car dealerships 5 min read

10 Different Car Dealership Jobs and Their Roles: A Comprehensive Guide

You might think running a car dealership is simple, relying on the sales team’s efforts. However, a successful dealership is a complex operation involving a diverse team of individuals working together.

Last year, there were over 16,000 franchised car dealerships in America, and the number of independent dealerships is in the hundreds of thousands. These dealerships provide countless job opportunities for American workers. But what specific roles do these dealerships offer? A diverse team of professionals works behind the scenes to keep these dealerships running smoothly.

Beyond the bustling showroom floor, a well-oiled dealership relies on a team of professionals playing crucial roles. Each position contributes significantly to the dealership’s overall success, from finance experts to service technicians. Are you interested in a career in the automotive industry? Let’s explore the diverse range of car dealership jobs available.

10 Jobs in Car Dealerships

1. Sales Manager

The sales manager is the captain of the ship. A proficient salesperson to start, the manager provides leadership to the sales team. They keep track of sales quotas and goals. When a spot opens up for a new team member, they hire them. They empower the sales team to work hard and hit quotas. The sales manager writes work schedules and corresponds with Human Resources. They also work closely with the dealership owner if they aren’t the owner.

2. Finance Manager

After deciding to buy a car from a salesperson, they’ll likely hand you off to a finance manager. Different dealerships give them different titles. Their job is to up-sell other products and services and complete the financial paperwork. The finance manager might encourage the buyer also to buy rust-proofing. They could have insurance sold through the dealership. Winter tires, trunk nets, and other accessories could get promoted.

3. Customer Service Representative

Every dealership should have a pleasant, smiling face when greeting customers. It could be a receptionist, a greeter, or a concierge. Their job is to facilitate the buyer’s journey. Does the person want to see a salesperson now? Do they want a specific sales employee to work with them? The receptionist books appointments, answers the phone, and works on sales paperwork. First and foremost, they ensure the customer has a positive experience.

4. Car Detailer

Some cars sit on the lot for weeks or months before getting sold. That means they’ve endured months of rain, snow, and other bad weather conditions. It needs detailing after a sale, but before the car gets picked up. Most dealerships will have a car detailer in-house or nearby to clean cars. They could clean cars that are still on the lot for sale, too. Their job is all about making the product look great for the customer.

5. Lot Manager

Large dealership lots usually rely on a lot manager to organize it. The lot manager returns cars to their place after test drives. When new inventory comes in, they park it in the correct spot. Parking well is a huge asset to dealerships. It affects the professional appearance of the business. Cars in the lot need to be parked identically across the property.

6. Property Maintenance

Curb appeal is important to successful dealerships. Customers care how a business looks outside because it forms their first impression. Large dealerships will hire a handyman and/or property maintenance person. They take care of snow removal, lawn care, and building maintenance. They may also hire a cleaning team to ensure the inside of the dealership stays clean. Small and independent dealerships are less likely to have these roles. With bigger franchise names comes a bigger budget to spend on employees.

7. HR Consultant

Who ensures the other employees get paid, show up, and are happy? The Human Resources consultant handles all employee-related tasks.

This will often include facilitating health and safety training in a car dealership. They ensure new employees have a desk and login code and provide orientation. If employees have complaints or concerns, they can discuss them with HR. The consultant sometimes works on company culture and engagement. They might plan fun weekly or monthly events for the whole team. The consultant often works closely with the sales manager and dealership owner.

8. Service Technicians

Some dealerships have their own Parts & Service Departments. This is especially common for franchised dealerships. Service Departments employ many people. There are the technicians, the appointment setters, and the shuttle drivers. Most Service Departments have a manager who schedules and leads the other employees. Technicians usually have formal education in auto mechanics. Some of the employees are in apprenticeship programs and getting on-the-job training.

9. Parts Technicians

If there’s a Service Department, there might also be a Parts Department. Franchised dealerships want customers to buy parts from their brand, not aftermarket sellers. In the Parts Department, there are parts sales representatives and technicians. You might also find tire pushers. These employees work during snow tire season to literally move tires. The Parts Department works closely with the Service Department. If there’s a recall, the service manager might need them to order the right replacement parts. Like the Service Department, the Parts Department will likely have a manager. The two management positions in smaller dealerships are done by the same person.

10. Salespeople

Lastly, the front face of the car dealership is the salespeople. They’re the ones you expect to see in the showroom. It’s their job to sell you a car. Salespeople must know everything about their products. To sell it well, they must also be personable and persuasive. No one likes a pushy, aggressive salesperson. There’s certainly an art to selling cars. You must be able to read the customer when they walk in and anticipate what they need. Communication is key. Once you have the customer’s interest, don’t lose it. Salespeople take the customer through the buying process from start until close.

In essence, car dealership jobs involve supporting other team members to increase sales. Everyone has the same end goal: making money. If you currently work in a car dealership, check out our individual training program. ATN can help each member of your dealership improve and excel.

Elevate Your Dealership’s Overall Performance with Expert Training by ATN

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful sales, particularly in the automotive industry. With 40+ years of industry experience, the Automotive Training Network offers comprehensive training programs to ensure your team is equipped to excel in their car dealership roles.

Our expert-led training programs cover a wide range of topics, including:

Sales Techniques: Learn advanced sales strategies to close more deals and boost revenue.
Customer Relationship Building: Develop strong customer relationships to foster loyalty and referrals.
Product Knowledge: Gain in-depth product knowledge to address customer inquiries and objections confidently.
Effective Communication: Master the art of communication, from phone etiquette to persuasive language.
Negotiation Skills: Learn how to negotiate effectively to achieve optimal outcomes.

Whether you need virtual training, BDC, sales boot camps, or live in-dealership training, our personalized approach will empower your team to:

Increase appointments: Generate more qualified leads and drive traffic to your dealership.
Enhance customer satisfaction: Deliver exceptional customer experiences and build lasting relationships.
Boost sales: Close more deals and achieve your sales targets.

Invest in your team’s success with Automotive Training Network.