Automotive Wholesale Team Lead

Carvana•Oklahoma City, OK

11d

About The Position

This supervisory position manages a team of Wholesale Advocates and helps ensure daily operating procedures run smoothly and efficiently, working closely with the Wholesale Operations Manager. The role oversees site operations, consumer outreach, employee development, and a portfolio of non-retail vehicles. It also makes strategic decisions within its scope, serves as a subject matter expert on vehicle trade intake operations and validation procedures, and handles complex, sensitive customer-facing issues. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in the automotive industry or a similar field.
At least 5 years of work experience in a customer-facing team environment.
At least 3 years of hands-on leadership experience.
Proven history of developing and coaching employees and driving performance through metrics.
Prior experience with strategic planning, process improvement, operational analytics, and guiding teams to exceed goals.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, compliant with company guidelines.
Ability to operate a computer and/or tablet.
Ability to delegate tasks effectively.
Ability to work as a team player and interact positively, professionally, and courteously with customers, managers, and coworkers.
Ability to multitask, solve problems, and prioritize effectively.
Ability to frequently stand, sit, walk, bend, stoop, squat, and lift up to 40 pounds.
Ability to drive frequently.
Ability to push and pull in environments that may be cold, hot, wet, or noisy.
Ability to work around fumes or odors from vehicles under maintenance.
Ability to work in varied weather conditions, including rain, snow, and heat.

Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day activities of the assigned team, assess strengths and weaknesses, identify opportunities, and determine improvement steps.
Train, manage, and develop team members through coaching, feedback, mentorship, and regular communication.
Lead site visits with Associate Directors, Area Managers, and Operations Managers, and update leaders on site-level changes.
Work with leadership to define team objectives.
Generate, monitor, and interpret reports to support business needs, and present findings to upper management.
Provide vision and guidance for site-specific Areas of Responsibility.
Recognize and reinforce individual and team accomplishments using organizational programs and other effective recognition methods.
Participate in recruiting and communicate with external candidates.
Support the development and growth of the team.
Manage site operations, consumer outreach, employee development, and a portfolio of non-retail vehicles.
Make strategic decisions within the scope of the role.
Serve as a subject matter expert on vehicle trade intake operations and validation procedures.
Address and manage complex and sensitive customer-facing issues.
Monitor transportation of inbound and outbound wholesale inventory.
Develop, coordinate, and enforce systems, policies, procedures, and productivity standards.
Manage daily workload and goals, and foster strong team morale and spirit.
Maintain site integrity through accurate vehicle tracking and regular facility upkeep.