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Dealer Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Operations Manager

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$115K/yr

Operations Manager Location: Corona, California Company: Kimball Equipment Company Kimball ... As an established dealer for industry-leading brands such as Terex Cedarapids, Terex Finlay, and ...

Operations Manager

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$115K/yr

Operations Manager Location: Corona, California Company: Kimball Equipment Company Kimball ... As an established dealer for industry-leading brands such as Terex Cedarapids, Terex Finlay, and ...

Operations Manager

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$115K/yr

Operations Manager Location: Corona, California Company: Kimball Equipment Company Kimball ... As an established dealer for industry-leading brands such as Terex Cedarapids, Terex Finlay, and ...

Operations Manager

La Palma, CA ยท On-site

$92K - $95K/yr

This position requires a strong background in dealership title and registration operations, California DMV registration and inventory policies, BPA transactions, and team management What you'll do

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Dealer Operations Manager information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$62.6K

$116.9K

How much do dealer operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer 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 does a dealer operations manager do?

A Dealer Operations Manager oversees the performance and operations of dealership networks for automotive manufacturers or distributors. Their responsibilities typically include managing dealer relationships, implementing sales and service strategies, ensuring compliance with company standards, analyzing performance data, and supporting dealers in achieving sales targets. They often serve as a key liaison between the corporate office and individual dealerships, working to optimize business processes and improve customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dealer operations manager?

To thrive as a Dealer Operations Manager, you need strong analytical abilities, knowledge of dealership processes, and a background in business administration or automotive management. Familiarity with dealership management systems (DMS), CRM software, and inventory management tools are typically required, along with relevant certifications like NADA or OEM training. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help foster productive dealer relationships and drive operational improvements. These skills and qualifications are essential for maximizing dealership performance, ensuring compliance, and achieving business objectives in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges faced by dealer operations managers, and how can they be addressed?

Dealer Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as ensuring consistent performance across multiple dealerships, maintaining compliance with company and industry standards, and effectively managing diverse teams. Addressing these challenges typically involves implementing clear operational processes, providing ongoing training, and fostering open communication between dealerships and corporate leadership. Embracing data-driven decision-making and leveraging technology can also help streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.

What is the difference between Dealer Operations Manager vs Sales Manager?

AspectDealer Operations ManagerSales Manager
Primary FocusOversees dealership operations, including service, parts, and customer experienceLeads sales teams to meet revenue targets and drive vehicle sales
Required CredentialsTypically requires automotive management experience, possibly a dealership management certificationOften requires sales experience, with or without specific certifications
Work EnvironmentDealerships, automotive groupsDealerships, automotive sales departments
Industry UsageCommonly used in automotive dealership managementCommonly used in automotive sales and marketing

The Dealer Operations Manager focuses on overall dealership operations, ensuring smooth functioning across departments, while the Sales Manager concentrates on driving vehicle sales and managing the sales team. Both roles are essential in automotive dealerships but serve different core functions.

Is dealer operations manager a high paying job?

Dealer Operations Managers typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, location, and the size of the dealership or organization. In general, it is considered a mid- to high-level management position with compensation that can include bonuses and benefits, reflecting the responsibilities involved in overseeing dealer networks and operations.

What is a dealer operations manager?

A dealer operations manager oversees the daily functions of automotive or equipment dealerships, including sales, service, inventory management, and customer relations. They coordinate between dealership staff and manufacturers, often using management software, and ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.

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

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

Infographic showing various Dealer Operations Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,625 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Senior Dealer Operations Manager- Spokane, WA

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Location: Spokane, WA

Job Schedule: Full-time field role

Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree

Sponsorship: No

Come Drive Innovation with Us.We are currently looking for a Senior Dealer Operations Manager to join our team in the West Region.

A Day in the Life:

The Senior Dealer Operations Manager acts as a strategic business advisor to an assigned network of Nissan dealerships, helping drive sales performance, profitability, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. This role partners closely with Dealer Principals and dealership leadership to identify growth opportunities, improve operations, optimize inventory, support marketing initiatives, and achieve wholesale and retail sales objectives, including commercial vehicles.

