What An Automotive Service Managers Does For The Dealership

An automotive service manager is an important part of a business. They act as a liaison between the customers and service men and are the main line of customer service support there. There are many other duties they perform to help your business run smoothly.

They will hire for their own department and it is important to choose staff that will make your department run well. They are also responsible for making sure the policies and quality of the dealership is met in the department. They are the ones that must train the employees and do evaluations for them.

The goals and objectives of the department are set by these managers and it is up to them to make sure that all the employees are meeting them. This means they set an annual operating budget for their department that includes overtime, profit and loss, and turnover costs. This covers marketing and a business plan to maintain repeat business through coupons, merchandising, and specials at the department.

Attending classes to stay current with changing automotive industry technologies is part of the job as well. They will be the one scheduling the classes that are offered through the car manufactures. They may be required to attend furthering education classes or seminars, and will include any policy changes at the dealership. They must be able to recognize problems in their department and be able to offer a solution to them.

It is also the automotive service manager’s responsibility to stay on top of warranties and recalls offered by the manufacture. They will be required to send the warranty work in for payment and will be held accountable for write-offs to the department for failure to comply with the information. They also are the link between the factory representative and the dealership, and may be required to attend meetings and conferences to further this relationship.

The main duty for them day to day is with customer complaints and service. They have to develop and utilize a plan to ensure customers return, which often will include compromising within company policy for a resolution to make the customer happy. They must also be able to bring in new customers and provide a level of service to make them turn into repeat customers.

Many places do require a four year degree in Business Administration or with a tech field, and some will accept extensive experience in lieu of one. They do require 5 years experience in the automotive industry as well, and many prefer to have an ASE, or Automotive Service Excellence, certification for the job. The right candidate is important to the position, and a strong base in customer service is also a must.

An automotive service manager annually can earn $55,000.00 or more a year. The automotive service managers salary is dependent on the location and size of the business, as well as the experience of the candidate. It is fairly secure, as this position is integral to making profits for the company since the department is one of the main sources of revenue there.