Regional Auction Manager

Kia Corporation • Tustin, CA

4d • $108,699 - $146,709 • Remote

About The Position

The primary responsibility of this position is to lead the auction sales for Kia America company-owned vehicles, Lemon Law buybacks, repurchase vehicles, and captive finance off-lease inventory. The role is responsible for maximizing vehicle value retention, improving sales velocity, managing aging units, optimizing wholesale performance, and reducing remarketing expenses through effective pricing, inventory management, channel strategy, and auction operations.
The position partners closely with Kia America Sales, Mobility & Remarketing leadership, captive finance remarketing teams, auction providers, transportation partners, and dealer networks to develop and execute vehicle disposition strategies. Responsibilities include auction performance management, dealer engagement initiatives, pricing recommendations, transportation and logistics oversight, vehicle condition and reconditioning standards, expense management, and analytics-driven decision-making that improves profitability and overall remarketing outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or equivalent job experience in related field required.
• Minimum of 5-7 years in automotive retail, automotive wholesale, captive finance company, remarketing, or equivalent required
• Knowledge of auction operations, wholesale vehicle sales, and remarketing program management
• Ability to evaluate vehicle condition reports, reconditioning quality, and repair estimates.
• Advanced analytical, reporting, and data interpretation capabilities
• Knowledge of wholesale vehicle pricing, residual value management, and market trends.
• High level of proficiency in verbal, written and electronic communications.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze several data sources and provide support, collaboration, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Problem identification, solving and decision-making skills.
• Accomplished interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency of Microsoft Office products primarily Excel and Power Point.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree a plus
• Experience and relationships with Manheim, ADESA, Americas Auto Auction and independent auto auctions highly desired.
• Experience with Power BI or equivalent a plus

Responsibilities

• Execute on remarketing strategies and tactics that drive the most value for company-owned vehicles, Lemon-Law buybacks, repurchase vehicles, and captive off-lease inventory to maximize value retention and improve sales velocity.
• Partner with captive finance remarketing teams, auction providers, transportation vendors, and internal stakeholders to execute on pricing strategy, logistics, remarketing channels, vehicle condition standards, and disposition performance.
• Provide oversight for upstream sales channels for assigned market places.
• Manage remarketing expenses, auction performance, vendor compliance, vehicle quality standards, and operational audits to ensure cost-effective operations and achievement of remarketing objectives.
• Develop reporting, analytics, market intelligence, and performance recommendations that improve value retention, auction effectiveness, pricing accuracy, inventory efficiency, and overall remarketing profitability.
• Lead auction sales and direct-sale activities to achieve the highest possible vehicle retention values and support overall remarketing objectives.
• Track vehicle inventory throughout the disposition life cycle and direct units to the optimal sales channels to improve inventory turnover and reduce holding costs.
• Manage auction marketing and dealer engagement initiatives to increase dealer participation, strengthen buyer demand, and maximize wholesale proceeds.
• Oversee vehicle condition reporting, reconditioning standards, and quality control processes to ensure vehicles meet Kia standards and maximize wholesale value.
• Conduct audits and reviews of auction operations, transportation expenses, condition reports, reconditioning charges, and vendor billing to ensure operational efficiency and budget compliance.
• Analyze market trends, wholesale performance metrics, retention data, and inventory performance to provide strategic recommendations to Kia America remarketing leadership.
• Manage transportation, logistics, and vehicle disposition processes to improve cycle times and reduce overall remarketing expenses.

Benefits

• Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.

What This Job Offers

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