Product Genius Apprentice

**Group 1 Automotive**

**Product Genius Apprentice**

**Job description**

We are currently recruiting for a Product Genius Apprentice.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with one of the world's most prestigious and technologically advanced car manufacturers. There are very few Customer Service Apprenticeships in the motor industry and the BMW programme is regarded as being the leader in delivering the ultimate customer experience.

You will be working in a busy BMW/MINI Retailer in Hailsham. Your role will be focused on dealing with customers, who have high expectations and a varied range of needs and demands. As a result, you need to have exceptional interpersonal skills and be able to build rapport, as well as a desire to provide the highest level of customer service. This combined with excellent organisational and communication skills will enable you to deliver outstanding customer service, representing the high standards and reputation of the BMW/MINI brand.

**Product Genius specific duties include**:

- Acting as ambassador and creating passion for BMW/MINI products
- Providing an individual and outstanding vehicle handover which “wows” the customers and exceeds their expectations
- Acting as the central BMW/MINI brand expert for customers and internal contacts (e.g. Sales Advisors) and answering all questions regarding products and product functionalities
- Keeping him/herself up to speed on new products, features, special offers, services, the brand and competitive information
- Creating inspiration and excitement
- Offering exceptional customer service & personalised care

All Customer Service (Product Genius) Trainees attend the BMW Group Academy UK in Berkshire for their off-the-job training. The apprenticeship will have a strong focus on the retail environment and the high customer service expectations of BMW & MINI customers, as well as Genius specific training. The training takes place over a 12 month period at the BMW Group Academy and has been designed to suit Genius, Parts and Service Advisor roles. During the time spent at your BMW Retailer, a mentor will be allocated to oversee the work-based learning programme. A BMW representative will also visit on a 12 weekly basis to set performance targets and ensure any development needs are being met.

**Requirements and prospects**

**Personal qualities**

Successful applicants must demonstrate the following:

- An enthusiasm for excellent customer service
- An interest in the automotive industry
- To have good communication and organisational skills
- To be honest and trustworthy with a willingness to learn
- To have a positive attitude and work ethic, with high level of professionalism to represent the BMW/MINI brand
- To be able to work effectively as part of a team in a busy service department, as well as having the capability to follow instructions and work individually

**Desired qualifications**
- English
- Maths

**Future prospects**

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be a qualified Product Genius. You will also gain a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner. Following this, there are various opportunities for progression within the Retailer.

**Things to consider**

Successful applicants must be prepared to travel to the BMW Group Academy in Berkshire to complete their apprenticeship training. Training is completed in one-week blocks approximately once every two months. All training costs are covered by the BMW Retailer (travel, accommodation and food).

**About the employer**

All Light Vehicle Technician, Customer Service (Genuis, Parts & Service) and Motorcycle Technician Apprentices will be employed at their local BMW Retailer, and will attend the BMW Group Academy for their training. The BMW Group Academy is based at Wokefield Park near Reading in Berkshire. All Bodyshop Technician (Paint & Panel) Apprentices will be employed at their local BMW Retailer or Bodyshop, and will attend our body training facility for their training. The body training facility is located in Milton Keynes.

**Training provider**

While the programme will focus around customer service skills, also embedded within the seven weeks training will include the current certification training courses for the Service Advisor role. Additional technical and product awareness training will also be included.

Qualifications to be achieved:

- Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner
- Genius Certification
- ERR (Employee Rights & Responsibilities) Workbook

**About us**

The Group 1 Automotive network is a well-established and growing automotive group in the UK, with offices also in America. Group 1 Automotive is the 7th largest dealer group in the UK. All dealerships in the Group 1 Automotive network offer fantastic career opportunities, state of the art resources, training and competitive earnings packages.

Our benefits include:
Company Pension, Performance Bonus, Company Benefits Scheme, Long Service Holiday Reward, E