Service Manager

Whip, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Whip, Inc. seeks a high-performing Service Manager to lead onsite operations, bridging complex repairs with rapid fleet logistics.

You will manage Technicians and Fleet Associates, driving precision, efficiency and safety while keeping the fleet road-ready. Responsibilities include technical leadership, shop management, safety compliance, and coordinating service flow, inventory, and communications with estimators and parts staff.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of automotive service management experience, preferably with EV and/or fleet operations.
• Strong understanding of automotive systems and repair workflows, with exposure to high-voltage systems a plus.
• Proven ability to manage diverse teams and resolve conflicts.
• Proficiency with shop management software, inventory tracking, and diagnostic tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead diagnostic tests, structural repairs, and components to OEM safety standards.
• Oversee shop flow, prioritize tickets, and assist with root-cause analysis.
• Enforce safety protocols around high-voltage and EV systems.
• Coordinate vehicle check-in/check-out and fleet readiness, inventory, and logistics.

Skills

Technical leadership

Shop management

Safety compliance

Fleet operations

EV knowledge

Team leadership

Tools

Shop management software

Inventory tracking systems

Diagnostic tools

Job description

We are seeking a high-performing, safety-conscious Service Manager to lead our onsite operations. In this role, you will act as the conductor of our service center, bridging the gap between complex technical repairs and rapid fleet logistics.

You will directly manage two critical teams: Technicians (focused on diagnostics, and structural repairs) and Fleet Associates (focused on vehicle readiness, inventory, and logistics). Your goal is to build a culture of precision, efficiency, and absolute safety while ensuring our fleet remains on the road and performing at world-class standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to the following):

Technical Leadership & Shop Management

• Ensure all diagnostic tests, structural repairs, and component replacements (body, frame, suspension, electrical) meet strict OEM and safety standards.
• Manage the daily flow of the shop, prioritizing repair tickets to minimize downtime and assisting technicians with root-cause analysis on complex mechanical issues.
• Enforce rigorous safety protocols, specifically regarding the handling of high-voltage components and EV-specific systems.
• Ensure the team has access to maintained, advanced tooling and follows approved repair procedures.

Managing Fleet Logistics & Readiness

• Operational Flow: Oversee the vehicle check-in/check-out process, ensuring seamless handoffs between the fleet team and the repair team.
• Inventory Control: Monitor vehicle availability, track maintenance schedules, and ensure accurate documentation for the entire fleet.
• Quality Assurance: Hold the fleet team accountable for the cosmetic condition, cleanliness, and road-readiness of every vehicle.
• Coordination: Act as the liaison between the service floor and operations, ensuring fleet availability meets business demand.

People Management & Culture

• Coach technicians and associates, identifying training gaps and fostering career development.
• Monitor KPIs regarding repair turnaround time, fleet utilization, and repair accuracy.
• Maintain a professional, organized, and collaborative workspace that encourages effective communication between estimators, parts associates, and technicians.

Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of automotive service management experience, preferably with a focus on Electric Vehicles (EV) and/or fleet operations.
• Strong understanding of automotive systems (drivetrain, suspension, electrical) and collision repair workflows. Prior experience with Tesla or high-voltage systems is a strong plus.
• Proven ability to manage diverse teams (technical vs. logistical) and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Proficiency with shop management software, inventory tracking systems, and diagnostic tools.
• Exceptional communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and a proactive problem-solving mindset.

This role involves standing for extended periods, using hand and power tools, and working around machinery, and automotive fluids. The environment can be noisy and fast paced, requiring adherence to safety protocols.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, using virtual meeting and communication tools such as email, Google Meet, and Slack.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds, if required.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Whip is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. Whip is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding status, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, disability (including physical or mental disability, medical condition, or medical leave), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Consistent with our commitment to equal employment opportunity, Whip will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of your job due to a disability, please contact People Operations at [e-mail] to request an accommodation.

This EEO statement reaffirms our commitment to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, in accordance with all applicable laws. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for employment opportunities at Whip.

Compliance with Laws:

Whip employees are expected to comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this position. Essential duties and responsibilities may be added or modified as necessary at any time.

Acknowledgment:

• Employee to acknowledge receipt and understanding of the job description.

$60,000 - $75,000, depending on experience.