Lead Lot Operations Specialist (Manheim)

Cox Communications • College Park, GA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This role involves leading and coordinating daily lot operations at a Cox Automotive location, focusing on vehicle movement, staging, parking, inventory management, and sale-day readiness. The Lead Lot Operations Specialist will assist supervisors, monitor workflow, and serve as a primary point of contact for associates during shifts, ensuring operational procedures and safety expectations are met. The position also includes responsibilities for vehicle and inventory management, team support and development through training and coaching, and customer service to internal and external stakeholders. Administrative duties involve completing reports, inspections, and utilizing company systems for documentation.

Requirements

• Minimum High School Diploma/GED and 7 years’ experience, or any level degree/certification beyond a HS diploma/GED in a related discipline and 5 years’ experience; or 9 years’ experience in a related field.
• Safe drivers needed; valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to safely operate manual and automatic vehicles.
• Strong knowledge of lot operations, vehicle inventory management, and safety practices.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Leadership and team coordination.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to train and coach associates.
• Customer-focused mindset.
• Knowledge of operational safety and compliance standards.
• Must clear a pre-employment drug test.
• Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.

Nice To Haves

• Previous lead, team lead, or supervisory experience.
• Experience in automotive auction, dealership, logistics, fleet management, or transportation operations.
• Experience using inventory management systems, handheld devices, and operational technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily lot operations activities, including vehicle movement, staging, parking, inventory management, and sale-day readiness.
• Assist supervisors in assigning workloads and prioritizing tasks based on operational needs.
• Monitor workflow and productivity to ensure vehicles are processed accurately and on schedule.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for associates during assigned shifts and provide guidance on operational procedures.
• Communicate operational priorities, safety expectations, and process changes to team members.
• Promote a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with Cox Automotive and Manheim safety standards.
• Conduct routine observations of work areas and vehicle movement activities to identify and address safety concerns.
• Ensure associates use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow vehicle handling procedures.
• Report incidents, damages, and safety concerns promptly and assist with investigations as needed.
• Monitor vehicle flow throughout the auction process to ensure timely movement and sale readiness.
• Verify vehicle locations and inventory accuracy using company systems and handheld technology.
• Coordinate vehicle placement, lot organization, and staging activities to maximize operational efficiency.
• Assist in managing specialty processes, including electric vehicle charging activities, inventory recovery, and vehicle prioritization when applicable.
• Train, coach, and mentor Lot Operations Specialists on standard operating procedures and best practices.
• Provide real-time coaching to improve performance, productivity, and adherence to expectations.
• Support onboarding and cross-training of new team members.
• Collaborate with supervisors to identify development opportunities and operational improvements.
• Support internal and external customers by ensuring vehicles are located, processed, and delivered accurately.
• Partner with departments such as Vehicle Entry, Commercial, Transportation, Customer Service, Reconditioning, and Sales to resolve issues and maintain efficient operations.
• Respond professionally to requests and operational concerns while maintaining service standards.
• Complete operational reports, inspections, and documentation as required.
• Utilize handheld devices and operational systems to record vehicle activity and update statuses.
• Assist supervisors with audits, workflow tracking, and performance monitoring.
• Participate in team meetings and communicate key operational updates.

Benefits

• Minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month
• Seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year
• Additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
• Health care insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement planning (401(k))
• Paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED