Service Director - Mercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek at Sonic Automotive — Walnut Creek, CA

Summary

The Service Director is responsible for leading and growing the fixed-operations business across one or more Sonic Automotive dealerships. This role oversees Service, Parts and Service Scheduling functions to maximize revenue, profitability, and customer satisfaction while ensuring compliance with OEM and Sonic standards. The role requires hands-on leadership, strong financial and operational acumen, and a customer-first mindset.

Responsibilities

• The Service Director develops and coaches service managers, advisors, and technicians.
• Implements operational best practices and KPIs.
• Manages vendor and warranty relationships.
• Controls costs and parts inventory.
• Drives continuous improvement in CSI, throughput, and retention.
• 7+ years progressive fixed-operations experience in automotive dealerships, including 3+ years in a leadership role (Service Manager/Director) -- Mercedes-Benz, luxury, high volume experience.
• Demonstrated success managing Service and Parts P&L, meeting revenue, gross profit, productivity, and cost-control targets.
• Strong operational knowledge of shop processes, flat-rate labor, RO management, warranty/OEM repair procedures, and parts inventory optimization.
• Proven ability to drive CSI improvement, service lane throughput, retention, and technician/advisor performance through coaching and KPI-driven management.
• Experience hiring, developing, and retaining technicians and advisors; strong coaching, succession planning, and team-building skills.
• Proficient with dealership DMS/ERP systems, service scheduling tools, CRM, and Microsoft Office; comfortable analyzing data to make operational decisions.
• Excellent communication, vendor and OEM relationship management, problem-solving skills, and commitment to Sonic Automotive brand standards and customer-focused service.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment requirements, including background check, motor vehicle record (MVR) review, and drug screening.

Compensation

• $150,000 to $300,000

(The Service Director Position has a Pay Scale consisting of the following elements and ranges. Wages include a base monthly draw per month. The position may also pay commission compensation which is based on the value or amount of revenue and profits achieved from the Service Department from $0.00 (if quotas are not met) without any upper limit other than department performance. The position also may also pay a production bonus based on individual or team performance that may range from $0.00 (if baseline benchmarks are not met) without any fixed upper limit.)

Schedule

• Full Time
• Monday through Saturday availability
• Sundays off

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (Traditional and Roth options)
• Generous paid time off and paid parental leave
• Ongoing training and professional development to support career growth
• A collaborative, performance-driven work environment

Learn more: https://jobs.sonicautomotive.com/benefits

Sonic Automotive is a Fortune 500 leader and one of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S., powering a nationwide network of top-brand dealerships. We’re transforming the car-buying experience with a fast-paced, people-first culture, innovative technology, and a relentless drive to win—for our guests and our teammates.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.