#MotorCareers with Business Support

The retail automotive industry offers a huge choice of jobs for people with various skills, strengths and knowledge – from office to workshop, sales, marketing and management. Find the right fit for you and take a look at stories from trainees on their route into automotive.

Did you know … ?

  • The most popular colour of a new car is white
  • Over 2.5 million new cars were registered last year
  • 320,000 additional jobs will be created with connected and autonomous vehicles
  • The average car on the UK road is a silver supermini and is 7.8 years old
  • There are 35,207 turquoise cars in the UK
  • The Cotswolds and the city of London have the highest percentage of plug in cars with 2.8%
  • Automotive aftermarket adds 12.2 billion to the UK economy
  • 30 million vehicles are serviced each year
  • 345,600 people work in retail automotive
  • There are around 30,000 parts in the average car
  • 33 cars are named after animals
  • DO NOT TOUCH

  • Valeter

    What is the job role?

    Vehicle Valeters clean motor vehicles, inside and out.

     

    Duties will commonly include:

    • Collecting and delivering vehicles
    • Using high pressure hoses to clean vehicles
    • Steam cleaning the engine, frame and wheel arches
    • Cleaning windows, wheels, door handles and mirrors
    • Vacuuming and shampooing upholstery and carpets
    • Applying gels and polishes to surfaces
    • Painting rubber dressings on tyre walls
    • Maintaining a safe working environment and professional image
    • Depending on your employer, you may work as part of a team, or independently as a mobile valeter

    Qualifications

    There are no formal qualifications required for this job role other than a full, clean driving licence although a genuine interest in the industry and experience in either the motor trade, industrial/office cleaning or dry cleaning may be advantageous.

    You would however need to have a methodical approach, pay attention to detail and have an understanding of safety procedures, manufacturers’ instructions and warnings for different cleaning chemicals.

    Working hours and salary

    Valeters usually work 35 hours a week, depending on the employer’s operating hours however Valeters are likely to work weekends, and work is often seasonal.

    Your salary could range from £11,000 to £20,000 depending on various factors or you could even be self-employed.

    Career Progression

    With experience you could lead a team of valeters, train people in the skills they need to become valeters themselves or run your own valeting business. Running your own business means earning potential can be substantial, depending on the size of your business.

  • Receptionist

    What is the job role?

    Receptionists are the first people customers come into contact with. They are responsible for the initial meeting and greeting of customers both in person and over the phone.

    Duties will commonly include:

    • Operating the telephone switchboard, answering and transferring calls to the appropriate people and taking messages
    • Documenting customers who visit the dealership
    • Performing general administrative duties
    • Depending on the size of the organisation you may be accompanied by another receptionist

    Qualifications

    Employers would look for good GCSE or Standard Grades in English, Maths and IT and qualifications in Business or Administration would be advantageous.

    Employers will look for someone who is approachable and friendly with a professional manner. You would also need to have a genuine interest in the customer experience and an understanding of the organisation is needed in order for you to be able to direct calls efficiently.

    Working hours and salary

    Employers would look for good GCSE or Standard Grades in English, Maths and IT and qualifications in Business or Administration would be advantageous.

    Employers will look for someone who is approachable and friendly with a professional manner. You would also need to have a genuine interest in the customer experience and an understanding of the organisation is needed in order for you to be able to direct calls efficiently.

    Career Progression

    To progress your career you may go on to gain technical knowledge and become a Customer Service Adviser or move into an Administration role earning between £20,000 to £25000.

  • Administration

    What is the job role?

    General administrators will support the general manager/dealer principal, the sales department, the service department or the parts department in performing routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, providing information to customers and maintaining electronic and other files.

    Responsibilities may vary depending on the employer but duties usually include:

    • Greeting visitors and handling their enquiries
    • Organising meetings and making travel arrangements for office personnel
    • Opening, reading and distributing incoming mail
    • Setting up and maintaining paper and electronic filing systems for records purposes
    • Assisting the general manager/dealer principal in additional assigned duties
    • Maintaining sales and performance records

    Qualifications

    There are no formal qualifications or entry routes specified for this role, however employers usually look for good GCSEs/Standard Grades in English, Maths and IT.   You may also be able to get into this job via a Business & Administration or Customer Service apprenticeship or full time study at college.

