Automotive Service Manager/ Operations Lead

Postion :

Service Manager/Operations Lead Department:

Client Experience Reports To:

CEO Job Type:

Full-Time |

On-Site Location:

Virginia Beach, VA Role Overview Simple Details is a premier automotive protection and performance studio serving some of the most discerning vehicle owners in and outside of the state of Virginia. Our work spans paint protection film, ceramic coatings, professional detailing, window tinting, and performance modifications — and every client who walks through our doors expects an experience that matches the caliber of the vehicles we touch. The Service Manager / Operations Lead is the engine room of Simple Details. This is not a front-desk role and it is not a traditional shop foreman position. It is an operational leadership role responsible for ensuring both our Detailing and Performance divisions run with precision, predictability, and zero unnecessary downtime — every single day. You will serve as the central hub for daily workflow across the shop floor, owning the master production calendar, managing the movement of vehicles between departments, coordinating parts logistics, and ensuring that every technician and detailer has what they need to execute at the highest level. You are the person who turns a full schedule into a smooth operation — eliminating dead time, resolving bottlenecks before they become problems, and keeping the entire shop aligned. This role requires someone who thinks in systems, thrives in complexity, and finds genuine satisfaction in creating order where others see chaos. You must be equally comfortable managing bay scheduling on a high-volume day, tracking inbound performance parts for an open build, and communicating project timelines with clarity to clients and teammates alike. Core Responsibilities Workflow Management & Division Coordination Orchestrate the daily workflow between the Performance and Detailing divisions — no vehicle moves without a clear plan and confirmed capacity Manage job sequencing to ensure the right vehicles are in the right bays at the right time, with the right technicians assigned Identify and eliminate bottlenecks, idle time, and scheduling conflicts before they impact the client or the production floor Maintain real-time awareness of all active jobs across both divisions and adjust as conditions change throughout the day Production Calendar & Scheduling Own and maintain the master production calendar across all departments — Detailing, PPF, and Performance Optimize the schedule to maximize bay utilization, technician productivity, and parts availability simultaneously Coordinate intake and delivery timing with the client-facing team to ensure scheduling commitments reflect actual shop capacity Plan ahead for high-volume periods, incoming builds, and multi-day projects to prevent compounding delays Parts Coordination & Logistics Track and manage inbound parts for performance builds and service jobs — nothing enters production without confirmed parts on hand or a firm arrival date Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to maintain accurate lead times and flag delays before they impact scheduled work Maintain awareness of commonly used materials, fluids, and components to proactively identify shortages before they become disruptions Client Communication & Project Updates Serve as the central hub for proactive client project updates — clients should never have to ask where their vehicle is Communicate timeline changes, delays, or scope adjustments with clarity and professionalism before the client is impacted Partner with the Group Service Advisor and department leads to ensure the information flowing to clients is accurate, timely, and consistent Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency Continuously evaluate shop workflow for inefficiencies and dead time, and implement systems to address them Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for scheduling, job intake, vehicle movement, and production handoffs Ensure accurate documentation in shop management software for all active jobs, assignments, and status updates Contribute to building a shop environment where every team member knows what they are responsible for and has what they need to deliver it Expected Results (KPIs)

Shop Utilization:

Minimize daily dead time across both divisions; measurable reduction in unscheduled bay downtime

On-Time Job Completion:

95% or more of jobs completed within the timeline communicated to the client at intake

Parts Readiness:

Zero jobs entering production without confirmed parts availability

Client Communication:

Zero client escalations related to missed or delayed project updates

Schedule Accuracy:

Master production calendar reflects real capacity at all times — no overbooking, no unplanned gaps

Cross-Division Alignment:

Detailing and Performance divisions operating on a coordinated daily schedule with no preventable conflicts Requirements Experience & Qualifications 3 or more years of experience in automotive service management, shop operations, or complex multi-department logistics Demonstrated ability to manage a production calendar and coordinate workflow across multiple teams simultaneously Proficiency with shop management software (Shopmonkey, OrbisX, or equivalent) and scheduling tools Strong understanding of automotive service operations — you do not need to be a technician, but you must understand how a shop runs Proven ability to manage multiple active jobs and moving priorities without losing accuracy or composure Valid driver's license and clean driving record Preferred Qualifications Prior experience at a high-end dealership, luxury automotive shop, or multi-department specialty studio Familiarity with performance build timelines and parts procurement processes Exposure to detailing and PPF production workflows Experience developing or improving shop SOPs and operational systems The Ideal Candidate This role is for you if you: Find genuine satisfaction in building systems that eliminate chaos and create consistency Think three steps ahead — you are solving tomorrow's bottleneck while managing today's schedule Communicate with precision and calm, even when the day does not go as planned Take personal ownership of the shop's operational output and don't wait to be told what needs fixing Thrive in a fast-moving, multi-department environment where no two days look the same Hold yourself and the people around you to a high standard without creating friction This role is not for you if you: Need structure provided to you rather than being the one who creates it Become reactive or disorganized when multiple priorities compete at once Treat operations as a support function rather than a leadership role Are uncomfortable with the responsibility that comes with managing $100,000+ vehicles through a production environment Prefer predictable, single-focus work over a dynamic, multi-moving-part operation Soft Skills & Cultural Fit Simple Details upholds a clear set of core values, and every team member is expected to operate in alignment with them.

Integrity:

You do what you say, every time — with clients, teammates, and leadership

Dependability:

You are the person the shop counts on to keep everything moving — every day, without exception

High Standards:

The standard you hold the operation to matches the standard of the vehicles in our care

Results-Driven:

You track outcomes, not just effort — on-time jobs, clean schedules, and zero avoidable delays are your measure of success

Team Player:

You serve the entire shop — your job is to make every technician, installer, and detailer more effective by removing friction from their day

Resourceful:

When the schedule breaks down or a part does not arrive, you already have a plan Why Join Simple Details? At Simple Details, you're not joining a shop — you're joining a brand that is setting a new standard for what premium automotive care looks like in Virginia Beach and beyond.

Operational Ownership:

You will have real authority over how the shop runs day to day — this is not a coordinator role, it is a leadership role

High-Impact Position:

The efficiency of both divisions runs through you. When you do this job well, every client, every technician, and every department feels it

Elite Environment:

Work alongside master installers, skilled detailers, and performance technicians on some of the most impressive vehicles in the Hampton Roads area

Culture of Excellence:

Join a values-driven team that recognizes results, invests in growth, and holds a standard that reflects the quality of the work we deliver Room to

Build:

Simple Details is growing — the systems, processes, and structure you build in this role will scale with the company If you are ready to bring your operational expertise, your process-driven mindset, and your standard of execution to one of Virginia Beach's premier automotive studios — Simple Details wants to hear from you. Apply today.

Benefits:

Health insurance Vision insurance Paid time off Employee assistance program If you are ready to bring your expertise, your standard, and your client-first mindset to one of Virginia Beach's premier automotive studios — Simple Details wants to hear from you. Apply today.

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): This role requires consistent on-site availability Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, and Saturdays, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. Are you able to meet this schedule reliably? Do you have experience working in a premier dealership, luxury automotive shop, or high-end service environment? Do you have a minimum of 3 years of experience in automotive service management, shop operations, or a complex multi-department logistics role?

Work Location:

In person