What does a Service Manager do?
Service Managers typically work for corporations across industries to ensure their department provides excellent customer service to consumers. They work closely with the sales and manufacturing departments to relay information about product defects or customer feedback. Their job is to lead Customer Service Representatives in daily communications with customers over the phone or through a messaging platform. They may also be responsible for training Customer Service Representatives on how to help customers troubleshoot problems or navigate new company products.
Service Manager skills and qualifications
Service Managers should have a variety of practical skills for their position. The main skills and qualifications of a Service Manager are:
- Communication skills
- Familiarity with customer service standards and processes
- Budget tracking
- Interpersonal skills
- Ability to handle stress to operate under deadlines
- Supervisory skills
Service Manager salary expectations
The average salary for a Service Manager is $60,529 per year. Salary estimates may be higher or lower depending on region and experience level. Some Service Managers earn an average of $3,950 per year via profit sharing.
Service Manager education and training requirements
Usually, the educational background for a Service Manager is a high school education with on-the-job training. However, some companies may require at least an associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or a similar field.
Community colleges and universities may offer certification programs with marketing, communication, sales strategies, customer service skills and business skills as course topics. The educational qualifications vary by the chosen customer service specialty. A Food Service Manager, for example, could need special certification of 16-18 credit hours in food service or hospitality management. For Healthcare and Social Service Managers, though, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is necessary.
Service Manager experience requirements
Service Managers need between 2-5 years of job experience with a supervisory background. Education may substitute for experience, but both are recommended for future careers in the area of customer service. Basic experience with math, computers and organizing in a professional setting can be helpful, as is any proficiency in multiple languages.
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