    As part of the administration team you would need to demonstrate good IT skills, strong organisational skills, excellent written and verbal communication and an understanding of customer service.

    Working hours and salary

    You will normally work from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and part time work is often also available in an Administration role. You will be office based and as an apprentice earn £6,000 to £8,000. Once qualified you can expect to earn £10,000 to £16,000 and with more experience increase to £17,000 or more.

    Career Progression

    An administrator can progress to a more senior administration role or Office Manager earning between £24,000- £33,000.

  • Warranty Administrator

    What is the job role?

    Warranty Administrators are responsible for taking the lead on all warranty related issues between dealerships and their customers and manufacturers.  Duties of a Warranty Administrator may include:

    • Maintaining good working relationships between customers, dealerships and manufacturers
    • Scheduling warranty payments and procedures
    • Following up warranty issues
    • Maintaining an up to date status on all requested certifications and licences
    • Acknowledging all guidelines and policies
    • Answering warranty related queries

    Qualifications

    Warranty Administrators will need to have knowledge of activities, methods, procedures and policies of the service and parts department. Therefore some employers may desire a qualification in business and administration for the automotive industry although there are no formal qualifications required for entry to this role.  As a Warranty Administrator you will need to demonstrate a professional appearance, good organisational skills, good communication skills and an ability to work as a team.

    Working hours and salary

    You will normally work around 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday and you will be office based within a garage or dealership.  A Warranty Administrator can expect to earn between £13,000 and £18,000 per year and there may be opportunities for shift and overtime pay depending on your employer.

    Career Progression

    You could progress your career within a dealership to a Senior Warranty Administrator or an Aftersales Manager earning £26,000 to £33,000 a year.

  • Customer Service Advisor

    What is the job role?

    A Customer Service Advisor deals directly with customers, scheduling service work to their vehicles and informing them of any additional repairs required. They will handle administrative and customer relations aspects of service department operations.

    Their duties may vary slightly from employer to employer depending on the size of the company, but they commonly include:

    • Interpreting customer concerns and comments and liaising with technicians
    • Liaising with customers about any additional work required
    • Greeting customers and scheduling services
    • Estimating time and costs associated with repairs
    • Handling customer complaints
    • Responding to customer requests
    • Tracking the vehicle through the workshop

    Qualifications

    Employers will look for good GCSEs/Standard Grades in English, Maths and ICT and may also prefer a qualification in customer service.

    As a Customer Service Advisor you will need to demonstrate a professional manner, good organisational skills and the ability to gather technical information and relay it in a way that customers will understand.

    Working hours and salary

    Customer Service Advisors normally work between 35 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday but depending on your employer this could include some Saturday work.

    You will be office based and may be placed at the front of the business where you will conduct some of your work face to face and over the phone, communicating with customers and updating them on the progress of their vehicles.

    Your salary could range from £12,000 to £25,000 depending on experience, however there may also be opportunities for shift or overtime pay depending on your employer.

    Career Progression

    You could progress your career to become and Customer Service or Aftersales Manager earning £26,000 to £33,000 a year.

  • Sales Executive

    What is the job role?

    Sales Executives are responsible for selling new and used vehicles from cars and motorcycles to vans and commercials trucks. In larger organisations you will work as part of a team or specialise in one aspect of selling however in smaller organisations you may be responsible for all aspects of vehicle sales.

    Duties may vary depending on the type and size of the organisation, but they will commonly include:

    • Greeting customers, discussing their needs and advising them on the most suitable vehicle
    • Arranging test drives
    • Negotiating sale and trade-in prices
    • Working out finance arrangements and packages, which may include organising registration plates, road tax and delivery of vehicles
    • Highlighting any additional products relevant to the customer
    • Processing orders and completing relevant paperwork, which may include carrying out stock checks using manufacturers’ databases
    • Updating customers on the progress of orders and contacting potential customers to update them about new vehicles and deals
    • Updating stock lists
    • Managing advertising and updating the website
    • Keeping the forecourt and vehicles clean and tidy
    • Providing potential customers with relevant literature and information
    • Inspecting vehicles pre- and post- sale
    • Attending auctions

    Qualifications

    Sales Executives do not need any formal qualifications although many employers will expect GCSE/Standard Grades (A-C) in Maths and English. More importantly you would need to have a genuine interest in the vehicles you are selling, a confident and outgoing personality and a smart appearance with a polite and professional approach.

