Automotive Service Manager - You Either Need One, Or To Be One

The automotive service manager is essential to helping run a dealership. They are the ones directly dealing with the customers and ensuring the service department is being run efficiently. They do have many other duties better outlined below.

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.

Goal and objective setting is a duty of the manager and they must be able to have the department meet them as well. Budgeting for the department is part of the job and they must make sure to fall within this through labor costs, the inventory balances, and knowing how to keep employees so the cost of turnover does not become too high. They must be able to create and implement a marketing strategy to maintain the customer base, as well as retain the repeat customers.

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.

Warranty and recall information fall under the automotive service manager's domain. They must seek and learn the current information. They are directly responsible for minimizing write-offs due to improperly done warranty work, and must make all employees comply with the warranty. Remitting these for payment and being the liaison with the company and factory is also a duty of the manager.

The main duty is customer service, including handling customer complaints. They must be able to compromise with the customer and retain them for repeat business. Plans to bring in new customers, as well as retain repeat ones, are part of the job. This manager must be able to create one and put it to work in the department to build up a stronger customer base.

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.

• tags:
• automotiveservicemanager

• Article Word Count: 441
• |
• Total Views: 95
• |
• permalink