Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Tire Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

As a Tire Supervisor, you are the driving force behind our tire center's success. You are a hands-on leader, a technical expert, and a customer service champion. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day workflow, mentoring a team of skilled technicians, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety are met. This pivotal role involves overseeing everything from inventory control and equipment maintenance to sales performance and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate is a natural leader with a deep understanding of tire and wheel service, who thrives on developing people and optimizing processes to achieve operational excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Tire Technician
Lead Automotive Technician
Automotive Service Advisor

Advancement To:

Service Manager
Store Manager / Center Manager
Regional Operations Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Automotive Parts Manager
Fleet Service Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of tire technicians, providing continuous coaching, performance feedback, and formal evaluations to foster professional growth and a positive work environment.
Oversee and manage the daily workflow of the tire service department, including scheduling jobs, assigning tasks, and managing bay productivity to maximize efficiency and minimize customer wait times.
Champion and enforce all company safety protocols and OSHA regulations, conducting regular safety audits and training sessions to ensure a secure and compliant workplace for all team members.
Maintain stringent quality control standards by performing regular inspections on completed work, including tire mounting, balancing, rotations, and repairs, to guarantee customer satisfaction and vehicle safety.
Manage all aspects of tire and parts inventory, including accurate ordering from vendors, receiving shipments, conducting cycle counts, and minimizing shrinkage to ensure product availability and profitability.
Act as the primary point of contact for escalated customer service issues, professionally resolving complaints and concerns to maintain a high level of customer loyalty and a positive store reputation.
Drive departmental sales and profitability by setting clear performance goals, monitoring key metrics, and coaching the team on effective service recommendations and upselling techniques.
Ensure all service equipment, including balancers, mounting machines, and alignment racks, is properly maintained, calibrated, and in safe working order, coordinating repairs and preventative maintenance as needed.
Prepare, review, and approve work orders, ensuring all services performed are accurately documented, priced, and communicated clearly to customers.
Lead daily team huddles to communicate business objectives, delegate responsibilities, and address any immediate operational challenges.
Actively participate in the hiring and onboarding process for new tire technicians, ensuring they are properly trained on company procedures, safety, and service standards.
Develop and manage the technician work schedule to ensure optimal staffing levels that align with customer traffic patterns and business demands.
Analyze departmental performance reports, including labor efficiency, sales, and profitability, to identify trends and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
Cultivate strong, professional relationships with parts suppliers and tire vendors to ensure favorable pricing, timely deliveries, and effective partnership.

Secondary Functions

Step in to assist technicians with tire installations, repairs, and other technical tasks during peak business hours or in cases of staff shortage.
Maintain a clean, organized, and professional appearance in the service bays, customer waiting area, and tire storage areas.
Monitor and control departmental expenses, including labor costs and supply usage, to stay within budgetary guidelines.
Provide expert advice to customers regarding tire selection, maintenance schedules, and the benefits of various services like alignments and TPMS resets.
Collaborate closely with other department managers, such as the Service Manager and Parts Manager, to ensure a seamless and integrated customer experience.
Document and report all workplace incidents, accidents, or near-misses in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Tire Service Expertise: Demonstrable proficiency in all aspects of tire service, including mounting, dismounting, balancing, flat repairs, and TPMS diagnostics and service for a wide range of passenger and light truck vehicles.
Wheel Alignment Proficiency: In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with modern computerized wheel alignment systems (e.g., Hunter Engineering) and the ability to interpret alignment data and make precise adjustments.
Inventory Management Systems: Experience using digital inventory control software to manage stock levels, process orders, receive goods, and conduct physical counts.
Point of Sale (POS) Software: Competency in using automotive POS systems (such as Mitchell1, AllData, or proprietary software) for creating work orders, invoicing, and processing payments.
Diagnostic Tool Operation: Ability to use various diagnostic tools, including TPMS reset tools and OBD-II scanners, to accurately diagnose and resolve service-related issues.
Safety & Compliance Knowledge: Strong understanding of OSHA regulations, hazardous material handling (HazMat), and shop safety best practices. TIA certification is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Inspirational Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and mentor a team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment while holding team members accountable.
Customer Service Excellence: A passion for delivering an outstanding customer experience, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly and resolve conflicts patiently and effectively.
Problem-Solving & Decision Making: Strong analytical skills to quickly identify operational issues, evaluate potential solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with customers, team members, vendors, and upper management.
Time Management & Organization: Superior organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain control in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or a certificate from a vocational/technical school in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Automotive Technology
Business Administration or Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in the automotive tire and service industry.
At least 1-2 years of experience in a supervisory or lead technician role is required.

Preferred:

Experience managing a team in a high-volume retail tire center or dealership.
TIA (Tire Industry Association) or ASE certifications are strongly preferred.