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Automotive Service Director

Mills Automotive Group
Columbia, SC Full Time
POSTED ON 5/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/19/2026
At Jaguar Land Rover Columbia, a proud member of the Mills Automotive Group, we are redefining what luxury ownership experiences should feel like. We are seeking a highly driven, hospitality-minded, operationally excellent Service Manager who is passionate about delivering world-class client experiences while building and leading elite service teams.

This is more than a management role — it is an opportunity to lead a premium ownership experience aligned with the Jaguar Land Rover Customer First philosophy and the Mills Automotive Group 5 Pillars:

  • Character
  • Integrity
  • Teamwork
  • Work Ethic
  • Productivity


If you thrive in a performance culture where luxury hospitality, employee development, operational excellence, and customer loyalty matter equally, we want to meet you.

Position Overview

The Service Manager is responsible for leading all fixed operations service activities, ensuring exceptional client satisfaction, maximizing department performance, and cultivating a culture rooted in luxury hospitality and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate is a proven leader in highline automotive service who understands that today’s luxury client expects more than repairs — they expect trust, transparency, convenience, and personalized care throughout every interaction.

This leader will champion the JLR Customer First principles, ensuring every guest experience reflects the prestige and sophistication of the Jaguar Land Rover brand while upholding the values and culture of Mills Automotive Group.

What Success Looks Like

  • Creating an ownership experience that inspires long-term client loyalty
  • Building a high-performing, accountable, and engaged service team
  • Achieving exceptional CSI and client retention metrics
  • Driving profitable growth while maintaining luxury-level service standards
  • Leading with professionalism, transparency, and operational discipline
  • Elevating the dealership experience through proactive communication and hospitality


Key Responsibilities

Client Experience Leadership

  • Deliver a seamless, luxury-level ownership experience aligned with JLR Customer First standards
  • Ensure every client interaction reflects professionalism, urgency, empathy, and transparency
  • Resolve escalated client concerns with confidence and diplomacy
  • Build long-term client relationships that drive retention and advocacy
  • Maintain exceptional CSI performance and online reputation standards


Operational Excellence

  • Lead all service department operations, including workflow management, technician productivity, dispatching, and quality control
  • Monitor and improve KPIs including gross profit, effective labor rate, technician efficiency, warranty performance, and repair order performance
  • Ensure compliance with Jaguar Land Rover operational and warranty standards
  • Drive continuous process improvement and operational efficiency


Team Leadership & Development

  • Recruit, coach, and develop a high-performing service team
  • Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement
  • Lead by example through servant leadership and strong communication
  • Conduct performance reviews, training initiatives, and career development planning
  • Create a positive and performance-driven workplace culture


Business Performance

  • Collaborate with dealership leadership to achieve financial and operational goals
  • Develop and execute strategies to increase retention, service revenue, and client loyalty
  • Analyze departmental reporting and implement data-driven improvements
  • Ensure proper expense control while maintaining premium service standards


Qualifications

Required

  • 5 years of automotive service management experience
  • Proven success in luxury/highline automotive operations preferred
  • Strong leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills
  • Track record of improving CSI and operational performance
  • Experience managing technician productivity and service profitability
  • Deep understanding of fixed operations processes and KPIs
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record


Preferred

  • Jaguar Land Rover experience
  • CDK experience
  • OEM certification/training background
  • Luxury hospitality mindset with strong relationship-building abilities


At Jaguar Land Rover Columbia, luxury is not simply the vehicles we represent — it is the experience we deliver. We are seeking a leader who understands that exceptional service creates lifelong clients.

If you are passionate about leadership, operational excellence, and delivering elevated customer experiences, we invite you to apply and become part of the Mills Automotive Group family.

Apply today and help shape the future of luxury automotive service in Columbia.

Benefits Include:

Our team members enjoy a positive working environment with opportunities for professional growth through training and advancement from within the organization. Our team members also enjoy a comprehensive benefits program including:

  • Salary and commission packages above local and industry levels
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) availability
  • Employee discounts on vehicle purchases, parts and service
  • Paid-time-off
  • We also offer a group of supplemental benefit plans including, short-term disability, long-term disability, supplemental life insurance
  • Opportunities for internal career advancement

Salary : $150,000 - $250,000

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