    It is also vital to have excellent communication and listening skills in order to be an effective negotiator and be able to explain technical information to the general public.

    You would need to have the ability to build and maintain good customer relations, have confidence using IT software and a high level of numeracy. In addition you would need to demonstrate good organisational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure. You would need to be a good team player and also be able to work without supervision.

    Working hours and salary

    Sales Executives usually work around 40 hours per week, which will include some weekend and evening work to cover the busiest trading times. It is also possible to find part time Sales Executive positions. The working environments may vary depending on the employer and the vehicles you are selling but you would normally be based in a showroom or an office. Many Sales Executives also have the opportunity to venture out to the forecourt to show customers around and accompany them on test drives.

    A starting salary for new entrants may be between £9,000 and £15,000. Basic earnings for experienced sales people may start at £15,000, but with commission, bonuses and other benefits the final salary would be much higher. Successful Sales Executives would earn upwards of £35,000, possibly £50,000 or more and receive a company car.

    Career Progression

    A Sales Executive would typically progress their career to a Sales Manager role earning an annual salary of £35,000 and above.

  • Parts Advisor

    What is the job role?

    Parts Advisors are also sometimes known as Vehicle Parts Operatives and they are responsible for ordering, selling and managing stock control on a wide range of vehicle parts and accessories.

    Duties may vary from employer to employer but will typically include:

    • Advising customers on how to solve a problem with their vehicle
    • Taking orders from customers both face to face and over the phone
    • Maintaining an ordered stock room and finding parts from stock
    • Raising invoices for parts sold
    • Liaising with other members of staff
    • Customers may include members of the public, service departments of dealerships and garages

    Qualifications

    Although there are no formal qualifications required as a Parts Advisor you will need to demonstrate a good technical understanding and general knowledge of how motor vehicles work. You would also be required to have confidence in problem solving, processing payments and good communication skills. In addition it is key that you have a willingness to keep technical knowledge updated in order to provide the most efficient service possible and an ability to work on your own initiative and as well as being part of a team.

    There are a range of qualifications for Parts Advisors covering the underpinning knowledge you will need to get started and the hands-on skills required to carry out the job. These qualifications are often obtained through an apprenticeship.

    Working hours and salary

    Full time hours are typically around 40 hours a week for a Parts Advisor. This could include some weekend or evening work and may be on a rota system with other team members. You may also be able to find part time work in this area. Working environments will differ depending on your employer so you may be based within a shop, parts distributor or dealership.

    Trainee Parts Advisors may earn between £6,000 and £8,000 a year and when fully trained may earn between £10,000 and £15,000 a year, progressing to £20,000 or more with more experience.

    Career Progression

    A Parts Advisor could progress to a Parts Manager role earning between £30,00 to £33,000.

  • Accounts Staff

    What is the job role?

    Accounts staff usually work as part of a team, with specific individuals responsible for particular areas of accounting.

    All businesses need accounts staff to process and monitor payments coming into and going out of the business. The team will be responsible for managing all financial aspects of the business dealing with financial outgoings, such as payroll, or incoming payments.

    The duties will vary depending on the role but may include:

    • Processing payments
    • Tracking invoices
    • Compiling payroll data
    • Reviewing all payments and receipts on a daily basis

    Qualifications

    You will need to have a genuine interest in accounts and business related work, and you may wish to consider applying for apprentice/traineeship schemes.

    As part of the accounts team you would need to hold qualifications in maths and English, demonstrate good IT and problem solving skills, have strong organisational skills and a good eye for detail.

    Working hours and salary

    Your salary as a newly qualified Accounts Assistant may range from £16,000 to £22,000 depending on the size and type of employer and your responsibilities within the organisation.

    Career Progression

    You may wish to study further to achieve an accounting qualification.  Together with your experience it may assist you to progress to a senior accounts role or to become a Finance or Accounts Manager potentially earning anywhere from £27,000 to £40,000+.

  • HR Manager

    What is the job role?

    Human resources managers are responsible for hiring employees, co-ordinating personnel policies within an organisation, and maintaining functions such as recruitment and organisation procedures.

    You will be:

    • Administering benefits and safety programmes
    • Advising dealership managers on policy matters
    • Working with employees to forecast any employment needs
    • Determining training needs and designing employee development and health and safety programmes
    • Providing all staff with information about policies, job duties, working conditions, wages and opportunities for progression

    Qualifications

    You will need to have excellent management skills and knowledge of all human resources areas.

