Service Department Manager

Join the team at James River Equipment in Ashland, VA at our Ag Location

Since 1977, James River Equipment has been providing outstanding John Deere products and services to farmers, businesses, homeowners, and our communities. Each one of our over 50 authorized John Deere dealerships provides a workplace where employees are family and customers return because of the skill, service and trust our employees provide. As we grow, we value people ready to grow a career that makes an impact far beyond just our daily workplace.

As Service Department Manager, your more typical responsibilities will include:

• Optimize the Service Department processes to ensure internal and external customer satisfaction, growing profitable service labor sales, exercising disciplined expense control, attracting and retaining outstanding talent and effectively engaging department personnel.
• Creates annual Service Department goals and budget, in alignment with the organization’s financial and operational objectives.
• Develops and executes Service Department marketing plan and monitor monthly to ensure achievement of departmental goals.
• Works to develop rising talent, supporting our assistant service manager, service advisors and technicians as well as working collaboratively with our parts and sales teams.
• Recruits, hires, develops, and retains key talent through training and individual development plans.
• Coordinates customer clinics, field days, and related promotional events.
• Negotiate equitable service policy settlements.
• Manage work-in-process and pending service work.
• Analyze service rework and take corrective action.
• Takes the lead in sharing best practices and implementing common processes throughout the Service Department.
• Submits all service warranty and Product Improvement Program claims within the required timeframe to receive maximum credit.
• Ensures the maintenance of the service physical plant and yard areas, mobile equipment, service vehicles, shop equipment and tooling.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements Include:

• High School diploma or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of equipment service and mechanics is required. Experience in a dealership setting supporting lawn/garden, ag/turf or similar volume customer base is highly preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in an equipment service department working as a shop foreman, coordinator or related in a progressive leadership/mentorship capacity is required. Demonstrated growth in service revenue and customer retention is highly preferred.
• Supervisory or management experience highly preferred.
• Strong communication, math, and analytical skills. Business knowledge and managing finances is required.
• Must have excellent customer service skills to include follow up and taking initiative in contacting customers throughout the work process as needed.
• Ability and interest in team-building and mentorship.

Physical Demands

• Physical Effort: Service Managers must be capable of moving objects weighing up to 60 pounds unassisted. They must be able to maneuver on/under heavy equipment and around construction/agricultural sites with loose-footing and irregular terrain. Service Managers must be able to operate a motor vehicle both day and night.

• Working Conditions: As a Service Manager, you must frequently visit the service and repair shop to perform many of your tasks and duties. Within the shop, there are hazardous working conditions. There is risk of exposure to dirt, grease, fumes, cuts, bruises, strains, loud noises, etc. To combat these potential dangers and risk hazards, Service Managers must follow strict safety procedures, proper equipment safety, and PPE.

• Travel: Little to none.

Above all, we are seeking a friendly team player who has an outstanding work ethic, a willingness to continue learning and growing personally and professionally, and enjoys contributing to a positive work environment!

About the Benefits

Joining the team at James River Equipment means you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits, many of which start on day one of your employment with us. In addition to competitive salary (negotiable based on experience) plus bonus eligibility, the successful candidate will receive:

• Extended health, dental, and vision insurance (day one of employment)
• Health savings account options
• Flexible spending account options
• Disability and life insurance
• 401k with employer match and profit share (after 90 days of employment)
• Annual tools and PPE allowance (for technicians)
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Employee recognition rewards program
• Opportunities to attend a yearly cruise for top performers (non-management staff only)
• Opportunities for leadership and professional growth 
• Quarterly group outings, company events, and employee recognition programs

Upon joining James River Equipment, you will be welcomed into a supportive, collaborative, and diverse team that takes pride in a job well done and is appreciated for the work they do!

For more information about what it’s like to work at James River Equipment, please visit www.jamesriverequipment.com