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Fixed Ops Leadership
Jan 1, 2026
1 min read

Charting the Course: Steering Fixed Ops Leadership into the Next Era

Service managers collaborating in a dealership meeting.
Imagine your dealership's service department buzzing with activity, every bay occupied, and technicians working seamlessly, yet the numbers still don't add up. You're not alone—service managers everywhere are feeling the pressure to achieve higher profitability and efficiency without simply expanding their physical footprint. In today's rapidly evolving automotive landscape, fixed ops leadership is more critical than ever. It's a juggling act between maintaining customer satisfaction, optimizing technician productivity, and managing an increasingly complex technological environment. The stakes are high, with industry reports indicating that dealerships have lost 12% of service visits to independent competitors since 2018. But how can service managers turn the tide? The solution lies in a strategic overhaul of operations, leveraging innovative tools and insights to build high-performing teams. This comprehensive guide will walk you through actionable strategies to enhance your service department's performance. Expect to gain insights into current industry trends, practical implementation steps, and advanced strategies that will transform your leadership approach. As we delve deeper, you'll discover the frameworks needed to achieve substantial improvements in service absorption, customer retention, and overall profitability. Let's embark on this journey to redefine fixed ops leadership, ensuring your dealership not only survives but thrives in today's competitive market.

Understanding the Challenge

Technicians in a dealership service department.

In today's dealership landscape, service managers are expected to wear multiple hats. Not only are they responsible for maintaining the smooth operation of the service department, but they also have to navigate the complexities of customer satisfaction and technician retention. The pressure to perform is immense, with profitability and efficiency at the forefront of operational goals.

The challenge is compounded by the constant evolution of technology and customer expectations. Service departments are often understaffed, with a shortage of skilled technicians leading to increased lead times and customer dissatisfaction. JD Power reports indicate that 12% of repairs aren't fixed right the first time, leading to a loss of trust and revenue.

Moreover, the competition from independent service providers is fierce, with dealerships losing significant market share due to perceived cost advantages and service flexibility offered by these competitors.

Understanding these challenges is crucial for service managers looking to transform their leadership approach. It requires a deep dive into the root causes of inefficiencies and a commitment to adopting innovative solutions.

By addressing these issues head-on, service managers can pave the way for a more efficient, profitable, and customer-centric operation.

Related Topics

service department management skillsfixed operations director best practicesdealership service leadershipfixed absorptioneffective labor rate (ELR)

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