BDC Representative/Customer Engagement Specialist

Classic Kia; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Employee vehicle purchase discount

Job summary

Classic Kia in Waukegan, IL is seeking a Customer Engagement Specialist to help customers begin their vehicle journey. You will be the first point of contact, ensuring a positive experience and guiding prospects toward showroom visits or virtual appointments.

The role emphasizes strong communication, consistent follow-up, and collaboration with the sales team to meet dealership goals. Prior customer-facing experience is valued, automotive knowledge a plus.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service, sales, appointment setting, or call-center environment preferred.
• Automotive dealership experience a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management with follow-up habits.
• Comfortable with computers, CRM, email, text, and digital tools.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly and professionally to inbound customer leads via phone, email, text, and web inquiries.
• Engage with potential customers to understand needs, answer questions, and qualify opportunities.
• Schedule showroom, test-drive, service, or virtual appointments based on customer needs.
• Maintain accurate records of all customer interactions in the dealership CRM.
• Follow up with customers who have not scheduled or missed appointments.
• Confirm scheduled appointments and help ensure the sales team is prepared for visits.
• Provide basic information on Kia vehicles, trims, promotions, incentives, and offers.
• Build rapport and create a welcoming, professional first impression of the dealership.
• Collaborate with the sales team for a seamless customer experience from inquiry to showroom visit.
• Meet or exceed appointment-setting, engagement, follow-up, and productivity goals.
• Participate in team meetings and dealership events as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Appointment setting

Team collaboration

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated, customer-focused Customer Engagement Specialist to join our growing Kia dealership team. The ideal candidate is personable, organized, and enthusiastic about helping customers take the first step in their vehicle-buying journey. This position serves as a key point of contact for potential customers, requiring strong communication skills, consistent follow-up, and a commitment to creating a positive customer experience while supporting individual and dealership sales goals.

Job Responsibilities

• Respond promptly and professionally to inbound customer leads via phone, email, text, and web inquiries.
• Engage with potential customers to understand their vehicle needs, answer initial questions, and qualify opportunities.
• Schedule showroom, test-drive, service, or virtual appointments based on customer needs and availability.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all customer interactions, appointments, and follow-up activities in the dealership CRM.
• Follow up consistently with customers who have not yet scheduled an appointment or who missed a scheduled visit.
• Confirm scheduled appointments and help ensure the sales team is prepared for each customer visit.
• Provide basic information regarding Kia vehicles, trim levels, dealership promotions, incentives, and current offers.
• Build rapport with customers and create a welcoming, professional first impression of the dealership.
• Collaborate closely with the sales team to ensure a seamless customer experience from initial inquiry through showroom visit.
• Meet or exceed appointment-setting, customer engagement, follow-up, and productivity goals.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and dealership events as needed.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Previous experience in customer service, sales, appointment setting, or a call-center environment is preferred but not required.
• Automotive dealership experience is a plus.
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities with excellent follow-up habits.
• Comfortable using computers, CRM software, email, text messaging, and digital communication tools.
• Professional, friendly demeanor with a genuine passion for helping customers.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of Kia vehicles, trim levels, incentives, and dealership promotions is a plus, but not required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives.
• Paid training and ongoing professional development.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Employee vehicle purchase and service discounts.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the dealership.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.