Service Manager

Dobbs; Waterloo (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dobbs is seeking a Service Manager in Training to learn and support service and repair operations within a single unit retail store. You will work closely with the Store Manager to develop skills in managing service workflows, ensuring quality, safety, and timely delivery of repairs.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge, a customer-focused mindset, and a solid work ethic to drive results in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Safety-focused operations management experience preferred
• Strong communication and customer-service mindset
• Ability to learn and develop leadership skills
• Experience in automotive service is a plus

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and assess service needs with a professional approach
• Assist Store Manager in interviewing and training technicians
• Support evaluation of technician performance and development decisions
• Help drive service sales, gross profit, and customer satisfaction goals
• Coordinate daily work orders, parts, and tools for service tasks
• Provide technical support for general and complex service requests
• Assist in maintaining shop safety, cleanliness, and inventory
• Contribute to data analysis to identify improvement opportunities

Job description

To be a team member of the Driven by Dobbs family, you must be dedicated to supporting the company's mission, vision, and values.

OUR MISSION:

To be the leader in the automotive tire and service aftermarket industry in every market that we operate in providing premier service to our guests.

POSITION TITLE: Service Manager

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Driven by Dobbs, our family of brands brings together Dobbs Tire and Auto Centers-founded in 1976 in South St. Louis, MO as a family-owned complete auto care provider-and Conrad's Tire Express & Total Car Care, founded in 1969 in Cleveland, OH. Together, we have grown into a rapidly expanding, multi-market automotive service organization that will operate across eight states in 2026, with continued growth on the horizon. Across all locations, customers can expect a full selection of quality tire brands and comprehensive automotive services, ranging from routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics and engine repair. Our investment in training, development, safety, and overall team wellbeing empowers our people to deliver exceptional service every day. Rooted in a culture that extends beyond the shop, we proudly support local organizations and charities in the communities where our teams live and work.

We are seeking a Service Manager in Training to learn and support all service and repair responsibilities within a single unit retail store environment. This position will work closely with store leadership to develop the skills needed to manage service and repair operations, ensuring quality, timeliness, safety and employee management standards are met. The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge of various make and model service and repair standards, high standards for customer satisfaction, and a strong work ethic to achieve results.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Greet customers and assess their tire and automotive service needs with a professional, customer-focused approach.
• Partners closely with Store Manager to learn how to interview, select and train service technicians, utilizing developing technical expertise to understand how knowledge, skills and experiences align with business needs and role definitions.
• In partnership with the Store Manager, assists in evaluating knowledge, skills and performance of all technicians; provides input and learns how to make recommendations regarding development, promotions, merit, discipline, etc.
• Supports and learns to manage store performance goals including service sales dollars achievement, gross profit, customer satisfaction, employee safety, productivity and efficiency.
• Assists in overseeing and assigning daily work orders including time, tools, materials and equipment needed.
• Learns to provide technical expertise and support diagnosis for general and complex service requests for all make and model vehicles.
• Supports and suggests technical training to ensure constant skill improvement and enhancement for all service technician levels.
• Assists in overseeing safe operations and proper working order of all tools and equipment in the shop; supports ordering necessary replacements or repairs upon budget approval.
• Ensures adherence to company policies, procedures, and safety standards at all times.
• Maintains high standards for store cleanliness, organization, and inventory management.
• Supports analysis of financial and operational data to identify trends and assist in implementing improvement plans for underperforming stores.
• Ensures consistent delivery of exceptional customer service and assists in resolving escalated concerns promptly.
• Supports management of inventory needs of the shop including tools, materials, and equipment to ensure smooth operations.
• Helps lead a culture of safety, accountability and operational excellence within the service and sales teams in partnership with the Store Manager.
• Ability to meet flexible schedule requirements that could include early mornings, evenings and weekends to meet customer demands.
• Performs other position duties as directed by leadership.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• A strong belief in safety- Being Safe 100% of the time is the expectation.
• Alignment with company mission, vision, and values.
• Strong work ethic with a commitment to results.
• Strong team player with the ability to adapt to diverse team members.
• Ability to perform in a fast paced/high volume environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A high level of time management, accountability, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to be organized, problem solve and be solution oriented.
• Self-motivated, goal- oriented, and driven to accomplish department goals.
• Strong critical thinker with a high level of attention to detail.
• Highly-customer centric and master relationship builder.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Etc.)
• Proficient in Point of Sales systems (VAST) strongly preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Frequent exposure to varying temperatures due to the nature of the work and shop