Carvana

Associate Director, Field Operations & Strategy

Carvana • $120K — $145K *
Atlanta, GA 30349In-Person
Transportation
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree from a top-tier institution preferred in business or related field.
  • 10+ years of operations and strategy experience, leading large teams (100+ associates).
  • Proven ability to lead and develop associates and managers at scale.
  • Experience using data and analysis to drive operational strategies.
  • Familiarity with AI tools to enhance decision-making and productivity.

Responsibilities

  • Demonstrate effective leadership across multiple Inspection Centers.
  • Engage regularly at shop floors to connect with teams and understand operations.
  • Ensure alignment with Carvana's culture and values in management practices.
  • Identify and resolve problems affecting IQR performance with IC teams.
  • Monitor compliance with health, safety, and loss prevention guidelines.
  • Act as a strategic partner to product management for process improvements.
  • Mentor and develop managers and build a pipeline for leadership positions.

Benefits

  • Full-Time position with competitive salary and stock compensation.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
  • 401K with company match.
  • Student loan payment assistance and discounts on vehicles.
  • Wellness program for physical and mental health.
  • Opportunities for skill expansion and knowledge sharing.
Full Job Description
Travel: up to 75% required and must live within a commutable distance to a major airport

About the team and position

The Associate Director, Field Operations and Strategy is responsible for the performance of new car operations across multiple Inspection Centers (ICs), starting with a core set of sites and expanding to oversee a larger portion of the network. This is a field-based, high-travel role (50-75%) for an experienced operator who combines hands-on production leadership with strong analytical and strategic thinking.

The Associate Director will work with their teams, along with partner organizations in Reconditioning, Market Ops, and Logistics, to resolve challenges to meeting IC objectives, while also acting as a strategic thought partner to identify network-wide trends, shaping process and product improvements, and representing the voice of the field in cross-functional planning.

This role is not a fit for someone who wants to operate from a single site or from HQ; it requires someone equally comfortable running a floor and building a framework for senior leadership.

What you'll be doing

Leadership
  • Demonstrate effective leadership, setting a positive tone and sense of purpose across each Inspection Center
  • Visit the shop floor regularly to maintain detailed awareness of the realities of each IC and a genuine connection to your team
  • Ensure IC management beliefs and behaviors are in line with Carvana's culture and values
  • Pursue consistent, measurable improvement across your sites

Production Management
  • Work with IC teams to identify, prioritize, and solve problems impacting IQR performance
  • Ensure leadership is executing operating standards including; standardized work, operating rules, 5S, product integrations, and visual management tools
  • Monitor compliance with all health, safety, and loss prevention guidelines
  • Partner closely with Reconditioning, Market Ops, and Logistics to align production plans, resolve cross-functional bottlenecks, and keep vehicles moving smoothly across the broader supply chain

Strategy and Product Partnership
  • Identify patterns and opportunities across sites that point to systemic fixes, and lead continuous improvement efforts across the network to close them
  • Act as a thought partner to Product Management, translating field realities into clear input on how tools, workflows, and systems should be designed to make field teams more effective
  • Use data and field observation to build the case for process, technology, or systems enhancements, and help prioritize which improvements matter most
  • Audit continuous improvement events across the network, ensure adequate resources are available, and hold site teams accountable for results
  • Train and mentor managers on problem-solving and process improvement
  • Bring a working knowledge of AI tools to use them to analyze data, prep for reviews, or work through problems faster
  • Prepare and deliver clear, well-reasoned recommendations to senior leadership, including trade-offs and implementation implications

People Management
  • Collaborate with People Operations and IC leadership to build and maintain a pipeline of associates to fill current and future positions and manage churn
  • Develop a bench of candidates for IC leadership positions
  • Ensure progression path training and certification processes are consistently executed
  • Provide competency-based feedback and hold leaders accountable for providing the same
    Mentor and develop regional and site leaders
  • Other duties as assigned