    CIPD qualifications are available at Level 7 (Advanced), Level 5 (Intermediate) and Level 3 (Foundation).

    Working hours and salary

    You will normally work approximately 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Your role will be office based and you will be expected to attend meetings when required.

    Salary £25,000-£35,000+ depending on experience

    There may be opportunities for overtime pay depending on your employer. You may also be eligible for holiday entitlement, company pension and private healthcare schemes.

    Career Progression

    Working environments include: Fast Fit, Light Vehicle, Dealership, Independent, Heavy Vehicle, Leasing and Renting, Parts and Motorcycle. This could lead from being a HR manager to Director earning upwards of £60,000.

  • Marketing Manager

    What is the job role?

    Marketing plays an important role in almost every industry and Marketing Managers for the automotive industry focus on ensuring that the customers’ needs are met whilst maximising the profits of the organisation.

    You will be:

    • Monitoring and analysing market trends
    • Studying competitors’ products and services
    • Exploring ways of improving existing products and services
    • Focusing on increasing profitability by preparing and managing marketing plans and budgets
    • Presenting findings and suggestions to company directors or other senior managers
    • Supporting and managing the marketing team and Attending trade shows, conferences and sales meetings

    Marketing is a multi-disciplinary profession that is likely to include aspects of direct marketing, research, public relations, branding and communications. It involves working alongside a wide range of people within the marketing team, in addition to supporting other teams within the dealership.

    Qualifications

    Marketing Managers quite often progress into this role from similar roles in other industries or a more junior marketing role in automotive. Employers would look for a track record in marketing and for evidence of successful campaigns.

    It may also be possible to transfer skills gained in Sales to a career in Marketing. In addition to a solid academic background, employers are also likely to look for business or media based qualifications.

    As a Marketing Manager you will need to demonstrate a wide knowledge of marketing techniques and concepts and an understanding of business awareness. You would also need to be proactive and have excellent communication skills, good organisation skills and the ability to work within a budget. The ability to work well under pressure is also key to this role and as with many management positions be able to work well with others and be able to motivate a team.

    Working hours and salary

    Most Marketing Managers will work 9am to 5pm but you may be required to work additional hours to meet targets and deadlines during busy periods.

    You will find yourself mainly office based and attending meetings when required however some travel may be necessary, especially if the company you work for is international.
    New Marketing Managers can expect to earn between £25,000 and £30,000 with more experienced Marketing Managers earning £30,000 to £40,000, sometimes more.

    Career Progression

    Working environments could also include: Fast Fit, Light Vehicle, Heavy Vehicle, Leasing and Renting, Parts and Motorcycle Dealerships.

  • Dealer Principal

    What is the job role?

    General Managers or Dealer Principals are responsible for ensuring the efficient running of the whole organisation. They may be involved with planning, and motivating and co-ordinating the company’s management through leadership.

    You will be Completing evaluation performance reviews and developing short and long term goals with each department manager, developing and maintaining business plans annually to enhance the company’s performance, creating and maintaining good working relationships with lending institutes and manufacturer personnel.

    You would also be expected to oversee advertising programmes and merchandising strategies for the dealership, focus on customer complaints that department managers are unable to rectify and taking the necessary action to resolve these complaints, maintaining an enthusiastic outlook to build positive employee attitudes and morale within the dealership.

    In addition you would be coordinating regular meetings with the managers of each department to ensure their profitability and efficiency and effectively communicating with the office manager on a weekly basis to review forecasts and consistency in performance.

    Qualifications

    Some previous experience in vehicle sales would be advantageous and a good starting point for this career.

    If you have been working in the industry you may be able to progress to the level of general manager/dealer principal with sufficient training and/or a qualification in Automotive Management. Employers may also expect you to be qualified in management at a strategic level.

    Working hours and salary

    Most office based staff, including Dealer Principals, work on average 37-40 hours per week, usually Monday to Friday but, depending on your employer, this could include some Saturday work. You will be mainly office based and will be expected to attend regular meetings with team members and external customers in the UK and abroad.

    Salary is £40,000 – £100,000+

    You may also be eligible for holiday entitlement, company pension and private healthcare schemes.

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