Dealership:
L0190 Honda of Ames

LITHIA HONDA of AMES

Location: Ames, Iowa

Position Title: Sales Variable Manager

Classification: Full Time; Onsite

Reports to: General Manager

Estimated Annual Compensation: $78,000 - $120,000/ per year

We are looking for a Automotive Sales Variable Manager to lead, develop, and inspire our Sales team at Lithia Honda of Ames. This role is a key driver of performance, culture, and the customer experience.

What You'll Do

The Sales & Finance Manager is responsible for leading both vehicle sales operations and Finance & Insurance (F&I) functions for an OEM franchise dealership. This role oversees the complete customer purchase process-from sales presentation and deal negotiation through financing and product delivery-while driving profitability, customer satisfaction, compliance, and team performance. The Sales & Finance Manager serves as a hands-on leader who develops sales professionals, maximizes departmental performance, and ensures all dealership and OEM standards are consistently achieved. This position reports to the store's General Manager.

• Lead all daily operations of the Sales and Finance departments to achieve vehicle sales, profitability, customer satisfaction, and market share objectives.
• Manage the complete deal lifecycle, including customer consultation, vehicle selection, trade evaluations, deal structuring, negotiation, financing, product presentation, contracting, and delivery.
• Desk deals and assist sales consultants with pricing, negotiation strategies, customer objections, and closing opportunities to maximize sales performance and gross profit.
• Present financing and leasing options while securing lender approvals that best fit customer needs and dealership objectives.
• Offer and sell Finance & Insurance products including vehicle service contracts, GAP coverage, maintenance plans, appearance protection, tire and wheel protection, and other ancillary products.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including sales volume, front-end gross, back-end gross, finance reserve, product penetration, closing ratios, customer satisfaction, and inventory turn.
• Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop sales consultants and future leaders while creating a culture focused on accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular sales meetings, performance reviews, one-on-one coaching sessions, and developmental training to improve team effectiveness and results.
• Partner with dealership leadership to manage new and used vehicle inventory levels, pricing strategies, merchandising, and OEM incentive programs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with lenders, OEM representatives, customers, and business partners to support dealership growth and profitability.
• Ensure all transactions and dealership activities comply with federal, state, lender, OEM, and company regulations, including Truth in Lending, Red Flags Rule, OFAC, Safeguards Rule, privacy requirements, and all applicable compliance standards.
• Oversee contract processing, funding activities, Contracts in Transit (CIT), chargebacks, and documentation accuracy to ensure timely funding and financial integrity.
• Analyze dealership reports, financial statements, operational metrics, and performance trends to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, profitability, and market competitiveness.
• Resolve escalated customer concerns in a timely and professional manner while maintaining high CSI performance and a positive dealership reputation.
• Foster a customer-first culture that delivers an exceptional buying experience and encourages customer retention, referrals, and repeat business.
• Collaborate with General Management and corporate partners to develop and execute strategies that support sales growth, financial performance, and long-term dealership success.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by leadership.

What You'll Bring

• 3+ years of automotive sales leadership experience in an OEM dealership.
• Proven success desking deals and driving sales profitability.
• Strong understanding of finance, lender programs, and trade appraisals.
• Experience coaching and developing automotive retail sales teams.
• Proficiency with CRM, DMS, and automotive desking tools.
• Strong customer service, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Professional appearance and customer-focused mindset.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Total Rewards

$78,000.00 - $120,000.00/ per year

This is a performance driven position, eligible for short-term and/or long-term incentives as part of total compensation, which includes a base/hourly/draw offset and the ability to collect commission and bonus based on performance.

Actual pay offered may vary depending on skills, experience, job-related knowledge, and physical location. Final compensation will be established through the interview process in accordance with applicable pay equity and transparency laws.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:

• Competitive pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Paid Holidays & PTO
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Lithia Learning Center
• Vehicle Purchase Discounts
• Wellness Programs

Additional information about our Total Rewards benefits can be reviewed on our careers site at totalrewards.lithiadriveway.com