Service Advisor

Cogentanalytics; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Training programs

Job summary

Cogentanalytics in Cincinnati, Ohio is looking for a Service Advisor. The role is pivotal in managing customer experiences from vehicle check-in to delivery, ensuring customer satisfaction and service sales opportunities.

The advisor will communicate effectively between customers and technicians, oversee repair orders, and drive sales of maintenance services. If you are passionate about customer service and have strong sales skills, this is the ideal role for you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in customer service within an automotive environment.
• Strong communication skills to effectively engage with customers and staff.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for customer service and vehicle inquiries.
• Create and manage repair orders while ensuring accurate documentation.
• Drive sales by effectively presenting repair and maintenance solutions.
• Communicate with technicians to relay customer needs and repair information.
• Follow up with customers post-service to enhance retention.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication

Sales Skills

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Job description

The Service Advisor is responsible for managing the customer experience from vehicle check-in through vehicle delivery while maximizing service sales opportunities and ensuring effective communication between customers and technicians.

The Service Advisor serves as the primary customer contact, translating vehicle needs into repair orders, presenting recommendations, obtaining approvals, and ensuring customers receive professional, timely, and accurate service. This role directly impacts customer satisfaction, revenue growth, gross profit, and customer retention.

Key Responsibilities

1. Customer Service & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers.

• Greet customers professionally and gather vehicle concerns.

• Clearly explain recommended repairs, maintenance, and service options.

• Provide timely updates throughout the repair process.

• Resolve customer concerns and elevate issues when necessary.

• Build long-term customer relationships and encourage customer retention.

2. Repair Order & Workflow Management

• Create accurate repair orders and service documentation.

• Schedule appointments and manage vehicle flow.

• Coordinate with technicians regarding diagnostics and repair recommendations.

• Ensure repair orders are updated and communicated effectively.

• Monitor vehicle status and promised completion times.

• Ensure completed work is accurately invoiced and delivered.

3. Sales & Revenue Generation

• Present maintenance recommendations and repair solutions.

• Obtain customer approvals for recommended services.

• Identify opportunities to increase Average Repair Order (ARO).

• Promote preventive maintenance programs.

• Support tire, alignment, brake, and maintenance sales initiatives.

• Meet individual and location sales objectives.

4. Communication & Team Coordination

• Communicate effectively with technicians and management.

• Ensure technicians receive complete and accurate repair information.

• Coordinate parts availability with the parts department.

• Assist with workflow prioritization and scheduling.

• Participate in daily production meetings.

5. Customer Retention & Business Development

• Follow up with customers after service completion.

• Encourage online reviews and customer referrals.

• Promote fleet and repeat customer relationships.

• Support local marketing and customer retention initiatives.

• Maintain customer records and communication history.

6. Administrative & Documentation Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate repair order documentation.

• Process estimates, approvals, invoices, and customer communications.

• Ensure customer information is complete and accurate.

• Assist with daily sales reporting and cash reconciliation.

• Maintain professional communication through phone, email, and text platforms.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Sales Performance

• Average Repair Order (ARO) Achievement

• Estimate Conversion Rate ≥ 75%

• Labor Sales Goal Achievement

• Parts Sales Goal Achievement

• Maintenance Service Penetration ≥ 65%

Customer Performance

• Customer Satisfaction Score ≥ 95%

• Online Review Requests Completed ≥ 90%

• Customer Retention Rate ≥ 80%

• Customer Complaints Resolved Within 24 Hours

• Repeat Customer Growth

Operational Performance

• Repair Order Accuracy ≥ 98%

• On-Time Vehicle Delivery ≥ 95%

• Open Repair Orders Aged Over 3 Days ≤ 5%

• Appointment Utilization Achievement

• Workflow Communication Compliance ≥ 95%

Administrative Performance

• Documentation Accuracy ≥ 98%

• Estimate Follow-Up Completion ≥ 90%

• Customer Updates Completed as Required

• Daily Reporting Accuracy 100%

Authority & Decision Scope

The Service Advisor has authority to:

• Create and manage repair orders.

• Present estimates and service recommendations.

• Obtain customer approvals for authorized repairs.

• Coordinate workflow with technicians and parts personnel.

• Resolve routine customer concerns.

• Escalate significant customer, pricing, or operational issues to management.

Discounts, goodwill adjustments, and major customer disputes require management approval.

Leadership Expectations

The Service Advisor must demonstrate:

• Professionalism and customer focus.

• Strong communication and sales skills.

• Attention to detail and organizational discipline.

• Positive teamwork and collaboration.

• Accountability for customer satisfaction and sales performance.

• Commitment to operational excellence and established organizational standards.