Lead Technician / Shop Foreman / Culture Leader

Team 1 Suddeth Automotive – Columbia, SC

Team 1 Suddeth Automotive is a multi-generational independent repair shop investing in the future of our team, our company, and the automotive industry.

We are looking for the right leader to help oversee day-to-day shop operations alongside our Service Manager while the owner transitions into a more strategic growth and leadership role within the company.

This is not just another technician position.

We are looking for a high-level technician and leader who can help mentor younger technicians, strengthen shop culture, support workflow and quality control, and help shape the future of our company.

Our shop culture is built around teamwork, mentorship, professionalism, and repairing vehicles correctly for our customers.

We are known for being thorough in our testing and analysis while being upfront and candid with our customers so they can make the best decisions regarding their vehicle repairs.

What We’re Looking For

We are searching for someone who:

• Leads by example
• Has strong diagnostic and testing ability
• Can mentor and develop younger technicians
• Works well with a Service Manager and team environment
• Helps maintain a positive and respectful culture
• Can make difficult decisions when needed
• Understands accountability and ownership
• Wants to help build something long-term
• Is motivated to get things done correctly for the customer, the team, and the company

This role will involve both leadership responsibilities and hands-on technical work as shop workload demands.

Our Shop

• Monday–Friday schedule (7:30 AM – 5:00 PM)
• No weekends
• Overtime available
• Clean and organized facility
• 12 lifts
• Digital inspections
• Tekmetric shop management system
• Advanced diagnostic and testing environment
• ADAS capability
• Modern equipment and scan tools including:
• Autel
• Launch
• XTool
• Snap-on
• HP Tuners
• Ongoing investment in equipment and training
• Entire team attended Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo in Kansas City

We service domestic, Asian, and most European vehicles.

Required Qualifications

• Strong diagnostic and testing experience
• Previous leadership or foreman experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Clean driving record
• Ability to mentor younger technicians
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work closely with service advisors and leadership team

Preferred Qualifications

• ASE certifications
• ADAS experience
• Programming/module setup experience
• European vehicle experience

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation based on experience, leadership ability, diagnostic skill, and overall fit
• Hourly pay plus team incentive bonus structure
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid training
• Long-term leadership opportunity
• Opportunity to help shape the future of the company

If you are looking for more than just another job — and want an opportunity to lead, mentor, grow, and help build a strong independent repair shop culture — we would like to talk with you.

Pay: From $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Describe a younger technician you have mentored

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Automotive diagnostics: 2 years (Required)
• Automotive repair: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• ASE (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Columbia, SC 29204 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000