Associate Director, Field Operations & Strategy

Carvana•Atlanta, GA

3d•Onsite

About The 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.

Requirements

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
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

Nice To Haves

Some current use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot) to support decision-making or productivity in your existing role is a plus

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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