There are many lucrative careers available today in the automotive retail industry at your neighborhood new car dealership. This guide will help you find the one you love. Looking for more than a job? Learn about the many benefits of a career in the auto retail industry that keeps the world moving forward.
TABLE OF CONTENTS About Contact Us Next Steps 4 5 5 6 7 8 12 10 14 15 20 25 25 1. NJ CAR 3. Auto Retail Industry NJ CAR TAP vs College 2. NJ CAR TAP Program Introduction Dealership Career Road Maps Job vs Career Dealership Careers Industry Statistics Dealership Roles Defined
This guide is intended to be used as a resource for anyone who is looking for a job change, isn’t sure what kind of job they want, or is considering pursuing a career in automotive retail. Inside, you will find the benefits of working in the auto retail industry, see an overview of the different available careers in the dealership, navigate the potential paths you can take to find the role that fits you best, and much more. Use this guide as a tool to help you decide what’s right for your future. Through our breakdown of the decision-making process, finding your career goals is easier than ever. We hope this guide will serve as a valuable resource in helping you choose your career. INTRODUCTION
The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) is the state trade association that represents approximately 520 franchised new car and truck dealerships in New Jersey. These dealerships represent a nearly $43 BILLION industry that directly employs about 37,500 residents in good-paying local careers that can’t be outsourced. The industry also supports another 35,000 jobs in New Jersey. NJ CAR functions as a link between local technical training schools and dealership members to promote and support workforce development initiatives including job-shadowing and other training programs throughout the state. ABOUT US About
About NJ CAR’s Technical Advancement Program (NJ CAR TAP) is a non-profit automotive technical training program in partnership with NJ CAR and its dealership members. The program aims to convert participating dealerships into state-of-the-art automotive training facilities that prepare students for a lucrative career as automotive technicians. The training includes an 18-week, hands-on boot camp where students will receive training in maintenance and light repair. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to enter the automotive workforce in an entry-level position with any dealership.
About the Auto Retail Industry The car industry has been evolving since President Eisenhower signed the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 into law. The American road of opportunity has transformed local car dealerships into community staples with significant economic influence. Adapting to challenges, such as safeguarding data, utilizing digital tools, and employing intelligent computer programs, necessitates a workforce that is tech-savvy and customer service-focused. Fortunately, these challenges also bring opportunities in an industry where there are numerous career options that offer the potential to work toward earning a six-figure income.
EDUCATION OPTIONS FOR AUTOMOTIVE RETAIL If you are considering a career as an automotive technician, it is important to understand your options for training. Unless you were accepted into a postsecondary technical training school or were traditionally enrolled in a training program hosted by a college, university, or for-profit secondary technical training school — it’s hard for those pursuing a career in automotive retail to find alternative training.
Traditional training programs could cost $15k – $30k, with limited hands-on training covering outdated and irrelevant content. The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers’ Technician Advancement Program (NJ CAR TAP) was created to fundamentally change how the next generation of technicians are trained. NJ CAR TAP features a hands-on 18-week boot camp that offer participants the most industry-relevant curriculums for a fraction of the traditional cost.
STATISTICS OF NEW JERSEY’S AUTO RETAIL INDUSTRY Franchised new car and truck dealerships directly employed 37,500 men and women in good-paying, local jobs in 2023. NJ’s local dealerships provided employees with $3.66 BILLION in compensation in 2023. New Jersey’s neighborhood new car and truck dealerships represent a nearly $43 BILLION industry in automotive retail. Franchised dealerships in New Jersey have contributed more than $26 MILLION to hundreds of local charities in the communities they serve.
STATISTICS OF AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS IN NEW JERSEY The industry employs around 7,550 total auto techs, but still need more than 1,200 techs to service vehicles in NJ dealerships every day. Depending on their level of expertise, auto techs can make an average of $41,000 to $88,000 per year in local NJ franchised dealerships. In a typical year, more than 20,000 vehicles are serviced in NJ dealerships, so you can be sure there’s always work to be done. Franchised dealers in NJ suffer a deficit of 1,200 auto tech positions. That’s 2–3 more techs that are needed at every NJ dealership.
