building connections that bring people back and sorting out concerns or mistakes when they happen.
Typical duties
- Tracking spending against the yearly budget, fixing budget problems and cutting costs when needed
- Keeping track of parts, tools and vehicle inventory and placing orders so the shop keeps running
- Keeping records current, from customer data and repairs to manufacturer documents such as warranties
- Running a safe workplace that meets OSHA standards and local, state and federal rules
- Following the manufacturer's policies and working with its leadership
- Hiring, training and mentoring staff and keeping morale up
- Listening to complaints and requests and putting things right for the customer
Skills that matter
- Reading technical and financial documents, including safety rules you will have to put into practice.
- Business math for budgets, inventory and performance numbers. Software does most of the work, but you need to check the data and catch errors.
- People skills, because the job faces both customers and staff.
- Problem solving for service plans, parts shortages and unhappy customers.
- Juggling a changing schedule while leading by example on service and productivity.
How to get there
- Build service experience. Employers value at least 1–2 years in automotive service or managing a service department. Some dealerships accept substantial full-time management experience in place of formal education.
- Add relevant study. Not every employer asks for a bachelor's degree, but courses in automotive technology or business management strengthen an application.
- Earn certifications. Options include automotive management training programs, general management certificates and credentials from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
- Show you can lead. A record of training and helping teammates, improving processes and watching results prepares you to hire and develop technicians of your own.
Is it right for you?
The job fits someone who knows the shop, is comfortable with budgets and paperwork, and enjoys solving problems for both customers and coworkers. If you like variety and responsibility, it is a strong next step after a service advisor or assistant manager role.
Looking for a job in the car business?
See the open positions at Kendall FL Auto, including service roles, and apply online.