Job Description: General Manager / Managing Partner (Used Car Operations)
Job Summary
We are seeking a disciplined and profit-driven General Manager / Managing Partner to structure and lead our used car dealership operations. Unlike a franchise store, our success relies entirely on inventory acquisition, rapid turn rates, and rigorous sales processes.
This role requires a "hands-on" operator who can build and enforce Process and Structure where it is lacking. You will manage the entire lifecycle of the vehicle—from sourcing at auction to reconditioning via third-party vendors, to desking the final deal. You will be responsible for implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that ensure every lead is worked, every car is market-priced, and every dollar is accounted for.
Key Responsibilities1. Operations, Process & Structure
- Develop and Enforce BDC process: Create and implement strict workflows for lead handling, test drives, credit applications, and vehicle delivery.
- Vendor Management (Reconditioning): Since we do not have an internal service department, you must rigorously manage third-party vendors (mechanics, body shops, detailers) to minimize "days to market." Ensure quality control and cost containment on all sublet work.
- P&L Management: Manage the dealership’s financial health, overseeing variable and fixed expenses to ensure net profitability.
- Compliance: Ensure all paperwork (DMV, Title, Bank Contracts) meets local state regulations and lender requirements.
2. Inventory Management & Acquisition
- Strategic Sourcing: Lead the acquisition strategy, purchasing vehicles through physical auctions, online marketplaces (ACV, Manheim), and street purchases.
- Market Pricing: Utilize inventory management software (e.g., vAuto, DMS) to analyze market days supply and price vehicles competitively for a quick turn.
- Inventory Aging Protocol: Enforce a strict aging policy (e.g., 60-90 day turn) to prevent wholesale losses and maximize ROI.
3. Sales Leadership & F&I (Finance & Insurance)
- Desking Deals: Actively structure financing deals, working with our lender network (Prime, Subprime. We have all major national lenders) to maximize approval rates and back-end profit.
- CRM Accountability: Monitor the CRM daily. Enforce strict requirements for logging calls, texts, and appointments. If it isn't in the CRM, it didn't happen.
- Team Training: Conduct daily/weekly sales meetings to train the team on road-to-the-sale processes, phone scripts, and overcoming objections.
- Marketing & Lead Gen: Oversee the merchandising of vehicles (photos, descriptions) and monitor the ROI of third-party lead providers (CarGurus, Autotrader, Facebook).
Requirements
- Experience: Minimum 5+ years in automotive management, specifically within Independent/Used Car dealerships.
- Process-Oriented: Proven ability to build a sales floor from scratch or restructure a failing one using defined KPIs and accountability metrics.
- Vendor Relations: Strong experience negotiating with and managing external vendors (mechanics/detailers) to act as a virtual service department.
- F&I Proficiency: Deep understanding of structuring deals, reading credit bureaus, and working with subprime to prime lenders.
- Tech Savvy: Proficiency in Dealer Management Systems (DMS), Inventory Management tools (vAuto, Stockwave), and CRM platforms.
- Financial Acumen: Ability to understand "Retail Math," including front-end gross, back-end gross, pack, and inventory turn/ROI.
- Leadership Style: High energy and "on the floor" management style. This is not a back-office administrative role; it is a front-line leadership role.
Desirable Traits
- Bilingual abilities to serve a diverse customer base.
- Existing relationships with auction representatives and bank buyers.
- Experience with "Street Buying" (buying cars directly from the public).
What We Offer
- Competitive Salary + Aggressive Commission Structure
- Partnership/Equity Potential: Opportunity for profit sharing based on performance milestones.
- Autonomy to build your own team and culture.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $200,000.00 - $500,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
