Brand Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Brand Specialist

🔹 Company: Swickard Ravenna, LLC, d/b/a Volvo Cars of Seattle

🔹 Location: Seattle, WA

🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time

🔹 Category: Automotive Sales

🔹 Date Posted: July 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Representing and promoting brands through exceptional customer interaction
• Demonstrating deep vehicle knowledge and conducting test drives
• Negotiating sales and closing transactions efficiently
• Contributing to a clean and organized dealership environment

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong focus on customer service and sales, with a significant portion of time spent interacting with guests and demonstrating vehicles.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Greet and assist guests in a professional and friendly manner

✅ Possess a deep understanding of the brand's vehicle lineup, including features, specifications, and pricing

✅ Conduct test drives and product demonstrations to showcase the brand's vehicles

✅ Present vehicle options and packages to customers, addressing their needs and preferences

✅ Negotiate vehicle prices and financing terms with guests

✅ Complete sales transactions efficiently and accurately

✅ Maintain contact with customers after the sale to ensure satisfaction and address any concerns

✅ Assist in maintaining accurate vehicle inventory records

✅ Contribute to a clean and organized dealership environment

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of customer-facing tasks and administrative duties, with a focus on sales and customer satisfaction.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience, preferably in automotive sales or a related field

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong sales and negotiation abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong customer service orientation
• Proficiency with computer systems, including dealership management software

Preferred Skills:

• Automotive industry knowledge

ASSUMPTION: While automotive industry knowledge is preferred, a strong sales background and willingness to learn can make up for lack of industry-specific experience.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $41,600 - $100,000 per year (Based on industry standards for entry-level automotive sales positions in the Seattle area)

Benefits:

• Career Path – Swickard isn’t just a J-O-B. You’ll learn and grow into different roles and be able to take on new leadership responsibilities.
• Ongoing training and support
• Opportunities for continued personal and professional growth.
• Competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance, optional disability coverage, 401k plan, paid holidays, and PTO.

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate customer needs

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Automotive sales and service

Company Size: Mid-sized, with multiple locations and a focus on highline brands

Founded: 2014, in Wilsonville, OR

Company Description:

• A hospitality company that happens to sell cars, parts, and service
• A team-focused environment where everyone plays a role in success
• Consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing dealership groups in the US by Automotive News

Company Specialties:

• Representing and selling highline brands such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volvo, Porsche, Lexus, Audi, and Land Rover
• Providing exceptional customer service and hospitality

Company Website: www.swickard.com

ASSUMPTION: Swickard's focus on hospitality and customer service sets it apart from traditional automotive dealerships, creating a unique work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company

Reporting Structure: Brand Specialists typically report to the Sales Manager or General Sales Manager

Work Arrangement: On-site, with a focus on customer interaction and vehicle demonstrations

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Sales Consultant or Sales Manager roles
• Cross-training and development in other areas of the business, such as finance or service
• Opportunities to work with different brands and vehicle lines

ASSUMPTION: With Swickard's focus on growth and development, Brand Specialists have the opportunity to build a long-term career within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Automotive dealership showroom and lot

Office Location(s): 2700 NE 55th St, Seattle, WA 98105

Geographic Context:

• Seattle is a major urban area with a diverse population and a strong job market
• The dealership is located in the Northgate neighborhood, with nearby amenities and public transportation
• The Pacific Northwest region has a strong automotive industry, with numerous dealerships and manufacturers

Work Schedule: Flexible scheduling to accommodate customer needs, with evenings and weekends required

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is fast-paced and customer-focused, with a need for adaptability and strong communication skills.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• In-person interview with the Sales Manager or General Sales Manager
• Background check and reference check
• Offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales skills and customer service orientation
• Product knowledge and willingness to learn
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant sales experience and customer service skills
• Tailor your resume to emphasize transferable skills and accomplishments
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on sales scenarios and customer interactions
• Research Swickard's unique approach to automotive sales and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with their company culture

ATS Keywords: Automotive sales, customer service, vehicle knowledge, test drives, negotiation, closing sales, inventory management, teamwork, computer proficiency, dealership management software

ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the specific needs of the dealership and the candidate's qualifications.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Dealership management software (e.g., Reynolds & Reynolds, CDK Global)
• Customer relationship management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, CDK Drive)
• Inventory management systems
• Vehicle diagnostic tools

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the dealership's preferred vendors and systems.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Hospitality – Treating customers and employees like family
• Integrity – Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching
• Teamwork – Working together to achieve common goals
• Continuous Improvement – Always looking for ways to grow and improve

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and customer-focused
• Adaptable and problem-solving-oriented
• Collaborative and team-driven
• Focused on personal and professional growth

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a genuine passion for providing exceptional customer service?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
• Do you thrive in a team setting and enjoy collaborating with others?
• Are you committed to continuous learning and personal growth?

ASSUMPTION: Swickard's focus on hospitality and customer service creates a unique work environment that may not be suitable for everyone. Candidates should assess their fit with the company's values and work style before applying.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Handling difficult or upset customers in a professional and calm manner
• Meeting or exceeding monthly and annual sales targets
• Adapting to changes in inventory, pricing, or promotions
• Balancing customer service and sales responsibilities in a fast-paced environment

ASSUMPTION: The challenges associated with this role are typical of the automotive sales industry and can be overcome with strong communication skills, adaptability, and a focus on customer satisfaction.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Brand Specialist vs. Sales Consultant: Brand Specialists focus on representing and promoting specific brands, while Sales Consultants may work with multiple brands and have more responsibility for the entire sales process.
• Automotive sales vs. other industries: Automotive sales requires a strong focus on product knowledge, customer service, and negotiation skills, with a unique work environment and compensation structure.
• Entry-level vs. mid-level roles: Brand Specialists are typically entry-level positions, with opportunities for growth and advancement to mid-level roles such as Sales Consultant or Sales Manager.

ASSUMPTION: The specific comparisons between roles may vary depending on the dealership and the candidate's qualifications.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and presenting a sales pitch for a new vehicle model or feature
• Creating and implementing a customer referral program to increase sales and customer satisfaction
• Analyzing sales data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects assigned may vary depending on the dealership's needs and the candidate's skills and experience.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most challenging aspects of the Brand Specialist role, and how can I best prepare for them?
• How does Swickard support the professional growth and development of its employees?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how are they measured?
• How does Swickard differentiate itself from other automotive dealerships in the area?
• What opportunities are there for cross-training or working with different brands and vehicle lines?

ASSUMPTION: The specific questions asked during the interview may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the dealership's needs.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant sales experience and customer service skills
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on sales scenarios and customer interactions
• Research Swickard's unique approach to automotive sales and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with their company culture
• Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.