JOB VS CAREER Other Retail Jobs Auto Retail Career Living wage with opportunity for increases (Most retail jobs pay minimum wage) (Make $40k to start with many careers earning six figures) Defined career path with the opportunity for career growth (There are limited opportunities for job growth) (There are many jobs with defined career paths) Good Benefits (Minimal benefits are available, if any) (Dealers must be competitive to attract and retain personnel) Good Work / Life Balance (Often expected to work long hours) (Family-owned businesses prioritize time with family) Allows workers to play a critical role in the local community (Every retail job supports their community) (Dealers contribute billions to State & local economies)
SERVICE MANAGER PARTS DIRECTOR FIXED OPS MANAGER AUTO TECH MASTER TECH GENERAL MANAGER DEALERSHIP OWNER Enjoys solving complex technical problems Has an interest in engineering mechanics Desires to build and fix things with their hands Prefers independent work PROFESSIONAL GOAL An auto tech’s goal is to keep millions of vehicles on NJ roads safe to drive. ROLE-ALIGNING PERSONAL QUALITIES
SERVICE ADVISOR INVENTORY/QC FIXED OPS MANAGER PARTS CONCIERGE PARTS MANAGER GENERAL MANAGER DEALERSHIP OWNER Prefers a sense of order and organization Skilled at identifying a physical problem based on the knowledge of a vehicle’s parts Enjoys mechanical and technical problem-solving Prefers teamwork and collaboration PROFESSIONAL GOAL The goal of a parts concierge is to ensure every vehicle has the parts it needs. ROLE-ALIGNING PERSONAL QUALITIES
SERVICE MANAGER ACCOUNTING CFO FINANCE & INSURANCE BRAND ADVOCATE GENERAL MANAGER DEALERSHIP OWNER Enjoys using math to solve problems Has an interest in giving advice on finance Desires to help customers overcome obstacles Prefers simple and clear answers to problems PROFESSIONAL GOAL F&I’s goal is to help get customers the funding they need to buy and protect their vehicle. ROLE-ALIGNING PERSONAL QUALITIES
Desires to help people find vehicles that match their style and personality Enjoys learning about people and being social Prefers to use conversation to solve problems PROFESSIONAL GOAL The goal of a brand advocate is to connect customers with vehicles that meet their needs. ROLE-ALIGNING PERSONAL QUALITIES BRAND ADVOCATE ASSOCIATE SALES MANAGER GENERAL MANAGER DEALERSHIP OWNER SERVICE MANAGER FINANCE & INSURANCE CFO
QUALITY CONTROL COMPLIANCE HR HELP TITLE CLERK WARRANTY CLERK COMPLIANCE MANAGER OFFICE MANAGER Is orderly and precise in their work Prefers to take their time to make sure work is done correctly and is completed without error Enjoys organization and editing documentation PROFESSIONAL GOAL A title clerk’s goal is to help customers properly title and register their vehicle. ROLE-ALIGNING PERSONAL QUALITIES
SERVICE MANAGER FIXED OPS DIRECTOR FIXED OPS MANAGER SERVICE ADVISOR ADVISOR ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER DEALERSHIP OWNER Skilled at problem-solving Prefers to use math to solve problems Enjoys helping and learning about people Desires to help customers overcome obstacles PROFESSIONAL GOAL A service advisor’s goal is to build consumer trust maintain satisfaction. ROLE-ALIGNING PERSONAL QUALITIES
Administrative Department INDEX OF DEALERSHIP ROLES Receptionist: Receives calls at the dealership, determines the nature of their business, and directs callers to their destination. Answers basic inquiries, routes incoming calls, and takes messages. Accounting Cashier: Receives payment for products or services sold by the dealership and plays a key role in business transactions. Accounts Receivable Clerk: Records payments on customer accounts and maintains accounts receivable records. Takes appropriate collection action on delinquent accounts. Reconciles and deposits all money received by the dealership. Payroll Clerk: Compiles and maintains payroll records by performing a variety of duties. Title Clerk: Processes car deals and verifies costs for the accounting department. Handles the legal transfer of documents for NJMVC.
Controller: Reports the financial condition of the whole dealership to the dealer or general manager, among other duties. Business Manager: Reports the financial condition of the dealership, develops controls necessary for proper business conduct, maintains accurate records, and establishes and maintains data processing systems to accomplish the dealership's business objectives. Chief Financial Officer: Directs the dealership's financial planning and accounting practices and directs its relationship with lending institutions, shareholders, and financial community by performing a variety of duties. Office Manager: Processes and generates financial data for all dealership departments. Provides accurate reporting to the dealer or general manager, and is responsible for accounting office and administrative functions. Marketing & Communications Marketing Manager: Studies the dealership's customer base and local automotive retail market to develop effective programs for soliciting business.
