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From Automotive Retailing Today...

Job Definition

Shop foremen/lead technicians direct a team of service technicians, ensuring that repairs in the service department are performed correctly and efficiently and that the service department maintains a high level of customer satisfaction. Shop foremen also may spend much of their time diagnosing and repairing unusual problems, rather than conducting more routine vehicle service or simple repairs. In large shops, shop foremen are specialized, using a variety of computerized systems to complete their work. Professional certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is preferred.

As with all positions within dealerships, shop foremen/lead technicians are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards.

Job Duties

The duties of a shop foreman/lead technician include:

Conferring with customers or service advisors to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems, and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
Examining vehicles to determine wear and extent of damage or malfunctions.
Recruiting and hiring qualified service technicians as well as assisting technicians with their skills, providing technical support when needed and monitoring performance and productivity.
Testing and adjusting repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
Ensuring that the shop is in excellent condition in regard to cleanliness, safety, and equipment condition, and conducting periodic spot checks to maintain high-quality service.
Test-driving vehicles, and testing components and systems, using equipment, such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges and computerized diagnostic devices.

Job Requirements

Shop foremen/lead technicians should be certified by The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in all eight automotive specialty areas (engine repair, engine performance, heating and air conditioning, electrical systems, automatic transmissions, manual transmission and axle, brakes and front end), and should have at least ten years of experience as an automotive technician.

Shop foremen/lead technicians are required to not only understand and keep abreast of the federal, state, and local regulations that affect their operations, but also to comply with these regulations as well as hazardous waste disposal and OSHA Right-to-Know regulations and to provide necessary training on these regulations and ethical practices.

Management personnel must possess strong communication skills to deal with customers, employees and vendors.

People working within the automotive retail industry often have to work extended hours, evenings and weekends to achieve their goals.

Education Requirements

Most employers regard the successful completion of a National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)-certified technical training program in automotive technology at a high school or at a community college as the best preparation for service technicians.

Focusing on the following coursework may be useful to those seeking a career in automotive service: mathematics, computers/electronics, automotive service and technology and courses that teach analytical skills.

Career Path

Shop foremen/lead technicians may become service managers, fixed operation directors, race team pit crewmembers, and automotive writers - even auto technology teachers. Those with a flair for business may own their own shop or manage a shop or car dealership.

Salary Range

The average annual earnings of shop foremen are approximately $35,000 to $62,000. Earnings vary depending on experience, and the dealer's geographic location and size.

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Benefits

Benefits vary by employer, but most dealerships offer on site training, health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefit options. Talk with the specific dealer human resource manager about benefit packages.

Physical Demands

Working in the automotive industry can be physically demanding. Certain positions require employees to spend most of their workday on their feet and to carry heavy and awkwardly sized items. A reasonable level of physical fitness and flexibility is beneficial.

(Source: Automotive Retailing Today.)

To learn more about this and other jobs in
automotive, visit our partner site,
Automotive Training & Career Opportunities (ATCO).

Education and Training in Automotive


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