European Automotive Shop Manager

European Automotive Shop Manager

Base salary is $90K with additional incentives to reach $150k-$170k total comp Position Overview We are seeking an experienced and customer-focused European Automotive Shop Manager to lead a busy shop specializing in Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and other European vehicles. The Shop Manager will be responsible for day-to-day operations, team leadership, technical oversight, and ensuring high-quality repairs and exceptional customer service. This role requires hands-on automotive knowledge, strong organizational skills, and proven experience managing technicians, parts, and shop workflow for European autos.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily shop operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and high-quality workmanship across all repairs and services.
• Lead, mentor, and schedule a team of technicians and mechanics; recruit and retain skilled staff and coordinate ongoing training, especially for European makes (Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW).
• Perform or supervise complex diagnostics, repair planning and quality control for European vehicles; assist technicians with troubleshooting when needed.
• Manage customer communications: provide accurate repair estimates, explain technical issues clearly, ensure timely updates, and resolve customer concerns to maintain satisfaction and shop reputation.
• Control parts inventory and vendor relationships: order parts and supplies cost-effectively, verify deliveries, and maintain accurate inventory records and warranty documentation.
• Maintain compliance with manufacturer service procedures, safety regulations, environmental and shop licensing requirements.
• Monitor shop financials: prepare and manage budgets, analyze repair margins, set pricing strategies, and drive revenue growth through upsells and service retention programs.
• Implement and maintain shop management systems (appointment scheduling, invoicing, repair orders, warranty tracking) and ensure technicians use OEM repair information and diagnostic tools.
• Coordinate warranty claims and interactions with external vendors or dealers as needed.
• Develop and execute local marketing and customer retention initiatives in cooperation with ownership to grow the European vehicle customer base.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience as an automotive technician or mechanic with at least 2 years in a supervisory or shop lead role; experience specifically with European vehicles (Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW) required.
• Strong technical competence with European vehicle diagnostics, repair procedures, and tools; familiarity with OEM service information and factory-level diagnostic tools.
• ASE certifications preferred; OEM factory training or certifications for Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW are a strong plus.
• Proven leadership skills: staff management, scheduling, training, performance reviews, and team development.
• Solid customer service and communication abilities: able to translate technical issues into clear explanations for customers and maintain high satisfaction levels.
• Experience managing parts inventory, vendor relations, and warranty claims; basic understanding of shop financials and P&L drivers.
• Comfortable using shop management software, estimating systems, and basic office software (email, spreadsheets).
• Valid drivers license and a clean driving record; willingness to occasionally test-drive vehicles.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and able to work under deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledgeable about European auto brands:
  Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW; experience working directly as an Auto Technician or Mechanic on these brands is preferred.