Sales Management Performance Manager: Maintains and improves overall employee performance based on the dealership’s organizational objectives. Sales Manager: Directs dealership sales activities by performing a variety of duties. Information Technology Information Systems Manager: Directs and coordinates activities related to the management, acquisition, installation, and maintenance of internal communications, information systems, and other related equipment. General Manager: Assumes responsibility and accountability for customer retention as well as the profitability in each department of the dealership. Chief Executive Officer: Manages and directs the dealership toward its primary objectives by performing a variety of duties. Social Media Coordinator: Maintains all dealership websites, feeds, blogs, and online galleries.
Finance & Insurance Manager: Secures financing for each sale and ensures every vehicle sold is properly delivered. Assistant Sales Manager: Helps the sales manager monitor the new & used vehicle sales departments, including the performance of those employees. Automotive Salesperson: Sells or leases new and used vehicles to improve dealership gross profit, volume, and customer satisfaction standards. New Vehicle Product Specialist: Advises customers on new vehicle platforms, option packages, and powertrain choices. Provides customers with information on a vehicle’s features, benefits, and overall functionality. General Sales Department Online Salesperson: Responds to online customer inquiries to ensure the dealership achieves its maximum profit potential through online sales. Fixed Operations Department General Service Technician – D Class: An entrylevel position that requires the ability to perform light maintenance and repairs including lube; oil; filter changes; tire rotation and balance; and flushing cooling systems.
Quality Control Manager: Plans, coordinates, and directs the dealership service department’s quality control efforts, ensuring that repairs to customers’ vehicles have been completed correctly and are returned to them in the proper condition. General Service Technician – B Class: Functions as an experienced technician, able to perform diagnoses and repairs on most vehicle components, with little supervision required. Has previously worked as a C Class automotive technician. General Service Technician – A Class: Functions as a skilled technician who is able to perform diagnoses and repairs in all areas. Specializes in specific areas of repair and has previously worked as a B Class automotive technician. General Service Technician – C Class: Performs most tasks assigned to them, with some supervision required. Level requires a moderate level of mechanical knowledge. Shop Foreman / Supervisor: Ensures that repairs are completed correctly and efficiently by qualified technicians. Ensures the service department maintains a high level of customer satisfaction.
Service Manager: Runs an efficient and profitable service department through productive staffing, customer retention, cost controls, objective achievements, and maintaining all service records. Fixed Operations Director: Manages efficient and profitable service, parts, and body shop operations. Parts Department Parts Consultant: Sells parts to customers over the counter, through the shop, or over the phone. Parts Manager: Strives for a satisfactory profit return on dealer capital invested in parts inventory through proper shopping procedures, inventory control, staff, price control, and advertising. Warranty Clerk: Prepares, records, submits, and reconciles warranty claims to the factory and/ distributor. Service Advisor: Greets customers, listens to their description of their vehicle’s issue, determines the type of service needed, and prepares repair orders.
CONTACT US For questions about dealership careers, employment opportunities, or local dealerships near you, reach out today! Brandon Jurakhan 609.883.5056, Ext. 318 bjurakhan@njcar.org Workforce Development Manager Coordinator for NJ CAR TAP Ready for Next Steps? Scan the QR code below to fill out a brief interest form to find your career path today. Scan to Start Your Journey
This booklet was prepared by the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers, Inc. Copyright © 2024 New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers, Inc. the b N A o l e o l w k r l i e g Je t h r i t s n s e w r y e h Cs o e o r l a e v l i e o t d i r o , p n in a o r c f t l u A w d u i i t t n h o g o m t u h o t e t w i v r r i e g i t Rh te t e nt t a o p i l r e e e r r p m s r , i o I s n d s c u io . c ne f t r h o is m (NJ CAR). For information, contact: New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers, Inc. (NJ CAR) Tr 8 e 65 n 0 6 t 9 o R . n 8 i , 8 v N e 3 r J .5 R 0 0 o 8 5 a 6 6 d 28
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