Used Vehicle Acquisition Manager

Ruges Automotive•Rhinbeck, NY

23h

About The Position

Our growing 4-store dealership group is seeking a Used Vehicle Acquisition Manager to lead and execute our pre-owned inventory sourcing strategy. This role is responsible for acquiring high-quality, high-demand preowned vehicles through multiple channels including auctions, direct-to-consumer purchases, service lane acquisitions, etc. The ideal candidate is data-driven, aggressive in sourcing, disciplined in appraisal strategy, and focused on inventory turn and gross performance. This is a critical role that directly impacts dealership profitability, inventory health, and market competitiveness.

Requirements

3+ years experience in used vehicle buying or used car management
Proven track record of profitable acquisition performance
Strong knowledge of auction platforms and digital buying tools
Ability to manage multi-store inventory strategy
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Valid driver’s license
Strong vehicle appraisal expertise
Deep understanding of wholesale market trends
Data-driven decision-making
Financial acumen (inventory turn, recon ROI, gross-to-investment ratio)
Negotiation and closing skills
Risk management discipline
High sense of urgency and accountability
Technology proficiency (vAuto, Manheim, ACV, CRM tools, DMS systems)

Responsibilities

Inventory Acquisition Strategy Source and purchase quality pre-owned vehicles aligned with each store’s inventory needs
Develop a balanced acquisition mix (auction, street purchases, service lane, lease retention, trades)
Monitor market trends, pricing guides, and regional demand to guide purchasing decisions
Maintain optimal days’ supply and turn rate targets
Purchase vehicles via physical and online auctions (Manheim, ACV, etc.)
Analyze condition reports, market values, and recon exposure before purchase
Control buy fees, transportation costs, and risk exposure
Track post-sale arbitration and performance metrics
Conduct accurate vehicle appraisals
Implement and manage “We Buy Cars” strategies
Partner with service advisors and sales managers to identify acquisition opportunities
Close private-party purchases efficiently and professionally
Monitor aging inventory and adjust strategy accordingly
Collaborate with Sales Managers on pricing and turn strategy
Analyze gross profit, reconditioning cost, and ROI metrics
Report weekly acquisition performance to executive leadership
Balance inventory across all four rooftops based on business needs
Identify cross-store opportunities to improve turn and margin
Support group-wide used car strategy and forecasting