SHOP FOREMAN / TRAINER

Griffin Ford – Waukesha, WI

Position Overview

The Shop Foreman / Trainer is responsible for leading daily shop operations, supporting technicians, and driving training and development across the service department. This role acts as the bridge between management and technicians—ensuring quality repairs, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Shop Oversight

• Supervise day-to-day shop operations and workflow


• Dispatch and monitor repair orders for efficiency and fairness


• Maintain high productivity and minimize comebacks


• Ensure shop cleanliness, safety, and proper equipment use

Technical Support

• Assist technicians with diagnostics and complex repairs


• Review and verify difficult or high-dollar jobs before completion


• Perform quality control checks and road tests when needed


• Ensure repairs are completed correctly the first time

Training & Development (Trainer Role)

• Train and mentor entry-level and mid-level technicians


• Lead hands-on and classroom-style training sessions


• Develop skill progression plans for technicians


• Ensure all staff complete required Ford and OEM training


• Help build future A & B-level technicians

Productivity & Performance

• Monitor technician efficiency, proficiency, and hours


• Identify opportunities for improvement and coaching


• Work with Service Manager on staffing and development plans


• Support incentive and performance programs

Quality Control & Compliance

• Enforce dealership and manufacturer standards


• Ensure warranty policies and procedures are followed


• Maintain accurate documentation on repair orders


• Reduce errors, rework, and policy violations

Customer & Advisor Support

• Assist advisors with technical explanations when needed


• Help resolve difficult repair situations or escalations


• Support accurate estimating and proper repair documentation

Qualifications

• 5+ years automotive technician experience (Ford experience preferred)


• Previous leadership or foreman experience strongly preferred


• Strong diagnostic and electrical skills


• Ability to train and develop technicians at all levels


• Excellent communication and leadership skills


• Familiarity with dealership systems (CDK, FDRS, OWS preferred)

Key Skills

• Leadership & team building


• Advanced diagnostics & problem-solving


• Training & coaching mindset


• Organization and workflow management


• Strong communication with techs and advisors

What Success Looks Like

• Increased technician productivity and efficiency


• Reduced comebacks and warranty issues


• Strong technician development pipeline


• Improved shop morale and teamwork


• Consistent, high-quality repairs

Why This Role Matters

This position is critical to keeping the shop running smoothly—balancing production, quality, and training. A strong foreman/trainer directly impacts revenue, technician growth, and customer satisfaction.