Seaside, CA, USA Service Manager 130000 - 180000

Automotive Service Director

European Specialty Repair | Growth-Focused Leadership Role

Why This Role Is Special (The Highlights Up Front)

  • $170k+ On-Target Earnings (base + GP-based bonus)

  • Ownership-level influence without ownership-level risk

  • Real authority over operations, marketing, and SOPs

  • Significant unused capacity = immediate growth opportunity

  • Established, profitable shop ($3.5M+ annually)

  • Succession potential for the right long-term leader

  • Strong benefits from day one (3 weeks PTO, 401k, insurance)

The Opportunity

A well-established, high-performing European automotive repair operation is seeking a Service Director to step in as the true operational leader of the business.

This is not a glorified service writer role — this is a seat at the leadership table. The owner is intentionally stepping back from daily operations and wants a seasoned professional to take the reins, bring structure, drive accountability, and unlock the shop’s full potential.

The facility has already expanded. The bays are built. The team is in place. What’s missing is a single leader to align people, process, and performance.

 

What This Service Director Will Own

  • Full oversight of day-to-day operations

  • Increased throughput and car count across two buildings

  • Development, documentation, and enforcement of SOPs

  • Leadership of the Service Manager and Business Manager

  • Marketing strategy ownership and vendor management

  • Support on the service drive when needed

  • Accountability, execution, and results

This role replaces the owner’s daily involvement — meaning real authority, not micromanagement.

The Team You’ll Be Leading

  • 8 technicians

  • 3 service advisors

  • Dedicated parts and business management support

  • A high-volume service writer who needs leadership, not babysitting

  • A shop that’s grown fast and now needs operational maturity

The Ideal Candidate

  • 6+ years of automotive service or operations management experience

  • Background in either dealership or high-performing independent shops

  • European vehicle experience is a plus, but leadership skill matters more

  • Comfortable holding people accountable and setting standards

  • Strategic thinker who also executes

This is a role for someone who wants to build something, not just maintain it.

Compensation & Benefits

  • $170k+ OTE (base salary + GP-based bonus)

  • Medical, Dental, Vision (80% employer-paid)

  • 401(k) with match (details being finalized)

  • 3 weeks PTO starting day one

  • 6 paid holidays

  • Relocation assistance available

  • Stable ownership, clear expectations, and room to grow

The Bottom Line

This is a rare opportunity to step into a profitable, growing European repair operation that’s ready for its next chapter — with real leadership authority, strong financial upside, and a potential path to ownership for the right person.

If you’ve been waiting for a role where your operational skill actually matters, this is it.


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