Highlights
If you're passionate about classic Chevys, lowrider culture, and preserving the cars that have inspired generations, and you have the leadership skills to run a productive shop and bring out the best in a team, we'd love to hear from you. We specialize in restoring and selling classic Chevrolets rooted in classic-car and lowrider culture, with a focus on 1958–1966 Chevrolet Impalas, 1955–1957 Bel Airs, and G-bodies.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Santa Maria, CA |
| Job Type | Full-time |
| Salary | $65,000–$72,000 Per Year |
| Company Size | 1 - 10 |
| Year Founded | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Santa Maria, CA, US |
| Website | https://www.zepeda805impalas.com |
Description
Zepeda 805 Impalas is seeking an experienced Automotive Shop Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our classic Chevrolet restoration shop in Santa Maria, California.
We specialize in restoring and selling classic Chevrolets rooted in classic-car and lowrider culture, with a focus on 1958–1966 Chevrolet Impalas, 1955–1957 Bel Airs, and G-bodies. Our approach is to preserve the original character and timeless style of these vehicles while bringing them back to life mechanically and cosmetically.
The ideal candidate is an experienced automotive professional who combines strong technical knowledge with proven leadership ability and an appreciation for classic Chevrolet and lowrider culture. This person will lead our restoration team, oversee vehicles throughout the restoration process, manage workflow and project timelines, maintain high standards for craftsmanship and accountability, and work closely with ownership to keep production moving efficiently.
If you're passionate about classic Chevys, lowrider culture, and preserving the cars that have inspired generations, and you have the leadership skills to run a productive shop and bring out the best in a team, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of our automotive restoration and body shop.
- Supervise, mentor, motivate, and hold accountable a team of technicians, mechanics, and auto body specialists.
- Assign work and oversee classic vehicle restoration projects from start to finish.
- Establish daily priorities and ensure employees understand project expectations, deadlines, and quality standards.
- Monitor project progress to keep restorations on schedule and within budget.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical and restoration issues involving classic vehicles.
- Maintain exceptional standards for workmanship, attention to detail, and overall vehicle quality.
- Perform final quality-control inspections before completed vehicles are presented or delivered to customers.
- Coordinate vehicle transportation, deliveries, pickups, and other shop logistics.
- Maintain a safe, organized, professional, and productive shop environment.
- Promote teamwork, accountability, effective communication, and a positive workplace culture.
- Identify workflow or operational issues and proactively develop solutions.
- Communicate regularly with ownership regarding project status, staffing, production, and shop needs.
- Collaborate closely with ownership on opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen operations, and support the continued growth of the company.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of automotive experience, with strong hands-on knowledge of mechanical repair, restoration, fabrication, and/or auto body work.
- Previous experience in an automotive shop management, foreman, or leadership role strongly preferred.
- Experience working with classic vehicles, particularly Chevrolet models and G-bodies, highly preferred.
- Strong understanding of automotive systems and the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical and restoration issues.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, motivate, and hold a team accountable.
- Strong project-management and organizational skills with the ability to oversee multiple vehicle builds simultaneously.
- Ability to manage workflow, priorities, deadlines, and quality standards in a fast-paced shop environment.
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Dependable, self-motivated, solution-oriented, and comfortable taking ownership of day-to-day shop operations.
- Valid driver's license.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
- Experience with frame-off restorations, custom fabrication, metalwork, and classic Chevrolet restoration is a plus.
Benefits
Paid Sick Days, 401K
About Company
Zepeda 805 Impalas is a family-owned classic car dealership and restoration company based in Santa Maria, California, specializing in iconic Chevrolet classics, including 1958–1967 Impalas and 1954–1957 Bel Airs.
We source and restore classic vehicles with one goal in mind: to connect our customers with the classic car they've always dreamed of owning. From beautifully restored cruisers to head-turning show cars, our team takes pride in preparing high-quality classics that are sold and delivered to customers and collectors across the country.
Our vehicles reach tens of thousands of classic-car enthusiasts through our growing social media presence, allowing us to serve buyers nationwide while maintaining the personal experience and attention to detail of a family-owned dealership.
At Zepeda 805 Impalas, we're passionate about classic cars, exceptional craftsmanship, and creating an exciting buying experience for our customers. We don't just sell classic cars—we help make the dream of owning one a reality.