Manager, Lot Operations (Manheim Portland)

Cox Communications • Portland, OR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Lot Operations oversees daily lot department operations at Manheim Portland, including labor scheduling, assigning work, vehicle logistics and placement, vehicle movement and transport, lot coordinators, vehicle tracking, and sale-day lot flow. The role works with senior management to develop and execute operational plans, monitor expenses, improve efficiency, meet operational commitments, and deliver effective customer service. It coordinates with Reconditioning, Vehicle Entry, Commercial, and market-level support teams to prepare vehicles for sale and maintain aligned operating processes.

The manager supervises, coaches, and develops lot operations staff; oversees staffing, schedules, performance, and employee conduct; and ensures vehicles, equipment, staging areas, inventory areas, and sale lanes are properly maintained and organized. The role visibly supports safety procedures and Safety Excellence, enforces company policies, and works to resolve operational issues and improve departmental performance. The position has no remote option and requires work at a specified Cox location. Occasional exposure to weather, fumes, and noise is noted.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 6 years of experience in a related field; alternatively, a master’s degree and 4 years of related experience, a Ph.D. and 1 year of related experience, or 10 years of related experience.
• At least 1 year of experience in a management or lead role.
• Experience in the automotive industry or auction business.
• Effective management and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interaction skills.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Good computer and software knowledge.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for prolonged periods.
• Vision abilities including close, distance, color, and depth perception.
• Must clear a pre-employment drug test. The company does not currently administer a pre-employment marijuana drug test for this position; prohibited drug use or possession during work hours, on company property, or in company vehicles is not permitted.
• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship; OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT, and visa sponsorship are not available.

Nice To Haves

• Reconditioning and/or body shop experience.
• AS400 experience.
• Ability to drive multiple vehicle types, including standard shift, automatic, 5th wheel, semi, RV, and boats.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily lot operations to ensure efficient operations before and after sale.
• Assist senior management with operational business plans, operational expense analysis, and procedures to improve efficiency.
• Coordinate with Reconditioning, Vehicle Entry, and Commercial departments to schedule and prepare vehicles for sale.
• Manage sale-day operations, ensuring vehicles are staged properly and run efficiently through auction lanes.
• Maintain positive customer relations, provide transportation to and from the auction for out-of-town customers, and respond to customer inquiries with timely feedback.
• Recruit, select, orient, train, coach, and develop lot operations staff and associated personnel; provide educational opportunities and conduct performance appraisals.
• Counsel and discipline employees as necessary and enforce company policies and procedures related to employee and customer conduct.
• Monitor lot damage and work with general management to review and resolve potential lot operations problems.
• Work with Lot Coordinators to ensure vehicles are located, delivered to the lot, numbered, and parked properly.
• Ensure company assets used in operations are maintained and accounted for; maintain or supervise maintenance of operational equipment.
• Maintain staging and inventory areas and sale lanes for operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain effective schedules for drivers and lot personnel; monitor work volumes and staffing levels.
• Follow and model safety and health procedures, and cooperate with safety leadership in support of Safety Excellence activities.
• Initiate, coordinate, and enforce production and control standards and procedures; ensure cost, quality, and delivery commitments are met.
• Review departmental performance against key performance indicators and metrics, and develop and execute improvement strategies.
• Lead by example, champion Cox and Manheim values, and ensure employees are treated with respect.
• Partner with Finance, HR, MFS, Recon, Safety, Security, Sales, and other market-level support teams to support efficient processes, company objectives, and quality customer service.
• Perform other duties as assigned by a manager or supervisor.

Benefits

• Flexible paid vacation, consistent with job duties, company needs, and obligations.
• Seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Up to 160 hours of paid wellness time annually for the employee’s or family members’ wellness.
• Bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
• Potential health care insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement planning through a 401(k), and paid days off. Specific benefits offered may vary by employee eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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