Automotive Service Manager – Volkswagen

McDaniels Auto Group; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Short-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Vehicle purchase and service benefits

Ongoing training opportunities

Job summary

McDaniels Volkswagen is seeking an experienced Automotive Service Manager to lead our service department, overseeing the Service Advisors and Service Technicians, customer satisfaction, and department profitability.

You will manage staffing, training, and performance, ensure compliance with warranty and safety policies, and collaborate with Parts, Sales, and dealership leadership to drive results. This hands‑on role demands strong leadership and a proven track record in fixed operations.

Qualifications

• Previous automotive dealership service experience required.
• Previous supervisory or service management experience required.
• Experience managing Service Advisors and Automotive Technicians preferred.
• Volkswagen, Audi, or German automotive experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of dealership service operations and warranty processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the Service Advisor and Service Technician teams.
• Recruit, train, coach, and retain high‑performing service department employees.
• Monitor technician productivity, efficiency, utilization, and overall shop performance.
• Manage Service Advisor performance, including customer communication and repair order processes.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels based on shop volume and business needs.
• Monitor department revenue, gross profit, expenses, and other KPIs.
• Identify opportunities to increase customer retention and service traffic.
• Maintain high standards for customer satisfaction and resolve escalated concerns.
• Ensure repair orders, service records, and department documentation are accurate and complete.
• Ensure compliance with Volkswagen warranty policies and manufacturer requirements.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, environmental, hazardous waste, and other regulations.
• Work with dealership leadership, Parts, Sales, and other departments to support performance.
• Establish clear expectations for the department and hold the team accountable.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

People management

Communication

Decision making

Tools

Dealership Management System (DMS)

Job description

Automotive Service Manager – Volkswagen

McDaniels Volkswagen is seeking an experienced Automotive Service Manager to lead our service department. This position is responsible for the overall performance and profitability of the department, including leadership of our Service Advisors and Service Technicians, customer satisfaction, technician productivity, staffing, expense control, and manufacturer compliance.

We are looking for a hands‑on leader who understands dealership fixed operations, knows how to develop a strong team, and can balance customer satisfaction with the operational and financial performance of the department.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, manage, and develop the Service Advisor and Service Technician teams
• Recruit, train, coach, and retain high‑performing service department employees
• Monitor technician productivity, efficiency, utilization, and overall shop performance
• Manage Service Advisor performance, including customer communication, repair order processes, and sales performance
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels based on shop volume and business needs
• Monitor department revenue, gross profit, expenses, and other key performance indicators
• Identify opportunities to increase customer retention, service traffic, and repeat business
• Maintain high standards for customer satisfaction and resolve escalated customer concerns
• Ensure repair orders, service records, and other department documentation are accurate and complete
• Ensure compliance with Volkswagen warranty policies, procedures, and manufacturer requirements
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, environmental, hazardous waste, and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements
• Work closely with dealership leadership, Parts, Sales, and other departments to support overall dealership performance
• Establish clear expectations for the department and hold the team accountable for results

What We’re Looking For

Our ideal candidate is an experienced automotive service professional who is comfortable taking ownership of the department and its results.

You should be someone who:

• Leads by example and holds yourself and your team to high standards
• Understands how to manage both the people and the numbers in a service department
• Can motivate technicians and advisors while maintaining accountability
• Has a strong understanding of dealership service operations and workflow
• Knows how to deliver an excellent customer experience without losing sight of profitability
• Is organized, decisive, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced dealership environment
• Can identify problems, develop solutions, and follow through on them

Qualifications

• Previous automotive dealership service experience required
• Previous supervisory or service management experience required
• Experience managing Service Advisors and/or Automotive Technicians strongly preferred
• Volkswagen, Audi, or other German automotive experience preferred
• Strong understanding of dealership service operations, repair orders, warranty processes, and technician production
• Strong leadership, communication, and customer service skills
• Comfortable using dealership management systems, reporting tools, and other technology
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications, along with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-paid short-term disability insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee vehicle purchase and service benefits
• Ongoing manufacturer and professional training opportunities

McDaniels Auto Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.