Merchants Fleet

Assistant Director, Vehicle Damage Operations

Merchants Fleet$90K — $105K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Hooksett, NH
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 6+ years in vehicle damage or repair operations, with a preferred rental or fleet background
  • Experience leading teams of 10+ members
  • Strong skills in budgeting, forecasting, and cost management
  • Expert knowledge of vehicle repair processes, appraisal systems, and insurance workflows
  • Proficient in vendor negotiations and cross-functional teamwork
  • Analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
  • Comfortable working in a hybrid environment with occasional in-person collaboration

Responsibilities

  • Lead and enhance vehicle damage operations including estimation and repair
  • Develop and implement strategic plans for fleet performance and profitability
  • Monitor and optimize key performance indicators related to repairs and quality
  • Manage budgeting and forecasting for repair expenses
  • Oversee internal teams and vendor relationships for timely repairs
  • Foster a culture of accountability and improvement through data and technology
  • Lead hiring and team development for damage operations
  • Ensure safety, compliance, and HR standards are met

Benefits

  • Strong career growth opportunities
  • Collaborative and supportive work environment
  • Competitive benefits package
  • Award-winning workplace recognized for employee satisfaction
  • Access to resources for professional development
  • Hybrid work model allowing for flexibility
  • Emphasis on innovation and process improvement
Full Job Description
Merchants Fleet, a leader in innovative fleet management solutions, is seeking a results-driven Assistant Director of Vehicle Damage Operations to lead our vehicle damage strategy across the U.S. This is a high-impact, hybrid leadership role that combines strategic oversight with day-to-day operational excellence.

Join us in transforming vehicle repair, reconditioning, and cost management with a focus on quality, speed, and vendor performance. If you're passionate about operational efficiency, team leadership, and driving measurable results, we want to hear from you.

Location: Hybrid (Hooksett, NH + remote)

Travel: Minimal

Salary Range: $90,000 to $105,000

Actual compensation will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills, and is aligned with industry benchmarks.

What You'll Do:
  • Lead and refine nationwide vehicle damage operations-estimation, repair, and reconditioning
  • Develop and implement strategic operating plans to maximize fleet performance and profitability
  • Monitor and optimize KPIs including technician productivity, downtime, repair cost, and quality metrics
  • Own budgeting and forecasting for repair and service-related expenses
  • Manage internal teams and vendor networks to ensure timely, high-quality repairs
  • Champion a culture of accountability and continuous improvement through data, technology, and best practices
  • Lead a talented damage ops team through hiring, development, and performance management
  • Ensure operational safety, compliance, and HR alignment

What You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 6+ years of progressive leadership in vehicle damage, repair, or maintenance operations (rental or fleet background strongly preferred)
  • Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams (10+ team members)
  • Strong financial acumen with budgeting, forecasting, and cost control experience
  • Expertise in vehicle repair processes, appraisal systems, and insurance workflows
  • Skilled in vendor negotiations, stakeholder alignment, and cross-functional collaboration
  • Analytical thinker with a continuous improvement mindset
  • Comfortable in a hybrid work model with occasional in-person collaboration


The Company

You're invigorated by team collaboration and a fast-paced work environment. Opportunities for growth motivate you to always bring your A-game. You're tired of being told "no" when you think of ways to improve, innovate, and do things better.

There's a place for people like you. Welcome to Merchants Fleet.

We've been around for more than 60 years, but we're the fastest growing fleet management company in North America. The fleet industry is behind every delivered package, the summertime memories kids make on their way to camp, and the heavy-duty trucks and vans that keep the lights on. That's a lot of responsibility, and why we want our employees to always be at their best.

Everything at Merchants Fleet is fueled by our entrepreneurial spirit, including:
  • Leadership who truly lead and engage with employees
  • Real career paths and the tools you need to grow and develop
  • A work environment that's encouraging and collaborative

We know employees won't stay if they're not happy, which is why we provide a great benefits package on top of our award-winning work environment. In fact, we've just made the "Great Companies to Work For in NH" list for the eighth year in a row and have a 88% employee satisfaction score (higher than the national average of 57%).

So, what are you waiting for? See why a career with Merchants Fleet is the best decision your future self has ever made.

We are fortunate to have an in-house team of Talent Acquisition experts who meet the needs of our business. Because they are AWESOME, we do not need support from external recruiting partners to identify talent or augment staffing for this role.

Join Center Stage at Merchants Fleet: Explore More + Apply Today! Merchants Fleet® is the fastest-growing and most electric fleet management company in North America, serving over 20 diverse industries, powered by 700 employees in 29 states with HQ in New Hampshire and Innovation Center in the Chicago area.

Discover the unique benefits, perks and rewarding culture we offer you - download the Merchants Fleet 2025 Total Rewards Employee Benefits Guide today! Visit www.merchantsfleet.com/explore

Merchants Fleet is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require an accommodation with our hiring process please send an email to [email protected] or call (603) 836-6483. To provide all candidates with the highest level of our attention, Merchants Fleet does not accept uninvited solicitations or resumes from third parties. All workplace policies, required notices and guidelines (including EEO posters, CCPA notice for California residents) are available online.

About Merchants Fleet

Merchants Fleet is the fastest growing fleet management company in the country, providing flexible funding and service options for organizations that leverage vehicles to run their operations. Merchants Fleet offers a total fleet solution, which includes its proprietary fleet management software, to help businesses streamline operations and reduce costs. Merchants Fleet has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing private companies in the country for the past four years and was awarded the 2019 Business Excellence Award by NH Business Review. The company has been growing rapidly, with a 50% increase in revenue in 2019 and a 30% increase in employees. Merchants Fleet is headquartered in Portsmouth, NH.
Learn more about Merchants Fleet
Size
500 employees
Industry
5 Year Trend
+50%
Revenue
$1 billion

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