The person that is in charge of all duties regarding a service center for a car dealer is known as the automotive service manager. This person works to create a relationship between the car owner and the mechanics. They are in charge of customer relations and satisfaction. It is this person who oversees the profits and efficiency of the department. This involves repairs, sales and maintenance of all associated records.
The service manager is also responsible for the safety concerns pertaining to the maintenance of all customer vehicles. This requires that they oversee all aspects of mechanical operations to assure that the service provided is at the highest level of quality. Every vehicle serviced by the automotive department must be inspected by the automotive service manager or his representative prior to returning the vehicle to the customer.
The manager must be detail-oriented, particularly in the area of mechanical operations. They will be expected to be able to perform numerous duties simultaneously. They also hire, fire and cover all aspects of employee supervision of the department. Part of these duties includes handling the processing and maintaining of all employee files. They also determine if an employee should be reprimanded or if they have earned a raise.
The manager is also responsible for ensuring that the department reaches the goals and objectives as they pertain to the annual budget. Often they will be required to make a marketing plan to promote new and repeat business. While a majority of the customers may come as a result of cars purchased at the dealership, it is also the responsibility of the auto service manager to recruit customers outside of its client base.
New vehicles repairs are typically covered by warranties. It is the responsibility of the automotive service manager to understand the intricacies of all warranties and to inform the staff of this information. Service managers must also beware of any information obtained relative to recalls.
Typical service managers have a background in automotive repair and will most likely have worked for the dealer he is now employed by. Some dealerships hire from outside of their service staff if it does not create a conflict between employees. No matter where they have gotten their training, it is necessary that this individual has years of experience as a mechanic. Usually it is desired that this experience is on the brand of cars the dealer carries.
This position is typically a well-paid position and, in many cases, includes a respectable benefits package. In many instances this individual will receive a demo car and full medical and dental benefits. Being promoted for this position can be lucrative and rewarding for an experienced mechanic.
The Automotive Service Managers is in charge of all tasks that pertain to the service center. This includes supervision of all staff for the department and also includes customer service. The Automotive Service Managers must be knowledgeable of all mechanical related tasks and must be kept informed of all service warranties being provided by the manufacturer. They must also keep the staff up to date on this information.