Product Specialist

About the role

Honda of Danbury, a Penske Automotive Group dealership, is looking for knowledgeable and friendly Product Specialists to join our team and deliver extraordinary customer experiences. JOIN OUR TEAM At Penske Automotive Group (PAG), we strive to create a positive and challenging workplace that promotes excellence and achievement, and we aim to deliver the very best experience possible to our customers. We are looking for dedicated and motivated professionals who share that same passion to join our team. Imagine working in a professionally and financially satisfying job where you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our organization and customers every day. As a Product Specialist you will professionally and courteously help customers with their vehicle technology questions by email, by phone and in person to ensure owners get the most out of their vehicles. WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER Fortune 500 company, consistently recognized by Automotive News as among the "Best Dealerships to Work For." Proudly named to Glassdoor's Best Places to Work Comprehensive benefits program, including health care options (medical, dental and vision) and 401k savings and retirement plan with company match. Training, resources and opportunities for career growth and advancement, tailored to individual performance, experience and interests. Values-driven culture built on integrity, professionalism, excellence and teamwork. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR Genuine interest in providing an exceptional customer experience. Friendliness, enthusiasm, reliability, with a positive "team-player" attitude. Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Strong work-ethic with the ability to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment. WHAT YOU CAN BRING TO THE TABLE Commitment: Ensure our customers have a world-class car-buying experience at every step along their sales journey. Excellence: Provide an unparalleled level of expertise to help customers find the vehicle they're looking for, including comprehensive knowledge of available products and services. Authenticity: Connect with customers about their vehicle questions in a professional manner that reflects understanding, clarity and accuracy, and courtesy. Technical Expertise: Understand and use MS Office Suite and any other CRM and lead management tools to accurately manage inquiries and update customer files. APPLY WITH US! If you are ready for a rewarding career with competitive compensation and benefits, and opportunities to excel and advance, consider joining the Penske Automotive Group organization. Our interview process typically includes a phone interview, several in-person interviews, background check, reference check, driving record review and a drug screen. Be a part of the best customer experience team in the automotive industry... apply with us today! Penske Automotive Group is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. Some positions may require applicants to possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record. Qualifications Competencies Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate via face-to-face, phone, or by other means of communication  Ability to demonstrate the feature, benefits and value of vehicles using print, digital and in person communication Ability to vary communication style to the needs of the customer Ability to understand, keeps abreast of, and comply with federal, state, and local regulations that impact business Computer proficiency  Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions  Ability to process data and organize it for management analysis  Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume  Ability to understand and follow work rules and procedures Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form  Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions  Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices Ability to interact well with others   Supervisory Responsibility N/A   Work Environment/Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Light Work- lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time and/or frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds This position requires a good deal of walking or standing, or this position could involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls This position will require the employee to be standing for prolonged periods of time This position requires the ability to push, pull, climb, stoop, kneel, reach, grasp, and walk on a regular basis This position requires the ability to hear and to talk This position requires the ability to perform repetitive motion (doing the same activity over and over throughout the day) This position may encounter heat and cold when demonstrating vehicles to customers This position may work in on both a covered area (showroom) and outdoor area when vehicles may be stored or on display   Position Type/Expected Hours of Work Work evening, weekend and holiday work hours as required.   Required Education and Experience High School Diploma or equivalent; and one to two year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior retail experience is required.   Preferred Education and Experience Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent; and one to three year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior retail experience in a dealership is preferred.   Additional Eligibility Qualifications (Certification/Licenses/Registrations) Manufacturer training is preferred but not required Job Overview Summary/Objective The Product Specialist advises customers on vehicle platforms, option packages, and powertrain choices with special attention to features, benefits, functionality, and information.   Essential Functions Records all showroom traffic including but not limited to the name, email, and phone number of customer Greets each customer promptly upon arrival at dealership with required greeting per company policy Knows the current vehicle inventory and location in the dealership Understands and can convey to customer the functionality, features and benefits of each vehicles in current inventory and/or available from the manufacturer. Knows the most current vehicle market conditions and incentive programs and can advise customers on incentive programs Is familiar with the appraisal process and recommends the appraisal process as appropriate to the customer Provides customers opportunity for test drives while customer's own vehicle is in the service drive Ensures that the work areas is kept clean and in accordance with company policy and safe working conditions Follows all attendance and punctuality standards with adherences to timekeeping standards Follows the Code of Business Ethics and Conduct Understands and follow all work rules and procedures and follows lawful directions from Supervisors Upholds the company's non-disclosure and confidentiality policies and agreements. Maintains a professional appearance for self in accordance with company policy Attends pertinent training on request Attends company meetings as required Participates in community activities and special with product knowledge and informational sessions Other duties as assigned Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.   EEO Statement The Company is committed to hiring a diverse and qualified workforce. We will not consider any characteristic or category protected by state or federal law in hiring or employment decisions, including but not limited to race, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, status as a parent, or genetic information. Safety Sensitive Position The essential functions of this position require a person to work with hazardous or flammable materials; AND/OR to complete tasks in which a lapse of attention could result in injury, including without limitation the operating, repairing, maintaining, or monitoring of heavy equipment, machinery, or motor vehicles.