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5 Automotive Manager Job Description Templates and Examples

Automotive Managers oversee the operations of automotive service departments, dealerships, or manufacturing facilities. They ensure efficient workflow, manage staff, and maintain high customer satisfaction. Responsibilities include coordinating with sales and service teams, managing budgets, and implementing business strategies. Junior managers may focus on specific areas like service or parts, while senior managers oversee broader operations and strategic planning.

1. Assistant Automotive Manager Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Automotive Manager to join the dynamic team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this pivotal role, you will support the Automotive Manager in overseeing operations, enhancing customer satisfaction, and ensuring the efficient management of our automotive services.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in managing daily operations of the automotive department, ensuring high standards of service delivery and operational excellence
  • Collaborate with the Automotive Manager to develop and implement strategies that enhance customer service and vehicle maintenance processes
  • Supervise and mentor automotive staff, providing guidance and fostering a culture of teamwork and accountability
  • Assist in inventory management, including ordering, stocking, and maintaining parts and supplies
  • Engage with customers to understand their needs, providing expert advice on automotive services and solutions
  • Monitor performance metrics and report on departmental effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • Associate’s degree in Automotive Technology or a related field, or equivalent experience
  • 2+ years of experience in automotive service management or a related position
  • Strong understanding of automotive service operations and customer service principles
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Automotive Management
  • Experience with automotive diagnostic tools and software
  • Knowledge of industry trends and best practices

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Proficient in automotive repair practices and techniques
  • Familiarity with inventory management systems and automotive diagnostic tools
  • Ability to analyze performance data and make data-driven decisions

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire team members
  • Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality and accuracy
  • Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to challenges
  • Customer-focused mindset with a dedication to enhancing the customer experience

Benefits and Perks

We offer competitive compensation, including an annual salary range of [$SALARY_RANGE]. Additional benefits may include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plans with company matching
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Employee discounts on automotive services

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Location

This role requires successful candidates to be based in-person at [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

2. Automotive Manager Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Automotive Manager to lead our automotive operations and drive excellence in service delivery. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our automotive services, ensuring customer satisfaction and operational efficiency while adhering to industry standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

  • Manage day-to-day operations of the automotive service department, ensuring high-quality service delivery and customer satisfaction.
  • Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance service efficiency, quality, and profitability.
  • Lead and mentor a team of automotive technicians and service staff, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
  • Establish and monitor performance metrics to evaluate service department effectiveness and productivity.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulations, as well as company policies and procedures.
  • Collaborate with other departments to optimize workflow and enhance customer experience.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices to maintain a competitive edge.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • 5+ years of experience in automotive service management or a related field.
  • Proven track record of leading and managing a high-performing team.
  • Strong knowledge of automotive repair processes, technologies, and industry standards.
  • Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Valid automotive service technician certification is preferred.

Preferred:

  • Bachelor's degree in Automotive Technology, Business Management, or a related field.
  • Experience with inventory management and budgeting in an automotive service environment.
  • Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Proficiency in automotive diagnostic tools and software.
  • Understanding of service management systems and processes.
  • Knowledge of vehicle systems and repair techniques.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
  • Exceptional customer service orientation with a focus on customer satisfaction.
  • Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with customers and team members.

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Additional benefits may include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement savings plan with company match.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Employee discounts on services and products.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Location

This role requires successful candidates to be based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

3. Senior Automotive Manager Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Senior Automotive Manager to lead and optimize our automotive operations at [$COMPANY_NAME]. You will play a critical role in shaping our strategic direction, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring exceptional customer experiences within our automotive division.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement strategic initiatives to drive operational excellence and increase profitability across the automotive business unit.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to enhance product offerings, streamline processes, and improve customer journey from vehicle selection to post-sale services.
  • Establish and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) for monitoring business performance, providing insights for informed decision-making.
  • Foster relationships with vendors, manufacturers, and stakeholders to ensure alignment of business goals and a seamless supply chain.
  • Manage budgets and financial forecasts related to automotive operations, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends and regulatory changes, adapting strategies accordingly to maintain compliance and competitiveness.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • 10+ years of experience in automotive management or related fields with a proven track record of success in operational leadership.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and market trends to inform strategy.
  • Proven experience in budget management and resource allocation.
  • Exceptional leadership and mentoring skills, capable of guiding teams to achieve business objectives.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a fast-paced, high-growth automotive environment.
  • Advanced degree in Business Administration, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
  • Familiarity with electric vehicles and emerging automotive technologies.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Deep understanding of automotive industry standards, practices, and regulations.
  • Experience with CRM systems and data analytics tools to drive customer engagement and operational efficiency.
  • Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities, adept at navigating complex challenges and implementing effective solutions.
  • Results-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment while fostering a culture of accountability.

Benefits and Perks

Annual salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Additional benefits may include:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Professional development opportunities and training programs
  • Paid time off and flexible work arrangements
  • Employee discounts on automotive products and services

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply, and we will consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Location

This role requires successful candidates to be based in-person at our facility in [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

4. Automotive Operations Manager Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Automotive Operations Manager to oversee and optimize our automotive operations, enhancing efficiency and ensuring the highest quality standards. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in automotive processes to drive operational excellence, manage cross-functional teams, and implement innovative solutions that align with our strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and execution of operational strategies for automotive processes, focusing on continuous improvement and quality assurance
  • Manage day-to-day operations, including supply chain management, inventory control, and logistics coordination
  • Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality assurance teams to streamline processes and enhance product reliability
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate operational effectiveness and implement corrective actions as needed
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, regulatory bodies, and internal teams
  • Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in automotive operations or a related field, with a proven track record of success
  • Strong understanding of automotive supply chains, manufacturing processes, and quality control methodologies
  • Experience in project management and operational excellence frameworks (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)

Preferred:

  • Master's degree in a relevant field
  • Experience with electric vehicles (EV) or advanced automotive technologies
  • Familiarity with regulatory compliance and industry standards in automotive manufacturing

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Proficiency in operations management software and tools (e.g., ERP systems, project management software)
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and make informed decisions
  • Knowledge of automotive engineering principles and production methodologies

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire cross-functional teams
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a focus on stakeholder engagement
  • Strong problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to addressing challenges
  • Adaptable and resilient, thriving in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
  • A commitment to fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Benefits and Perks

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

  • Annual salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
  • Professional development opportunities and continuous learning programs

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Location

This is a fully remote position.

