Automotive Service Manager (Auto Service Manager)
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and RepairersDescription
Oversee daily operations of an automotive service department, directly supervising service advisors and technicians, coordinating repairs and maintenance, and ensuring safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. Manage scheduling, budgets, parts coordination, and warranty processes, and advise customers on recommended services.
- • Schedule service appointments and dispatch work to technicians based on priority, bay capacity, and skill.
- • Monitor technician and advisor productivity, efficiency, and quality metrics.
- • Review inspections, diagnostics, and DVIs to determine required vehicle services or repairs.
- • Prepare, review, and approve repair estimates, RO lines, and final invoices.
- • Manage the service department budget; control purchasing and track expenses and profitability.
- • Coordinate with the parts department and vendors to requisition parts, tools, equipment, and shop supplies.
- • Interpret OEM service information, TSBs, wiring diagrams, and job orders to guide work.
- • Provide or arrange OEM/ASE, customer service, and safety training for technicians and advisors.
- • Investigate shop incidents, comebacks, or road test events and document findings.
- • Communicate with customers to explain findings, obtain approvals, set expectations, and resolve concerns to drive CSI.
- • Coordinate with dealership management, warranty administrators, sales, and parts to meet deadlines and resource needs.
- • Assist with complex diagnostics or quality checks when needed.
- • Maintain accurate records: ROs, timekeeping, inventory, warranty/recall documentation, comebacks, and KPI reports.
- • Develop, implement, and enforce service SOPs, quality control steps, and maintenance policies.
- • Inspect and road-test vehicles to verify repair quality and compliance with standards.
- • Meet with suppliers and equipment reps to evaluate products, programs, and pricing.
- • Administer DMS/shop management systems, DVIs, and electronic scheduling tools.
- • Plan shop layout, control special tools, and manage equipment maintenance and calibration.
- • Conduct safety audits and training; ensure OSHA/EPA compliance and proper waste handling.
- • Oversee shop cleanliness, tool and part inventories, and overall working conditions.
- • Manage sublet repairs; evaluate bids and coordinate completion with outside vendors.
- • Hire, schedule, coach, and, when necessary, discipline service staff.
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Supply Chain & Transportation
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
