AutoNation

Director, Non-Franchise Variable Operations

AutoNation$100K — $250K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Texas, US
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • 7+ years of automotive retail experience.
  • 3+ years in sales management; General Manager or multi-store experience preferred.
  • Proven success in used vehicle operations and retail execution.
  • Strong analytical skills with CRM and pricing tool proficiency.
  • Excellent coaching and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Set performance goals for used vehicle volume, gross profit, and PVR.
  • Drive operational consistency and best practices across stores.
  • Provide candid feedback on store performance and risks.
  • Diagnose issues in underperforming stores and develop growth plans.
  • Coach General Managers and Sales Managers on effective leadership and sales processes.
  • Optimize inventory management and acquisition strategy.
  • Ensure fast and effective vehicle reconditioning and readiness.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation and 401k matching.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance with maternity benefits.
  • Employee purchase discounts on vehicles and services.
  • Access to deals through YouDecide for retail offers.
  • Participation in charitable missions for cancer research.
Full Job Description
The Director, Non-Franchise Variable Operations owns used vehicle performance across all assigned stores. The role combines business unit ownership of sales volumes, gross profit, and PVR targets with hands-on, in-store execution: embedding in underperforming stores to diagnose root causes, coaching General Managers and Sales Managers into stronger leaders, and owning the three levers that drive used vehicle volume: disciplined sales process execution, aggressive vehicle acquisition, and fast, cost-effective reconditioning.
It is equal parts strategist and operator. The Director sets expectations and standards for the assigned stores, then works side-by-side with store teams to install the processes that connect centralized and digital customer interactions—phone, eCommerce, BDC, and WBYC—to the in-store experience. Success requires deep used vehicle retail knowledge, command of reconditioning and acquisition economics, strong analytical and process discipline, and a high degree of technology savvy.

Key Responsibilities

Market Leadership & Performance Standards

  • Set clear expectations, objectives, and performance goals for used vehicle volume, gross profit, and PVR across all used vehicle stores in the market.
  • Drive operational consistency, compliance, and process execution, establishing and scaling best practices.
  • Provide leadership with candid feedback on store performance, opportunities, and risks.

Store Turnaround & Leader Development

  • Embed in underperforming stores to diagnose root causes and build sustainable action plans that grow used vehicle volume, gross profit, and PVR.
  • Work one-on-one with General Managers and Sales Managers to coach, train, and execute sales processes, developing them as stronger leaders and coaches.
  • Conduct in-store visits to share results, workshop opportunities, and develop bench talent.

Vehicle Acquisition & Inventory Strategy

  • Analyze market data and trends to ensure stores maintain a balanced inventory mix tailored to local demand.
  • Optimize inventory aging and collaborate with CAAD on pricing.
  • Facilitate inter-store vehicle transfers to maximize retail opportunities and reduce aging.
  • Guide trade appraisal strategy and trade-in retention targets, and partner with General Managers and Sales Managers on aligned retail and acquisition strategies.
  • Drive purchase conversion of consumers looking to sell their vehicle, ensuring call-center-generated appointments are finalized into completed acquisitions.
  • Own market-level acquisition strategy across every channel—trade-in, consumer purchase/WBYC, auction, and off-lease—so stores stay self-sufficient on inventory.

Reconditioning & Speed to Market

  • Own recon throughput across the market: partner with Service Managers and reconditioning teams to compress cycle time and hold speed-to-market within standard.
  • Manage recon cost per unit against gross retention, balancing thoroughness of repair against days-to-frontline.
  • Establish consistent recon workflow, vendor management, and quality standards so vehicles are photographed, merchandised, and retail-ready on day one.
  • Track units held in recon and escalate bottlenecks before aging erodes gross.

Sales Process Execution & Omni-Channel Conversion

  • Analyze traffic funnel metrics to identify and capture conversion opportunities from lead to appointment to show to sale.
  • Ensure execution of a consistent sales process in every store—appraisal, desking, closing, and delivery—so results are repeatable rather than personality-driven.
  • Teach dealership teams how to implement processes that connect centralized and digital customer interactions—phone, eCommerce, BDC, and WBYC—to the in-store experience, ensuring a seamless handoff from appointment to finalized transaction.
  • Partner with eCommerce and centralized-contact teams to maximize results through proper staffing, management, and process execution.
  • Support store leaders in managing all customer traffic channels: showroom, eCommerce, and phone.

Analytics, Technology & Merchandising

  • Leverage CRM, DMS, reporting dashboards, and pricing tools to surface insights and drive adoption of digital retailing tools.
  • Assess KPIs, identify shortfalls, and implement corrective action plans.
  • Champion merchandising best practices, ensuring all branding and digital presentation standards are met.
  • Moderate to significant travel required (approximately 50%).