What you should have/know
  • Bachelor's degree from a top-tier institution preferred, in business, operations management, analytics, or a related field
  • 10 or more years of combined operations and strategy experience, including significant experience leading large teams (100+ associates) either as a GM-level operator in automotive or lean manufacturing, or in a comparable operations leadership role at another company
  • Proven ability to lead and develop associates and managers at scale, including building leadership benches
  • Demonstrated experience using data and analysis to drive operating strategy
  • Some current use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot) to support decision-making or productivity in your existing role is a plus
  • Strong ability to communicate and influence cross-functionally, including with product and senior leadership, without formal authority over those teams
  • Ability to manage project deliverables and metrics against aggressive targets and timelines
  • Willingness and ability to travel 50 to 75% of the time across the network; this is a field-based role with no fixed office location requirement
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record (no DUIs, no more than two moving violations in the last 3 years)
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
  • Requires standing for extended periods with frequent stretching, reaching, walking, stooping, pushing, and/or pulling in an environment that may be cold, hot, noisy, or wet, and may have fumes or odors due to vehicle maintenance
  • Requires use of safety equipment including but not limited to face shield or goggles, non-slip shoes, gloves, mask, and other protective garments and equipment
  • Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds independently, with lifting required from various levels
  • Must be able to walk up to three miles each day
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, and a variable schedule as necessary

What we'll offer in return
  • Full-Time position with a competitive salary and Carvana stock compensation
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
  • 401K with company match
  • A multitude of perks including student loan payments, discounts on vehicles, benefits for your pets, and much more
  • A great wellness program to keep you healthy and happy both physically and mentally
  • Access to opportunities to expand your skill set and share your knowledge with others across the organization
  • A company culture focused on high performance and bar-raising, with vast opportunity to learn and grow

Other requirements

To be able to do your job at Carvana, there are some basic requirements we want to share with you.
  • Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

About Carvana

Founded in 2012 and based in?Phoenix, Carvana’s mission is to change the way people buy cars. By removing the traditional dealership infrastructure and replacing it with technology and exceptional customer service, Carvana offers consumers an intuitive and convenient online car buying and financing platform. Carvana.com enables consumers to quickly and easily shop more than 15,000 vehicles, finance, trade in or sell their current vehicle to Carvana, sign contracts, and schedule as-soon-as-next-day delivery or pickup at one of Carvana’s patented, automated Car Vending Machines.

Carvana Careers

Join the dynamic team at Carvana, a leading e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars, where innovation drives us and leadership thrives. At Carvana, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a pathway to a rewarding career in the automotive and technology industries.

Work You’ll Do

Become a part of Carvana’s commitment to changing the car buying experience by joining our diverse team. We leverage cutting-edge technology and bold innovation to stay ahead in a fast-evolving market. Our team is composed of driven professionals who lead the industry in expertise and are the backbone of our growth and success.

Explore Professional Growth

At Carvana, we believe in nurturing talent and fostering professional growth. Our leadership is dedicated to providing extensive training and development programs that empower you to climb the career ladder with confidence. From entry-level positions to senior roles, every team member receives the support and resources they need to excel.

Innovative Work Environment

Our culture is built on a foundation of diversity and inclusion, where every employee’s contribution is valued. Work alongside industry leaders and peers in an environment that celebrates creativity and strategic thinking. Carvana is not just a company; it’s a revolutionary approach to the automotive market.

Join Our Team

Discover a range of employment opportunities at Carvana, from customer service and vehicle operations to software development and marketing. Each position offers a chance to develop skills that are crucial for personal and professional development. We are hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and eager to drive change within the industry.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Carvana internship. Gain invaluable experience, build your resume, and make connections that will open doors to future opportunities. Our internships provide a real-world glimpse into high-level projects and day-to-day operations, preparing interns for full-time roles in their chosen fields.

Benefits and Perks

Carvana cares for its employees by offering competitive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. We also understand the importance of work-life balance and provide flexible working arrangements to suit different needs and lifestyles.

Networking and Career Advancement

Enhance your career prospects through Carvana’s robust professional networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within and outside the company to expand your professional network and uncover new career paths.

Stay Connected

Search open positions that match your skills and interests on our Carvana Jobs portal. We look for innovative, driven, and collaborative individuals to join our team.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here. Subscribe to our Carvana Careers blog for the latest news and updates in the world of automotive e-commerce.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Carvana. Join Carvana today and be part of a company that’s redefining the automotive industry through technology, innovation, and a strong commitment to excellence.
Learn more about Carvana
Size
21,000 employees
Market Cap
$716.3 million
Industry
Consumer Technology
Net Income
-$171.1 million
Founded
2013
5 Year Trend
+103.7%
Revenue
$5.5 billion
NASDAQ
CVNA
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Carvana

More Transportation Jobs

Find similar Associate Director, Field Operations & Strategy jobs:

NationwideAtlanta, GA