It takes numerous people to run a car dealership smoothly. Here’s an overview of common jobs offered at a car dealership. 

Common Jobs Offered at a Car Dealership 

Sales 

This is probably the first thing you think about when you think about jobs at a car dealership. The sales team is front and center, engaging with customers and helping them find the perfect vehicle. In the sales department, there are sales associates as well as one or more sales managers.    

Finance 

In order to complete a vehicle purchase most people look to the financing team to prepare a loan and payment schedule. The finance team also explains things like extended warranties or other added value purchases. Finally, they may help customers obtain rebates for Electric Vehicle (EV) purchases. Just like the sales department, there are finance associates and a finance manager.   

Service 

Another key department at the dealership is the service department. The service department employs many people including service advisors that help check vehicles into the dealership, as well as technicians and service managers. Technicians will have specialized training through the car maker to ensure that quality work is being completed on each vehicle. 

Parts 

The best parts to put into your vehicle are Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. The parts department is responsible for ordering and tracking parts to make sure that the service department always has common parts available as well as ordering any special part that may be needed. Customers can also purchase parts through the dealership, so the parts department is responsible for that service.  

Body 

Many dealerships also employ a skilled body team that focuses solely on body repair. This might include damage appraisers and estimators, technicians, painters and more. From parking lot scratches to substantial repairs after an accident, this team knows how to make a car look like new again. 

Detailing 

It’s imperative that dealerships keep cars they want to sell looking fantastic. That’s why the detailing team is there to not only maintain cars while they are on the lot for sale, but to also give vehicles a final detail before the purchaser drives off the lot.  

Customer Service 

A big operation like a car dealership needs a strong customer service team. These people answer the phones, greet guests and help guide them to the right department. A customer service representative might introduce a guest to a salesperson, direct them to the customer lounge where they can comfortably wait for service or any other number of customer-facing interactions.  

Maintenance 

The maintenance team keeps the dealership in tip-top shape for both employees and guests. Their role is essential as they are often responsible for a customer’s first impression by maintaining the lot, showroom, bathrooms, customer waiting areas, as well as other customer-facing and employee only areas. 

Marketing 

Like with any other business, dealerships need customers know they are there and what kind of offers are currently available. A marketing team or marketing manager handles the marketing strategy, messaging, advertising placements and online presence.  

Management 

For large teams like at a dealership, each department will have its own manager. Senior management for the dealership might include a director of sales, finance director, director of operations and director of human resources. Finally, there might be a dealer principal or general manager that is responsible for overseeing the entire dealership. Depending on the dealership, the principal/general manager might be the owner, or the owner might hire someone for this role.  

Work at the Dealership 

These are some of the most common jobs available at the dealership, and they all work together to keep it functioning like a well-oiled machine.   

Interested in working at a dealership? 

Contact any of our dealerships to find out about open positions and how to apply. Most dealerships offer a Careers or Join Our Team page on their website, so that’s a good place to start!