Automotive Technician Trainer / Director of Technician Development

Automotive Technician Trainer / Director of Technician DevelopmentPohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury | Full-Time | SalariedAbout Pohanka Automotive GroupPohanka Automotive Group is one of the most respected names in the automotive industry, with a long-standing reputation for excellence in sales, service, and customer satisfaction. As we continue to grow, we are investing in the future of our service departments by building a best-in-class technician development program — and we need an exceptional leader to make it happen.The OpportunityWe are looking for a passionate, hands-on Automotive Technician Trainer (or Director of Technician Development) to build, lead, and grow our technician training program from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to shape the next generation of automotive professionals at one of the region's premier dealer groups.If you've spent years in the shop, understand what it takes to develop raw talent into skilled technicians, and are ready to step into a leadership role where your impact is felt every day — we want to talk to you.What You'll DoDesign and own the training program — develop structured, multi-phase curriculum covering everything from shop fundamentals to advanced diagnosticsOnboard entry-level technicians with zero prior experience, giving them a clear, supported pathway into the tradeGuide technicians through ASE certification — build prep materials, track progress, and celebrate milestonesDeliver OEM/brand-specific training aligned with manufacturer requirements, tools, and repair standards across our brand portfolioManage our apprenticeship program — recruit candidates, oversee earn-while-you-learn structures, coordinate with vocational schools and community partnersAssess skill gaps across the technician workforce and develop targeted remediation and advancement plansTrack and report on training outcomes — certification rates, productivity benchmarks, technician retention, and program ROIPartner with Service Managers and Fixed Operations leadership to align training with shop needs and business goalsStay current on evolving automotive technology including EVs, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and emerging OEM platformsWhat We're Looking ForRequired:5+ years of hands-on automotive technician experience at a dealership or high-volume service environmentDemonstrated experience training, mentoring, or developing other techniciansStrong working knowledge of ASE certification pathways and requirementsFamiliarity with OEM training platforms and manufacturer-specific diagnostic proceduresExcellent communication skills — you can explain a complex repair procedure just as clearly to a first-week apprentice as to a 10-year veteranOrganized, self-directed, and capable of managing multiple trainees and program tracks simultaneouslyPreferred:ASE Master Technician certification (A1–A8) or equivalentPrior experience running or contributing to a formal apprenticeship or technician development programExperience with EV/hybrid systems trainingBackground in curriculum development, instructional design, or vocational educationFamiliarity with dealer management systems (CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, etc.)Why PohankaCompetitive base salary commensurate with experienceFull benefits package: health, dental, vision, life insurance401(k) with company matchPaid time off and holidaysManufacturer training and continued professional development supportThe backing and resources of a well-established, growing dealer groupA leadership role with real autonomy — you'll build something that lastsHow to ApplySubmit your resume and a brief summary of a training program or initiative you led or contributed to. We want to understand not just your technical background, but how you've helped others grow.Pohanka Automotive Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.Keywords: automotive trainer, technician trainer, service trainer, ASE trainer, dealership trainer, automotive instructor, technician development, fixed ops training, apprenticeship coordinator, automotive education