Auto technicians are the heart of a dealership’s service department. They are most often the ones who fix and maintain the vehicles that come through a dealership’s doors. However, there is a whole cast of roles required to keep the parts and service departments moving efficiently and effectively for their customers.
Most dealerships are known to promote from within and it is common to meet a service manager, general manager, or dealer principal who started their career as a cashier or detailer.
Below are a few positions found in parts and services, none of which require a college degree and many of which do not require industry experience. The best education to grow in these careers is learned on the job, and any external training is most often financially covered by the manufacturer or dealer.
No experience or training required:
- Detailer: cleans and refurbishes vehicles for the sales and service departments
- Delivery specialist: internally delivers parts to technicians
- Parts consultant: sells parts to all customers, online, over the counter, through the shop or on the phone
- Product specialist: provides initial service on the vehicle, such as technology adjustments, before it reaches the technician
- Service cashier: processes payment for service and parts transactions
- Service greeter: greets service customers, answers questions and controls the service traffic flow
- Service scheduler: assists with appointments and reaches out to customers for recalls and follow ups
- Shuttle driver: drives customers to and from their homes or places of business while their vehicle is being serviced
- Valet: moves and cleans vehicles and maintains service drive and vehicles
Limited industry experience suggested:
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Service advisor: serves as the main customer point-of-contact throughout the service or maintenance process, advising, explaining and reporting as needed
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Service dispatcher: organizes and controls the flow of the service department by monitoring productivity and assigning the jobs to the technicians based on their skillset
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Wholesale parts consultant: sells parts and accessories to body shops, fleet services and other independent automotive service providers
Industry experience required:
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Fixed operations director: manages the overall service and parts departments and proactively strategizes business development
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Parts manager: manages the parts inventory, internet sales, pricing, advertising, department staffing and record maintenance
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Service manager: manages the service department staffing, customer retention, cost controls and record maintenance
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Shop foreperson: manages the productivity of technicians and advises or assists with challenging vehicle needs
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Technician trainer: trains incoming technicians according to industry standards
The auto retail industry offers careers, not just jobs. Beyond salaries and benefits, dealerships invest in their employees and their development through ongoing training and education. An entry level role in the parts and service departments can easily lead to a lifetime career in automotive retail.
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