NADA outlines 17 jobs in parts and service beyond technicians

Here are a few positions found in parts and services, none of which require a college degree and many of which do not require industry experience

Tysons, Va.—In addition to auto technicians in a dealership’s service department, there many roles required to keep the parts and service departments moving efficiently and effectively for their customers.

Most dealerships are known to promote from within and it is common to meet a service manager, general manager, or dealer principal who started their career as a cashier or detailer.

Below are a few positions found in parts and services, none of which require a college degree and many of which do not require industry experience, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

No experience or training required:

• Detailer: Cleans and refurbishes vehicles for the sales and service departments.
• Delivery specialist: Internally delivers parts to technicians
• Parts consultant: Sells parts to all customers, online, over the counter, through the shop or on the phone.
• Product specialist: Provides initial service on the vehicle, such as technology adjustments, before it reaches the technician.
• Service cashier: Processes payment for service and parts transactions.
• Service greeter: Greets service customers, answers questions and controls the service traffic flow.
• Service scheduler: Assists with appointments and reaches out to customers for recalls and follow ups.
• Shuttle driver: Drives customers to and from their homes or places of business while their vehicle is being serviced.
• Valet: Moves and cleans vehicles and maintains service drive and vehicles.

Limited industry experience suggested:

• Service advisor: Serves as the main customer point-of-contact throughout the service or maintenance process, advising, explaining and reporting as needed.
• Service dispatcher: Organizes and controls the flow of the service department by monitoring productivity and assigning the jobs to the technicians based on their skillset.
• Wholesale parts consultant: Sells parts and accessories to body shops, fleet services and other independent automotive service providers.

Industry experience required:

• Fixed operations director: Manages the overall service and parts departments and proactively strategize­­­­­s business development.
• Parts manager: Manages the parts inventory, internet sales, pricing, advertising, department staffing and record maintenance.
• Service manager: Manages the service department staffing, customer retention, cost controls and record maintenance.
• Shop foreperson: Manages the productivity of technicians and advises or assists with challenging vehicle needs.
• Technician trainer: Trains incoming technicians according to industry standards.