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Automotive Operations Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... equipment, and automotive. Amphenol Communications Solutions (ACS), a division of Amphenol ... Operations Director Location: Valley Green, PA Key Responsibilities Operations Leadership * Lead ...

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Automotive Operations Director information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do automotive operations director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive operations director in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automotive operations director?

An Automotive Operations Director is a senior management professional responsible for overseeing the daily operations and strategic direction of an automotive business, which could include dealerships, manufacturing plants, or service centers. Their duties often involve managing staff, optimizing processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving profitability. They work closely with other executives to set goals, implement policies, and ensure customer satisfaction. Strong leadership, industry knowledge, and operational expertise are essential for success in this role.

How does an automotive operations director typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth dealership performance?

An Automotive Operations Director works closely with sales, service, finance, and parts departments to align strategies and operational goals across the dealership. Regular meetings and cross-departmental reporting are common to monitor performance metrics, resolve bottlenecks, and implement process improvements. This role often acts as a bridge between upper management and department heads, facilitating communication and ensuring that all teams work towards shared objectives. Effective collaboration is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction, hitting sales targets, and optimizing overall dealership profitability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive operations director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Operations Director, you need strong leadership abilities, in-depth knowledge of automotive business operations, and a relevant bachelor's degree in business or automotive management. Familiarity with dealership management systems (DMS), inventory management software, and industry certifications such as NADA or ASE can be highly beneficial. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are critical for optimizing operational efficiency, ensuring profitability, and leading teams effectively in a competitive automotive market.

What is the difference between Automotive Operations Director vs Automotive Service Manager?

AspectAutomotive Operations DirectorAutomotive Service Manager
CredentialsExperience in automotive management, possibly a degree in business or automotive technologyASE certifications, automotive technician background, management experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple departments, strategic planning, high-level decision makingManages service department, oversees technicians, customer service focus
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in dealerships, automotive groups, corporate settingsCommon in service centers, dealerships, independent garages
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for high-level management roles in automotive operationsSeeking managerial roles focused on service department operations

The Automotive Operations Director focuses on strategic oversight and overall management of automotive operations across multiple departments or locations. In contrast, the Automotive Service Manager concentrates on day-to-day management of the service department, customer satisfaction, and technician supervision. Both roles require automotive industry experience, but the Operations Director has a broader, more strategic scope.

More about Automotive Operations Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Automotive Operations Director jobs?

Cities with the most Automotive Operations Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Operations jobs?

The most popular types of Automotive Operations jobs are:

What states have the most Automotive Operations Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Automotive Operations Director jobs include:

Infographic showing various Automotive Operations Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Director Intermodal & Automotive Operations

Canadian Pacific Railway

Bensenville, IL • On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Canadian Pacific rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Director Intermodal & Automotive Operations

Job Description Job Alerts Link Director Intermodal & Automotive Operations

Join CPKC, North America’s first transnational railroad connecting U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where your career drives progress and safety is paramount. We connect communities, fuel economic growth, and provide meaningful work in a culture that values diversity, accountability, and pride. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’re not just building a career—you’re part of something bigger. Together, we move goods, connect people, and create lasting change. Your future starts here.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Director, Intermodal & Automotive Operations is a key leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across all aspects of Intermodal and Automotive Operations within an assigned territory. This leader will inspire and develop a high-performing team of CPKC employees, delivering exceptional results in safety, service, asset utilization, cost management, and workforce engagement. Operating in a fast-paced, highly strategic environment, the Director will leverage strong leadership, sound judgment, and a relentless sense of urgency to optimize performance, enhance customer experience, and support the continued growth of the business.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:
  • Lead the execution of business strategy and operating plans for Intermodal and Automotive terminals across the assigned territory.
  • Drive daily operational performance by achieving safety, service, productivity, and cost KPI objectives.
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for operational issues impacting network performance, customer service, terminal operations, and commercial objectives.
  • Champion a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement across all facilities.
  • Optimize terminal fluidity and network efficiency through effective train design, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
  • Develop, coach, and manage leaders through performance management, career development, succession planning, and accountability.
  • Ensure terminal service metrics, including truck dwell and operational efficiency targets, consistently meet customer and business expectations.
  • Manage strategic relationships with contractors and vendors, including contract administration, RFPs, performance management, and resource planning.
  • Oversee facility security, equipment regulatory compliance, and capital planning initiatives to support current and future operational growth.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
  • High school diploma/GED required; Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Transportation, Business, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in rail transportation, terminal operations, logistics, or a related operational leadership environment.
  • Extensive knowledge of rail operations, including intermodal and automotive terminal environments.
  • Proven leadership experience developing, coaching, and leading diverse unionized, non-union, and contractor workforces.
  • Strong understanding of collective bargaining agreements, labor relations, and applicable employment laws.
  • Valid driver’s license if required
  • Valid passport with ability to travel to U.S./CAN without restrictions if required
WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER:
  • Flexible and competitive benefits package
  • Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
  • Employee share purchase plan
  • Performance incentive plan
  • Annual fitness subsidy
  • Part-time studies program
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Medical and Drug Testing

This is a safety critical position and a successful pre-employment medical assessment including physical, vision, hearing, and a negative company or regulated drug test is required. Post hire qualification drug testing may also be required.

Background Investigation
  • Criminal history check
  • Education verification
  • Professional references
  • Driver’s license verification and driving history
  • Passport verification
  • Social Security Number verification
BECOMING A RAILROADER:

As an employee with a North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.

Management Conductor Program

Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification/qualification as a conductor or locomotive engineer.

CULTURE OF INCLUSION:

For our U.S. applicants, CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For Canadian applicants CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including: women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Accommodations for the job application process can be provided, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

  • Req ID: 106345
  • Department: Network & Capacity Management
  • Job Type: Full-Time
  • Position Type: Non-Union
  • Location: Bensenville, Illinois
  • Country: United States
  • % of Travel: 30-40%
  • # of Positions: 1
  • Job Grade: 2
  • Job Available to: Internal & External

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