Automotive Service Director – Import Dealership

Elite Recruiting Services•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$156,000 - $216,000

About The Position

A well-established import automotive dealership in the Greater Los Angeles area is conducting a confidential executive search for an experienced, results-driven Automotive Service Director. This senior fixed operations leadership role oversees daily service operations and a department of approximately 20–30 automotive technicians, with responsibility for technician productivity, shop efficiency, customer retention, profitability, and team development. The role is hands-on and requires a leader who can recruit, hire, train, develop, and retain high-performing service teams while building a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and results. The Service Director will partner with dealership executive leadership to establish and execute operational strategies, manage financial performance, monitor key performance indicators, and improve departmental results. Compensation is listed as $13,000–$18,000 per month, depending on experience and performance, with annual earning potential of $156,000–$216,000. The interview process is confidential and by appointment only.

Requirements

Proven experience as an Automotive Service Director or high-performing Service Manager in a franchised dealership.
Demonstrated success managing a large automotive service department, preferably with 20 or more technicians.
Strong track record of recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining automotive technicians.
Proven ability to increase service department profitability and operational performance.
Strong understanding of fixed operations financial statements, KPIs, labor performance, and shop efficiency.
Excellent leadership, communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
Experience implementing processes and holding teams accountable for results.
Ability to make strategic decisions while remaining actively involved in daily operations.
Strong customer service mindset and commitment to delivering an exceptional ownership experience.

Nice To Haves

Import dealership experience is strongly preferred.
Experience successfully turning around an underperforming service department, building a high-performing team, or consistently exceeding fixed operations objectives.
Experience successfully managing a high-volume import service operation.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily service operations, including technician performance, repair workflow, and service department productivity.
Lead and develop a team of approximately 20–30 technicians and service department personnel.
Set clear performance expectations and hold team members accountable.
Build a positive, results-driven culture that supports employee retention and professional growth.
Partner with dealership executive leadership to develop and execute operational strategies.
Own technician recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention; identify staffing needs and develop a pipeline of qualified technicians.
Develop and mentor service managers, advisors, shop foremen, and technicians.
Implement training programs focused on efficiency, technical development, customer service, and leadership.
Conduct performance evaluations and create improvement plans when necessary.
Drive customer-pay, warranty, and internal repair performance.
Monitor and improve technician productivity, efficiency, proficiency, and effective labor rates.
Manage service department financial performance, expenses, and gross profitability.
Analyze KPIs, repair order performance, labor sales, and departmental trends.
Reduce technician turnover while improving workflow and shop capacity.
Maintain strong CSI scores, customer retention, and manufacturer standards.
Identify opportunities to increase fixed operations revenue without compromising customer experience.
Establish processes, monitor performance, and consistently achieve departmental objectives.