Corporate Manager, New Vehicle Operations

ZT Motors of Texas LP•Houston, TX

just now•Hybrid

About The Position

ZT Automotive Group is seeking a Corporate Manager, New Vehicle Operations to join their growing portfolio of dealerships. This full-time role, based in Houston, TX, is responsible for overseeing new vehicle performance across the group, focusing on sales efficiency, customer satisfaction, manufacturer program attainment, and allocation strategy. The Corporate Manager will maintain a deep understanding of manufacturer programs, communicate their interrelationships, and oversee standardized workflows for new vehicle ordering, allocation, and distribution. Key responsibilities include analyzing market trends, reviewing store performance, providing pacing communication to leadership, building relationships with manufacturer representatives, evaluating allocation performance, developing operating procedures, resolving operational issues, and supporting executive leadership with reporting and strategic planning. This role collaborates with various regional managers and directors to ensure seamless operations and will play a key role in defining new vehicle operations as the company expands. The position has no direct reports and works through General Managers, Market Directors, and store leadership.

Requirements

Experience in new vehicle operations, including manufacturer program attainment, sales efficiency, allocation, and OEM ordering and distribution.
Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturer incentive and bonus structures, with the ability to explain the relationship between operational metrics and program earnings.
Strong operations management and process improvement skills, including experience standardizing procedures across multiple locations.
Proficiency in data analysis, forecasting, and inventory management, with the ability to use reports and metrics to drive decisions and optimize vehicle allocation.
Ability to coach, influence, and build collaborative relationships across multiple locations without direct supervisory authority, and to lead change across stores.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with professional presence appropriate for OEM, vendor, and executive-level interaction.
Proven organizational and time-management abilities to manage regional responsibilities and competing priorities in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
Experience with dealership management systems, CRM platforms, OEM ordering tools, and digital merchandising platforms, along with strong general computer literacy including Excel and reporting tools.
Knowledge of automotive sales operations, OEM programs, and compliance requirements, with attention to accuracy and regulatory adherence.
An ownership mentality and the ability to build trust with experienced operators.
Bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and automotive leadership experience.
Based in Houston, Texas. Candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to the Houston area.
Willing to travel to dealership locations across the group’s markets, approximately 50% to 65%, including air travel to markets outside Texas.
Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Prior multi-store or corporate-level experience in the automotive industry strongly preferred.
Single-store New Vehicle Directors prepared for a group-level role will be considered.

Responsibilities

Own sales efficiency, customer satisfaction performance, manufacturer program attainment, and allocation strategy at the group level.
Maintain a current, detailed understanding of every manufacturer program, including volume objectives, stair-step incentives, facility and floor plan assistance, captive penetration requirements, and certification requirements.
Communicate how manufacturer programs interrelate.
Oversee standardized workflows for new vehicle ordering, allocation, and distribution across stores.
Ensure accurate documentation and compliance with manufacturer and corporate guidelines.
Analyze market trends and performance data.
Review store and franchise performance against objectives.
Provide pacing communication to General Managers and Market Directors during the month.
Develop relationships with manufacturer field representatives.
Evaluate allocation performance.
Develop and refine operating procedures.
Coordinate cross-store initiatives.
Resolve operational issues that affect new vehicle sales and customer experience.
Support executive leadership with reporting and strategic planning.
Partner with the Regional Pre-Owned Manager on trade capture.
Partner with the Regional Director of F&I and Lender Relations on captive penetration.
Partner with the Regional Fixed Operations Directors on sales-to-service handoff and delivery quality.
Partner with the Corporate Trainer on store-level training and development.
Help define how new vehicle operations are run across the group as new rooftops are added.