Automotive Assistant Service Manager
Lithia & Driveway•Ames, IA
•$78,000 - $120,000
About The Position
The Assistant Service Manager supports dealership service operations and partners with the Service Manager to deliver strong customer experiences, maximize technician productivity, maintain OEM compliance, and meet department performance goals. The role supports service advisors, technicians, and customers while contributing to department profitability, efficiency, and customer retention. The Assistant Service Manager may serve as Acting Service Manager during absences and provide other leadership support as needed.
Requirements
- High school graduate or equivalent.
- At least 18 years old.
- 3+ years of automotive service leadership experience in a franchised dealership environment as an Assistant Service Manager or Lead Advisor preferred.
- Strong understanding of dealership service operations, repair order management, and customer service best practices.
- Knowledge of OEM warranty processes, manufacturer requirements, and dealership compliance standards.
- Experience with dealership management systems such as CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, Dealertrack, or similar.
- Ability to analyze operational reports and performance metrics.
- Proven leadership, coaching, and team-building abilities.
- Effective conflict resolution and customer relations skills.
- Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience as a Service Advisor, Senior Service Advisor, Shop Foreman, or Team Lead is strongly preferred.
- 3+ years of automotive service leadership experience in a franchised dealership environment as an Assistant Service Manager or Lead Advisor is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Support day-to-day Service Department operations, efficient workflow, and customer service.
- Assist in managing service advisors, technicians, and support staff to meet departmental objectives.
- Monitor repair order flow, technician productivity and efficiency, and shop capacity utilization.
- Help ensure prompt, professional, and accurate customer service throughout the repair process.
- Resolve customer concerns and escalated issues in a timely and professional manner.
- Review repair orders for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with OEM and dealership standards.
- Coordinate with Parts Department personnel to ensure timely parts availability and repair completion.
- Monitor KPIs, including CSI, labor sales, effective labor rate, technician efficiency, productivity, and warranty performance.
- Assist with employee coaching, onboarding, training, and performance development.
- Ensure adherence to manufacturer warranty policies, dealership procedures, and safety requirements.
- Support service marketing, maintenance programs, and customer retention initiatives.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe service environment.
- Assist with scheduling, workload distribution, and resource allocation within the Service Department.
- Serve as Acting Service Manager during absences and provide leadership support as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned by dealership leadership.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision plans
- Paid holidays and PTO
- Short- and long-term disability
- Paid life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Lithia Learning Center
- Vehicle purchase discounts
- Wellness programs
- Competitive pay
- Opportunity to earn short-term and/or long-term incentives, including bonus and commission
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
High school or GED
