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Automotive Operations Manager Jobs in California

Swickard Auto Group

Inventory Manager

Fremont, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Job Type Full-time Description Fremont, CA Lexus Luxury brand Inventory Manager Automotive operations Bay Area Veterans encouraged to apply $25 - $31/hr IS THIS YOU? • You have dealership inventory ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In lieu of a valid driver's license and automobile insurance, Operations Manager Trainee must have reliable means of alternate transportation which would allow for required, timely travel to multiple ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager

La Puente, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In lieu of a valid driver's license and automobile insurance, Operations Manager Trainee must have reliable means of alternate transportation which would allow for required, timely travel to multiple ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager

Laguna Hills, CA · On-site

$27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In lieu of a valid driver's license and automobile insurance, Operations Manager Trainee must have reliable means of alternate transportation which would allow for required, timely travel to multiple ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$31.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In lieu of a valid driver's license and automobile insurance, Operations Manager Trainee must have reliable means of alternate transportation which would allow for required, timely travel to multiple ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$31.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In lieu of a valid driver's license and automobile insurance, Operations Manager Trainee must have reliable means of alternate transportation which would allow for required, timely travel to multiple ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager

Laguna Hills, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In lieu of a valid driver's license and automobile insurance, Operations Manager Trainee must have reliable means of alternate transportation which would allow for required, timely travel to multiple ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In lieu of a valid driver's license and automobile insurance, Operations Manager Trainee must have reliable means of alternate transportation which would allow for required, timely travel to multiple ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$31.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In lieu of a valid driver's license and automobile insurance, Operations Manager Trainee must have reliable means of alternate transportation which would allow for required, timely travel to multiple ...

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All JobsAutomotive Operations JobsAutomotive Operations Manager JobsAutomotive Operations Manager Jobs in California

Automotive Operations Manager information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$62.6K

$116.9K

How much do automotive operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive operations manager in California is $62,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automotive operations manager?

Automotive Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of automotive businesses, such as dealerships, repair shops, or manufacturing plants. Their duties include managing staff, optimizing workflow, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining inventory. They also implement policies to improve efficiency, monitor financial performance, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. By coordinating various departments, they help ensure the business runs smoothly and meets its goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive operations manager?

To thrive as an Automotive Operations Manager, you need expertise in automotive business operations, inventory management, and team leadership, often supported by a degree in business or automotive management. Familiarity with dealership management systems (DMS), automotive software tools, and relevant industry certifications like NADA or ASE are typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help you lead teams and ensure customer satisfaction. These competencies are crucial for optimizing workflow, maintaining profitability, and driving business growth in a competitive automotive environment.

What are some common challenges faced by automotive operations managers, and how are they typically addressed?

Automotive Operations Managers often face challenges related to coordinating between multiple departments, managing inventory efficiently, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. Balancing production schedules with supply chain constraints and maintaining compliance with industry regulations can also be demanding. These challenges are typically addressed by implementing robust communication channels, leveraging data-driven management tools, and fostering a collaborative team environment. Continuous process improvement and regular staff training are also key strategies used to overcome operational hurdles.

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

AspectAutomotive Operations ManagerAutomotive Service Manager
Primary FocusOversees overall dealership or automotive business operations, including sales, finance, and service departmentsManages daily service department operations, including technician workflows and customer service
Required CredentialsTypically requires management experience, automotive knowledge, and sometimes a degree in business or automotive technologyRequires automotive service experience, certifications like ASE, and management skills
Work EnvironmentDealerships, automotive groups, or automotive service centersService departments within dealerships or independent repair shops
Common UsageUsed in larger dealerships or automotive groups to oversee multiple departmentsUsed in service departments to ensure efficient repair and customer satisfaction

The Automotive Operations Manager focuses on overall dealership or automotive business management, while the Automotive Service Manager specializes in managing the service department's daily operations. Both roles require automotive knowledge and management skills but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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

The most popular types of Automotive Operations jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Operations Manager jobs in California?

For Automotive Operations Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Operations Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Operations Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Automotive Operations Manager job openings:

Automotive Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Operations Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,625 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Project Manager - Custom Automotive Operations

Mechanics & Body Shops Marketplace

San Ramon, CA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description


We are a professional custom automotive company specializing in high-quality vehicle builds, restorations, and performance enhancements. We are seeking an entry-level Project Manager to support the planning, coordination, and execution of custom automotive projects. This role is well-suited for a motivated individual with strong organizational skills and an interest in project management within a technical, production-driven environment.
The Project Manager will work cross-functionally with shop leadership, technicians, vendors, and customers to ensure projects are executed efficiently, on schedule, and in alignment with customer expectations and company standards.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support the end-to-endmanagement of custom automotive projects, from authorization throughcompletion
  • Track project timelines,deliverables, and milestones to ensure adherence to schedules
  • Serve as a point ofcoordination between production teams, management, vendors, and customers
  • Assist with projectdocumentation, including work orders, change requests, and progressreports
  • Coordinate parts procurementand vendor communication to support project timelines
  • Identify potential risks ordelays and escalate issues to senior management as appropriate
  • Participate in project reviewmeetings and provide status updates
  • Assist with quality assurancechecks prior to final vehicle delivery
  • Ensure compliance withinternal processes and documentation standards

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma orequivalent required; associate's or bachelor's degree in business, projectmanagement, or a related field preferred
  • Strong organizational,planning, and time-management skills
  • Effective written and verbalcommunication abilities
  • Ability to manage multiplepriorities in a structured, deadline-driven environment
  • Proficiency with basic officesoftware, including email and spreadsheets
  • Professional demeanor withinternal teams and external customers

Preferred Qualifications
  • Exposure to automotive,manufacturing, or fabrication environments
  • Internship or entry-levelexperience in project coordination or operations
  • Familiarity with projecttracking tools or ERP/shop management systems
  • Customer-facing or clientcoordination experience

Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive entry-levelcompensation commensurate with experience
  • Training and professionaldevelopment opportunities
  • Clear career progressionwithin project management or operations
  • Collaborative andperformance-driven work environment
  • Health insurance plan paid infull for employee
  • 401-K retirement benefit
  • 2 weeks paid vacation peryear
  • Paid holidays
  • Monday to Friday 8AM to 5PM -No weekends!
  • Teamwork and camaraderie
  • A place you can be proud to work at and call home!

Apply