Posts Tagged ‘Automotive Service Management’

The Job Duties Of An Automotive Dealership Service Management

Written on February 6th, 2010 by admin no shouts

Many dealerships regard the automotive service manager as an integral part of their business. They are the people responsible for acting as a go-between customers and service staff. They are also responsible for other duties within this department.

They are responsible for hiring and supervising employees in the service department and ensuring that they have the best candidates working for them. This includes monitoring how they work in maintaining company standards. They are also responsible for training to ensure they give this level of service. They are the ones who undertake the employee evaluations in their department.

They must set a business plan into place and enforce the goals so they are met. This makes them accountable for the budgeting of the department in making sure the labor costs are kept in check, inventory balances, and they suffer no additional costs by retaining employees. This also covers a marketing campaign plan to gain new customers, as well as keep the old – through coupons, merchandising and staffing needs.

They must stay current with the changes in the industry by attending classes, seminars, and reading literature. This also includes understanding and implementing any policy changes within the dealership, and offering suggestions for change to make the department run smoother. They must also be able to schedule classes for other employees and themselves when such are offered through the car manufacturer so everyone gets the most current information.

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.

Being an automotive service management team can be a rewarding career that offers a good wage upwards of $55,000.00 annually. This is dependent upon the location and size of the dealership that you’re looking to work for, as well as your experience level. A automotive service manager is a career you can choose that offers some stability since service accounts for a good portion of the dealerships business.

Filed under Autos, Trucks and More Tags:, ,

Automotive Dealership Service Management – Your Car Deserves Only The Best

Written on December 3rd, 2009 by admin no shouts

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.

Many service managers will have experience as a mechanic for the dealer they work for. However there are situations when the individual hired for this position may have come from outside of the automotive dealer. Regardless of where they may have worked before, it is pertinent that this individual have extensive experience as a mechanic, preferably on the type of cars the dealer sells and services.

Most car dealers provide this individual with a good salary and compensation package. Some dealers will provide the service manager with their own demo car and they may have a full set of benefits. This position can be an excellent opportunity for a seasoned mechanic to move up to a higher level of responsibility and pay.

The Automotive Service Management 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.

Filed under Autos, Trucks and More Tags:, , , , ,