Who We're Looking for:

  • Partner with dealerships to improve sales performance, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
  • Analyze sales, financial, inventory, and market data to identify opportunities and develop action plans.
  • Conduct regular dealership visits to assess operations and provide consulting, coaching, and support.
  • Manage inventory, vehicle mix, allocation, and aged inventory strategies.
  • Support dealership marketing efforts and promote Nissan sales and incentive programs.
  • Drive adoption of best practices in sales, customer experience, and operational effectiveness.
  • Coach dealership leadership on performance, training, staffing, and business improvement initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with dealership agreements, company policies, and program requirements.
  • Assist with market representation activities, dealership transitions, and regional business initiatives.

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field required.
  • 6+ years of progressive experience in automotive sales, marketing, dealer operations, or related functions.
  • 2+ years in a dealership-facing field role such as Dealer Operations Manager, Wholesale District Manager, Fixed Operations Manager, Field Sales Manager, or similar.

Desired:

  • Strong knowledge of dealership operations, sales management, inventory control, customer experience, and market analysis.
  • Proven ability to analyze data, influence stakeholders, and drive business results.
  • Excellent communication, relationship-building, and consulting skills.

Travel

  • Extensive travel required (75%+), including overnight travel.
  • Must reside within the assigned district territory.

What You'll Look Forward to at Nissan:

Career Growthand Continuous Learning Opportunities:Benefit from diverse career paths, cross-departmental moves, and innovative learning platforms. Enhance your skills through seminars, leadership training, and tuition reimbursement programs, all while playing a vital role in shaping the future of transportation.From day one, you'll have the support to tackle challenges and contribute to impactful solutions across our organization.

Rewards:Be supported with a Comprehensive Benefits Package, including medical, mental health, parental leave, retirement savings & unique Nissanperks, including discounts on lease vehicles as part of our Employee Lease Program and a Vehicle Purchase Program (VPP).For more information, accessourNissan BenefitsOverview Guide.

BuiltforYour Best:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXuame0vwiw&list=PLki2k0CDxrPe8V6WmEeEdhj1fosRD-JQa

Nissan is committed to a drug-free workplace. All employment is contingent upon the successful completion of drug and background screenings in accordance with Nissan policies and in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. Nissan will consider qualified candidates with arrest or conviction records for employment in a manner consistent with these laws.

It is Nissan's policy to provide Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, gender, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law. Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire; Nissan uses E-Verify to validate employment eligibility.

NISSAN FOR EVERYONE

People are our most valuable assets, and diversity and inclusion are the key to maximizing the power of each individual member of our team. When everyone belongs, the power of NISSAN is undeniable. Our Corporate Diversity Initiative aims to improve business results by ensuring that our workplace and core businesses meet the unique needs of our employees and customer base.

Nissan is committed to creating a culture where everyone belongs and employees, customers, and partners feel respected, valued, and heard. We have over 10 Business Synergy Teams (BSTs) across the U.S. and Canada that connect employees - with shared characteristics or interests - build allies, and foster a company culture where all employees feel supported and included.

Nissan also values inclusion in all areas of our business as we strive to mirror the diversity of our customer base and the communities where we do business. We are committed to procuring innovative goods and services, retailing our products and communicating from a diverse perspective which will help us continue to offer our customers competitively designed, market-driven products.

Join us as we carry our commitment to diversity and inclusion into the future.

Irvine California United States of America

Salary Range:

$97,745.00 - $172,830.00

Salary Range Estimate: Annual Salary: (Minimum to Maximum of Salary Range noted here). This compensation range represents the minimum and maximum base salary rates at Nissan for jobs assigned to this particular grade level. Please note that it is uncommon for an employee to be placed at either end of the range. Rather, an employee's actual base salary generally may fall somewhere in between and reflect the employee's unique skills, work experience, education, work location, and market norms. Additionally, pay may be based on comparisons to the base salary rates of other employees with similar backgrounds working in comparable roles.