Manager, Franchised Operations

AutoNation

22d

About The Position

The Manager, Franchise Operations serves as a key liaison between AutoNation and its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners, supporting the management, administration, and governance of AutoNation’s franchised dealership network. The role owns administration of franchised dealership agreements and works closely with Legal, M&A, CRES, Operations, Treasury, and other stakeholders to ensure franchise requirements are accurately documented, maintained, and executed.

The role coordinates OEM and dealership documentation, supports dealer application processes, tracks franchise-related requirements, and ensures timely completion of activities associated with dealership acquisitions, divestitures, General Manager changes, and other franchise-related transactions. It requires exceptional organization, attention to detail, follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple priorities across a complex, matrixed organization.

The Manager also supports Brand Presidents with OEM reporting, performance summaries, meeting preparation, and follow-up, and helps develop standardized franchise processes and documentation. AutoNation describes itself as one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, with a nationwide dealership network and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in automotive operations, franchise management, OEM relations, M&A, legal administration, or a related field.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with OEM partners, Legal, M&A, Operations, and senior leadership.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, and complex environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance productivity.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with franchised automotive dealerships and OEM requirements strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of dealership franchise agreements, OEM dealer applications, and related documentation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary liaison between AutoNation and OEM partners on franchise-related matters, ensuring effective communication, timely follow-up, and alignment with OEM requirements.
• Manage and maintain franchised dealership agreements, tracking key terms, requirements, amendments, renewals, and related documentation.
• Partner with Legal and M&A on acquisitions, divestitures, General Manager changes, dealership transactions, and other activities affecting franchise agreements.
• Coordinate and provide documentation and information for OEM Dealer Applications, ensuring submissions are complete, accurate, and timely.
• Maintain organized and accurate franchise records, agreements, approvals, correspondence, and supporting documentation.
• Track franchise-related milestones, deadlines, approvals, and outstanding requirements to support timely completion and resolution.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to gather required information and documentation and ensure alignment before OEM submissions.
• Monitor OEM franchise requirements and communicate changes, risks, and action items to appropriate AutoNation leadership.
• Support development and implementation of standardized franchise processes, procedures, and documentation to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Identify potential gaps, risks, or issues related to franchise agreements, and proactively escalate and coordinate resolution.
• Prepare reports, status updates, and presentations related to franchise activity, agreements, applications, and transaction-related initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive dealership, transaction, legal, and OEM information.
• Maintain and ensure the accuracy of dealership contact lists, including dealership leadership, OEM contacts, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support Brand Presidents with OEM reporting, performance summaries, and presentation deck preparation for business reviews and strategic discussions.
• Coordinate preparation for OEM meetings by gathering relevant data, compiling materials, tracking action items, and aligning with Brand Presidents and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with Brand Presidents to ensure OEM reporting and meeting materials are accurate, timely, and aligned with manufacturer priorities and performance expectations.
• Track OEM meeting follow-ups, commitments, and action items to support timely execution and accountability.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• 401k matching
• Health insurance plans
• Dental insurance plans
• Vision insurance plans
• Maternity benefits
• Associate purchase and discount programs for new and pre-owned vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear
• Deals and discounts through YouDecide, a website with offers from providers and retailers
• Opportunity to participate in the DRVPNK mission to raise and donate funds to cancer research and treatment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager