Service Manager in Training

About the role

Driven by Dobbs brings together Dobbs Tire and Auto Centers (founded 1976, South St. Louis, MO) and Conrad’s Tire Express & Total Car Care (founded 1969, Cleveland, OH). Together we operate a rapidly expanding, multi-market automotive service organization across eight states with continued growth planned. Customers receive a full selection of quality tire brands and comprehensive automotive services, from routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics and engine repair. We invest in training, development, safety, and team wellbeing, and proudly support local organizations and charities in the communities we serve.

We are seeking a Service Manager in Training (Exempt) to learn and support all service and repair responsibilities within a single-unit retail store environment. This position works closely with store leadership to develop the skills needed to manage service and repair operations, ensuring quality, timeliness, safety, and employee management standards are met. The ideal candidate has strong technical knowledge of various make and model service and repair standards, high standards for customer satisfaction, and a strong work ethic to achieve results.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with Store Manager to learn how to interview, select, and train service technicians, utilizing developing technical expertise to align knowledge, skills, and experiences with business needs and role definitions
• In partnership with the Store Manager, assist in evaluating knowledge, skills, and performance of all technicians; provide input and learn to make recommendations regarding development, promotions, merit, discipline, etc.
• Support and learn to manage store performance goals including service sales dollars achievement, gross profit, customer satisfaction, employee safety, productivity, and efficiency
• Assist in overseeing and assigning daily work orders including time, tools, materials, and equipment needed
• Learn to provide technical expertise and support diagnosis for general and complex service requests for all make and model vehicles
• Support and suggest technical training to ensure constant skill improvement and enhancement for all service technician levels
• Assist in overseeing safe operations and proper working order of all tools and equipment in the shop; support ordering necessary replacements or repairs upon budget approval
• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and safety standards at all times
• Maintain high standards for store cleanliness, organization, and inventory management
• Support analysis of financial and operational data to identify trends and assist in implementing improvement plans for underperforming stores
• Ensure consistent delivery of exceptional customer service and assist in resolving escalated concerns promptly
• Support management of inventory needs of the shop including tools, materials, and equipment to ensure smooth operations
• Help lead a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence within the service and sales teams in partnership with the Store Manager
• Meet flexible schedule requirements that could include early mornings, evenings, and weekends to meet customer demands
• Perform other position duties as directed by leadership

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in the automotive repair industry as a technician, service advisor, or service manager required
• Previous experience supporting or mentoring technicians strongly preferred
• Strong technical acumen of automotive repair standards, tools, processes, etc.
• Valid Driver’s License required

Skills

• Strong belief in safety — Being Safe 100% of the time is the expectation
• Alignment with company mission, vision, and values
• Strong work ethic with a commitment to results
• Strong team player with the ability to adapt to diverse team members
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High level of time management, accountability, and prioritization skills
• Ability to be organized, problem solve, and be solution oriented
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and driven to accomplish department goals
• Strong critical thinker with a high level of attention to detail
• Highly customer-centric and master relationship builder
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, etc.)
• Proficient in Point of Sales systems (VAST) strongly preferred

Work Environment

• Frequent exposure to varying temperatures due to the nature of the work and shop conditions
• Requires adherence to all safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• See attached for a complete list of physical demands required for this position