Success Metrics

  • Achievement of used vehicle volume, gross profit, and PVR targets
  • Inventory turn, aging, and speed-to-market performance
  • Reconditioning cycle time and recon cost per unit
  • Sales close rate by store
  • Trade appraisal volume and trade-in retention metrics
  • Funnel conversion rates from lead to appointment to show to sale
  • Turnaround results in targeted underperforming stores
  • Associate performance

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • 7+ years of automotive retail experience.
  • 3+ years of automotive sales management experience; General Manager, multi-store, or desk management experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated success in used vehicle operations, inventory strategy, and retail execution.
  • Strong analytical skills with demonstrated comfort using CRM, DMS, reporting dashboards, and inventory and pricing tools.
  • Proven coaching, organizational, communication, and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Used-vehicle-only or high-volume used vehicle retail operations experience.
  • Multi-store or market-level leadership experience.

$100,000.00 - $250,000.00

Exciting Benefits and Perks Await You:
  • Competitive compensation and 401k matching

  • Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with insurance plans (health, dental, vision) and maternity benefits.

  • Associate purchase and discount programs for new and pre-owned vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear

  • Access amazing deals and discounts through YouDecide, a website with offers from top providers and retailers

  • Join our DRVPNK mission to raise and donate millions of dollars to cancer research and treatment, partnering with cancer charities nationwide

About AutoNation

AutoNation, Inc. (AutoNation) is an automotive retailer in the United States. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had three operating segments: Domestic, Import, and Premium Luxury. As of December 31, 2011, it owned and operated 258 new vehicle franchises from 215 stores located in the United States, predominantly in metropolitan markets in the Sunbelt region. Its stores sell 32 different brands of new vehicles. The core brands of vehicles that it sells, representing approximately 90% of the new vehicles that it sold during the year ended December 31, 2011, was manufactured by Ford, Toyota, Nissan, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Chrysler. The Company offers a diversified range of automotive products and services, which include new vehicles, used vehicles, parts and automotive repair and maintenance services, and automotive finance and insurance products. In January 2014, Autobytel Inc. acquired AutoUSA from AutoNation, Inc.

AutoNation Careers

Join the dynamic team at AutoNation, America's largest and most admired automotive retailer, and drive your career forward in an industry that is all about innovation and growth. At AutoNation, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for professional development and leadership in an environment that values diversity and inclusivity.

Work You'll Do

At AutoNation, every position is a chance to leverage your skills, contribute to our mission, and make an impact. Whether you're looking for an entry-level role or a managerial position, our team is committed to nurturing your career aspirations with comprehensive training and development programs.

Explore Our Diverse Employment Opportunities

AutoNation is not just about selling cars; it's about creating exceptional experiences. Our team members enjoy a culture that promotes innovation, teamwork, and leadership. From sales and customer service to finance and operations, the variety of roles ensures that there's a perfect fit for everyone's skills and interests.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AutoNation internship. These opportunities are designed to give you real-world experience, networking prospects, and insights into our day-to-day operations. Interns at AutoNation are considered integral members of the team and are involved in projects that matter.

Benefits of Joining AutoNation

Choosing a career at AutoNation means you get to enjoy benefits that support both your professional and personal life. We offer competitive compensation packages, health benefits, and employee discounts. Moreover, our commitment to employee growth ensures that you have access to continuous learning and career advancement opportunities.

Inclusive Culture and Diversity Training

We believe that our strength lies in our diversity. AutoNation is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive culture where everyone’s voice is heard. Diversity training is a crucial part of our commitment, ensuring that all team members understand and appreciate the value of a diverse workplace.

Leadership and Innovation

Lead and innovate with AutoNation. We empower our employees to take on challenges and lead initiatives that drive our company forward. Our leadership programs are designed to foster the next generation of industry leaders, equipped with the tools to innovate and excel.

Join Our Team

Ready to accelerate your career? Explore the various job openings at AutoNation and find where you fit best. We are continuously hiring passionate, curious, and driven individuals who are ready to advance their careers in the automotive industry.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at AutoNation by following our careers blog. Gain insights from industry leaders, stay informed about new job openings, and learn valuable career tips that can help you grow.

Apply Now

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a leading team in the automotive industry. Update your resume, prepare for your interview, and apply for a position at AutoNation today. Discover how your career can flourish in an environment committed to customer service and innovation.

SEARCH AUTONATION JOBS

Join AutoNation and drive the future of automotive retail with a career that’s as rewarding as it is exciting.
Learn more about AutoNation
Size
22,200 employees
Market Cap
$5.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$381.6 million
Founded
1996
5 Year Trend
+3.6%
Revenue
$20.3 billion
NASDAQ

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