Assistant Used Car Manager

Ray Auto Group•Fox Lake, IL

About The Position

The Assistant Used Car Manager plays a critical role in driving the speed, efficiency, and profitability of a high-volume pre-owned operation. This position is hands-on in inventory acquisition, pricing execution, and inventory turn strategy. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and is obsessed with market data, speed to frontline, and moving metal.

Requirements

2+ years in automotive sales, inventory, or used car operations (high-volume experience strongly preferred)
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, high-turn environment
Strong appraisal and market analysis skills
Experience with vAuto or similar inventory management tools
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in real time
Competitive, driven, and results-focused mindset

Responsibilities

Inventory Acquisition & Appraisals
Aggressively source inventory through trades, service drive, street purchases, and auction support
Perform fast, accurate appraisals with a strong focus on market-based buying
Support high-volume deal flow by assisting desk managers with real-time trade evaluations
Identify and pursue additional buying opportunities daily
Pricing Execution & Market Management
Execute dynamic, market-based pricing strategy using tools like vAuto
Monitor competitive listings multiple times daily and adjust pricing to stay ahead of the market
Ensure 100% of inventory is priced to market and positioned to sell immediately
Take rapid action on aged inventory (price drops, wholesale decisions, etc.)
Inventory Turn & Aging Control
Obsessively manage inventory turn and days’ supply
Track and act on aging units (30/45/60+) with urgency
Maintain a clean inventory with minimal over-aged units
Support aggressive wholesale strategy when needed
Reconditioning Speed & Efficiency
Drive fast recon cycles—minimize downtime from acquisition to frontline
Work closely with service to push units through quickly without sacrificing quality
Monitor recon spend to protect front-end gross while maintaining retail standards
Sales Desk & Floor Support
Actively support the sales desk during peak hours—structure deals, desk trades, and help close
Direct the sales team toward priority inventory and aged units
Maintain strong communication with sales managers on inventory strategy
Data & Performance Tracking
Monitor key metrics daily: turn rate, days to frontline, gross per unit, aging, and pricing position
Use data to make fast, confident decisions on buying, pricing, and exits
Identify trends and opportunities to improve velocity and profitability