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Automotive Operations Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AutoZone

Customer Operations Director

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$98K - $172K/yr

The Customer Operations Director establishes performance metrics for customer service ... automotive parts and accessories across the Americas. Our customer-first mindset and commitment to ...

AutoZone

Customer Operations Director

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$94K - $165K/yr

The Customer Operations Director establishes performance metrics for customer service ... automotive parts and accessories across the Americas. Our customer-first mindset and commitment to ...

Camping World

Fixed Operations Director

Hamburg, NY · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

As the Fixed Operations Director you will be responsible for delivering the highest level of ... Experience managing a high-volume Service Center in the RV, automotive, marine, or power sports ...

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All JobsAutomotive Operations Director Jobs

Automotive Operations Director information

See salary details

$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do automotive operations director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 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 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 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Operations Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Operations Director jobs are:
Automotive Operations Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Operations Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.
Sr Dir, Operations Excellence, Remarketing Centers

Sr Dir, Operations Excellence, Remarketing Centers

acv

Buffalo, NY • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Who we are looking for:

ACV Auctions is seeking a Senior Director of Operations Excellence to build and lead a high-impact internal operations consultancy supporting ACV’s Remarketing Centers. This leader will partner directly with the VP of Remarketing Centers to strengthen execution across multi-site automotive operations, including physical auction operations, vehicle reconditioning, and end-to-end remarketing workflows.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operator with deep experience in asset-intensive environments who has led Lean transformation and performance improvement across distributed field operations. This individual must combine analytical rigor, operational credibility, and the ability to influence site leaders without direct authority. This is a field-intensive role (up to 80% travel) requiring visible, on-site leadership and execution.

 What you will do:
  • Partner with the VP of Remarketing Centers and frontline operators to improve end-to-end performance across intake, condition reporting, vehicle reconditioning, lot flow, sale-day execution, and post-sale processing.
  • Lead a small Operations Excellence team focused on diagnosing operational gaps, conducting root-cause analysis, and designing scalable solutions.
  • Architect and deploy standardized operating models, standard work, and KPI frameworks across physical auction operations.
  • Drive measurable improvements in cycle time, throughput, quality, labor efficiency, and customer satisfaction using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Establish dashboards and operating cadences to ensure accountability and sustained execution.
  • Partner with Product and Engineering to pilot and scale workflow tools that enhance automotive remarketing performance.
  • Build and maintain the ACV Operations Excellence Playbook to support growth and new site ramp.
  • Maintain heavy field presence to ensure solutions translate into durable operational results.
What you will need:
  • 10+ years of leadership experience in multi-site automotive operations, vehicle reconditioning centers, physical auctions, logistics, or industrial operations.
  • Proven track record driving Operations Excellence or Lean transformation at scale.
  • Deep expertise in Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, standard work, and performance management (Black Belt preferred).
  • Strong influencing skills and executive communication capability.
  • Analytical, structured problem-solving mindset.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus.
  • Willingness to travel nationally up to 80%.

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