Service Manager in Training (MIT)

Oakes GMC; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off + holidays

Employee discounts

Career growth across multiple stores

Locally owned and operated

Tuition reimbursement

Community involvement

Job summary

Oakes Auto Group in the Kansas City metro area is seeking a Service Manager in Training (MIT) to join our Fixed Operations leadership team. This hybrid program develops you toward a future Service & Parts Director role, overseeing Service and Parts operations and striving for profitability while delivering excellent customer experiences.

With hands-on leadership training, you will partner with leadership across multiple stores and gain exposure to the full scope of fixed operations.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Assistant Service Manager or Service Lane Manager
• Strong understanding of automotive dealership service operations
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Ability to pass a standard background check
• Strong reliability and consistent attendance
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn dealership management software
• Experience coaching, supervising, or developing automotive service teams
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities throughout the day
• Willingness to learn Parts Department operations and financial management
• Availability Monday–Friday between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with Saturdays as needed
• Flexibility to work across Oakes Auto Group locations as needed
• Willingness to complete required OEM manufacturer training after hire

Responsibilities

• Work directly with Fixed Operations leadership to develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a Service & Parts Director.
• Assist in overseeing daily Service Department operations, focusing on productivity, efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Learn Parts Department operations, including inventory management, parts availability, workflow coordination, and departmental performance.
• Support service advisors, technicians, and parts personnel through coaching, training, and day‑to‑day leadership.
• Assist with technician workflow, repair order management, dispatching, and shop productivity.
• Monitor department performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and help implement operational strategies.
• Support customer satisfaction initiatives, address escalated concerns, and ensure a positive service experience.
• Develop an understanding of departmental financial performance, including labor sales, gross profit, expenses, and operational goals.
• Partner with leadership on employee development, accountability, manufacturer standards, and process improvements.
• Participate in hands‑on leadership training to prepare for increased responsibility within Fixed Operations.

Job description

Service Manager in Training (MIT)

Location: Oakes Auto Group | Kansas City Metro

Schedule: Full Time

Compensation: $7,000–$12,000 monthly

About the Role

The Service Manager in Training (MIT) is a leadership development position designed to prepare an experienced automotive service professional for a future role as a Service & Parts Director.

Working alongside our Fixed Operations leadership team, you'll gain hands‑on experience overseeing Service and Parts Department operations, managing workflow, developing employees, improving customer satisfaction, and driving department profitability.

This hybrid role provides exposure to operations across Oakes Auto Group without being assigned to one specific dealership.

Established in 2010, Oakes Auto Group is family‑owned and locally operated, with a culture built around stability, growth, and long‑term career development.

Pay & Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience and performance

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off + paid holidays

• Employee discounts

• Career growth across multiple stores

• Locally owned and operated

• Tuition reimbursement

• Community involvement and volunteer opportunities

What You'll Do

• Work directly with Fixed Operations leadership to develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a Service & Parts Director.

• Assist in overseeing daily Service Department operations, focusing on productivity, efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

• Learn Parts Department operations, including inventory management, parts availability, workflow coordination, and departmental performance.

• Support service advisors, technicians, and parts personnel through coaching, training, and day‑to‑day leadership.

• Assist with technician workflow, repair order management, dispatching, and shop productivity.

• Monitor department performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and help implement operational strategies.

• Support customer satisfaction initiatives, address escalated concerns, and ensure a positive service experience.

• Develop an understanding of departmental financial performance, including labor sales, gross profit, expenses, and operational goals.

• Partner with leadership on employee development, accountability, manufacturer standards, and process improvements.

• Participate in hands‑on leadership training to prepare for increased responsibility within Fixed Operations.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced automotive service leader who is ready to take the next step in their career.

The ideal candidate has previous experience as an Assistant Service Manager or Service Lane Manager and is motivated to grow into a Service & Parts Director position.

You should be comfortable leading teams, managing daily service operations, solving problems, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. We're looking for someone who is eager to learn, open to coaching, and ready to take on additional leadership responsibilities.

What Makes YOU a Good Fit?

You may be an excellent fit if you:

• Are ready to grow into a higher‑level dealership leadership position

• Enjoy coaching, developing, and motivating others

• Understand the importance of service department profitability and efficiency

• Stay calm under pressure and make sound decisions

• Communicate effectively with employees, customers, and leadership

• Take ownership and hold yourself accountable

• Have strong organizational and time management skills

• Can balance multiple operational priorities throughout the day

• Are eager to learn more about Parts Department operations

• Believe teamwork drives better results

• Lead with integrity, professionalism, and a positive attitude

Requirements

• Previous experience as an Assistant Service Manager or Service Lane Manager

• Strong understanding of automotive dealership service operations

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record

• Ability to pass a standard background check

• Strong reliability and consistent attendance

• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, customer‑focused environment

• Strong computer skills and ability to learn dealership management software

• Experience coaching, supervising, or developing automotive service teams

• Strong communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills

• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities throughout the day

• Willingness to learn Parts Department operations and financial management

• Availability Monday–Friday between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with Saturdays as needed

• Flexibility to work across Oakes Auto Group locations as needed

• Willingness to complete required OEM manufacturer training after hire

About Oakes Auto Group

Oakes Auto Group is a locally owned and rapidly growing dealership group serving the Kansas City metro. We take pride in creating a workplace that feels supportive, grounded, and people‑first. Our teams across North Kansas City, Olathe, and Kansas City operate with a shared focus on teamwork, personal growth, and doing right by our customers and our community.

We invest heavily in training, development, and internal promotion because we want our people to build long‑term careers here, not just hold short‑term jobs. Our stores value open communication, accountability, and a winning attitude, and we genuinely celebrate our employees' successes and milestones.

Beyond the walls of our dealerships, we stay active in the community through local partnerships, volunteer opportunities, charity drives, and events that bring people together. We're proud to represent a company that is known for its culture, its commitment to service, and its belief that great people create great experiences.

If you're an experienced service leader looking for an opportunity to develop into a Service & Parts Director, we'd love to hear from you!

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.