5. Director of Automotive Operations Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is hiring a Director of Automotive Operations to lead end-to-end vehicle program execution, manufacturing operations, and post-production service delivery. Reporting to the VP of Global Operations, you will define and execute strategy to scale manufacturing throughput, reduce cost-per-vehicle, and guarantee regulatory compliance across program lifecycles. This is a senior leadership role that combines operational P&L ownership, cross-functional program management, supplier & logistics leadership, and continuous improvement at scale in a high-velocity automotive engineering and production environment.

Responsibilities

  • Operational Strategy & Execution: Develop and own multi-year operations strategy for manufacturing, final assembly, and aftermarket service operations aligned with product roadmap and revenue targets.
  • Program Leadership: Lead end-to-end vehicle program execution from pilot builds through ramp and maturity, driving milestone delivery (DFX sign-offs, PPAP, SOP, ramp-to-rate) and maintaining program schedules/plans.
  • Manufacturing & Process Engineering: Architect and optimize production processes (line balancing, takt time, poka-yoke, SMED), implement lean manufacturing and Six Sigma practices to achieve capacity and quality targets.
  • Supply Chain & Supplier Management: Own supplier selection, qualification, scorecards, and continuous performance improvement; manage long-lead components, risk mitigation, and dual-sourcing strategies.
  • Quality, Compliance & Safety: Ensure ISO/TS/IATF, FMVSS, EPA, and regional homologation compliance; reduce warranty exposure and field incidents through root-cause analysis (8D) and robust CAPA systems.
  • Cross-functional Leadership: Partner with Product Engineering, Systems, Manufacturing IT, Safety, Procurement, and Field Service to translate design into producible, serviceable vehicles; establish Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) where appropriate.
  • Metrics & Financials: Define and track KPIs (OTD, DPU, yield, OEE, cost-per-unit, NPS, warranty RPU); manage operations budget, CAPEX for tooling and automation, and drive cost-out initiatives.
  • People & Culture: Build, mentor, and scale high-performance operations teams including Plant Managers, Process Engineers, Quality Leads, and Supplier Development; establish clear career paths and performance frameworks.
  • Continuous Improvement & Automation: Evaluate and deploy factory automation (robotics, vision systems), MES/SCADA integrations, and digital twin / simulation tools to increase throughput and reduce variation.

Required Qualifications

  • 10+ years of progressive experience in automotive operations, manufacturing, or supply chain leadership, with at least 5 years in senior management or director-level roles.
  • Proven track record delivering high-volume vehicle programs (SOP through ramp) or complex mobility hardware programs.
  • Deep knowledge of automotive manufacturing standards and regulatory frameworks (IATF 16949, FMVSS, EPA, regional homologation processes).
  • Experience owning P&L, operations budgets, and CAPEX planning for manufacturing facilities.
  • Strong analytical skills with experience using manufacturing metrics (OEE, DPU, yield), financial modeling, and data-driven decision making.
  • Demonstrated supplier management and negotiation experience, including contracts, warranty agreements, and supplier development.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or equivalent; MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with EV powertrain manufacturing, battery assembly, or high-voltage vehicle systems.
  • Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Enterprise, or equivalent continuous improvement credentials.
  • Hands-on experience with MES, PLM, ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA), manufacturing simulation, and robotics integration.
  • International operations experience and familiarity with importing/exporting vehicle components and customs processes.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Manufacturing systems: MES, SCADA, PLC integration, digital twin tools.
  • Automation & robotics: ABB, KUKA, FANUC, vision inspection systems, cobots.
  • Quality tools: FMEA, APQP, PPAP, SPC, MSA, 8D problem solving.
  • Data & analytics: SQL, Power BI/Tableau, statistical process control tools, root-cause analysis platforms.
  • Enterprise systems: SAP S/4HANA, Oracle ERP, Teamcenter or Windchill (PLM).
  • Standards & compliance: IATF 16949, ISO 9001, environmental and safety regulatory tools.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Strategic leader with proven ability to create and execute multi-year operational roadmaps and to influence C-level stakeholders.
  • Track record of leading architecture decision records (ADRs), conducting thorough operational reviews, and mentoring cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent communicator, capable of translating technical manufacturing constraints into commercial trade-offs for product and finance teams.
  • Proven crisis management skills and experience debugging complex production incidents using structured incident response and distributed tracing of process flows.
  • Bias for data-driven decisions, continuous learning, and promoting an inclusive, safety-first culture.

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid basic life and disability insurance.
  • Retirement plan with company match or equivalent pension benefits.
  • Equity or long-term incentive compensation commensurate with seniority.
  • Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible working arrangements where operationally feasible.
  • Professional development stipend, certification reimbursement (Six Sigma, PMP), and relocation assistance as needed.
  • On-site amenities depending on facility: shuttle services, cafeteria, and wellness programs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; please indicate accommodation needs in your application.

Location

This role is based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION] and requires regular presence at manufacturing sites, suppliers, and regional offices. Travel up to 40% is expected, including domestic and international supplier visits and plant audits.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your relevant vehicle program and operations leadership experience. Candidates who meet the criteria will be contacted for next steps.

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