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Director Automotive Variable Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Minimum 5+ years of automotive management experience * Strong used vehicle operational background REQUIRED * Previous GSM, Used Car Director, Variable Operations Director, or high-level sales ...

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Director Automotive Variable Operations information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do director automotive variable operations jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for director automotive variable operations 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 a Director of Automotive Variable Operations, and why are they important?

A Director of Automotive Variable Operations needs extensive experience in automotive sales management, inventory control, and financial analysis, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with dealership management systems (DMS), CRM software, and financial reporting tools is typically required. Strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills help drive team performance and customer satisfaction. These competencies are essential for maximizing sales, ensuring operational efficiency, and achieving profitability goals in a competitive automotive market.

What are the main challenges faced by a Director of Automotive Variable Operations, and how can they effectively address them?

A Director of Automotive Variable Operations often faces challenges such as aligning sales and marketing strategies across multiple departments, managing inventory turnover efficiently, and ensuring a seamless customer experience throughout the sales process. Effective directors address these by fostering close collaboration between sales, finance, and service teams, implementing data-driven decision-making practices, and continuously training staff on evolving market trends and customer expectations. Strong leadership and adaptability are key to navigating these challenges and driving consistent performance improvements.

What does a Director of Automotive Variable Operations do?

A Director of Automotive Variable Operations oversees all aspects of a dealership's variable operations, which typically include new and used vehicle sales, finance and insurance, and related customer service functions. They are responsible for developing sales strategies, setting performance goals, managing sales teams, and ensuring customer satisfaction. This role often involves analyzing sales data, optimizing inventory, and collaborating with other department heads to maximize profitability and efficiency. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of the automotive market are essential skills for this position.

What is the difference between Director Automotive Variable Operations vs Automotive Sales Manager?

AspectDirector Automotive Variable OperationsAutomotive Sales Manager
CredentialsExperience in dealership operations, sales, and management; often requires industry certificationsExperience in automotive sales; may require sales certifications or dealership experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple departments, including sales, finance, and service; strategic roleFocuses primarily on managing the sales team and achieving sales targets
Industry UsageUsed in dealership leadership to optimize profitability and operationsCommonly used in dealership sales departments to drive sales performance

The main difference is that the Director Automotive Variable Operations oversees multiple dealership departments and focuses on overall profitability and operations, while the Automotive Sales Manager concentrates specifically on managing the sales team and meeting sales goals. Both roles require automotive industry experience but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Director Automotive Variable Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Automotive Variable Operations jobs? Cities with the most Director Automotive Variable Operations job openings:
What states have the most Director Automotive Variable Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Automotive Variable Operations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Automotive Variable Operations job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.
General Sales Manager

General Sales Manager

Gwinnett Place Nissan

Duluth, GA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

General Sales Manager โ€“ Used Vehicle Operations LeaderGwinnett Place Nissan | Duluth, GAPosition Overview

Gwinnett Place Nissan is seeking a high-performing, hands-on General Sales Manager with a proven history of building and leading successful used vehicle operations in a high-volume dealership environment.

The General Sales Managerโ€™s primary responsibility is to assist the General Manager with driving both the people and financial success of variable operations, with a major emphasis on used vehicle sales, inventory management, profitability, inventory turn, and overall used car department performance.

We are looking for a true operator โ€” someone who understands the used car business at a high level and knows how to acquire, price, merchandise, manage, and retail inventory profitably while building a culture of accountability and execution.

This is not a desk-only leadership role. Our GSMs are expected to lead from the showroom floor, actively work deals, engage customers, coach salespeople live, manage inventory aggressively, and drive performance daily.


Key ResponsibilitiesUsed Vehicle Operations Leadership
  • Lead and oversee all aspects of used vehicle operations with a strong focus on profitability, inventory turn, and volume growth
  • Assist in the acquisition, pricing, merchandising, and inventory strategy for all used vehicles
  • Analyze market trends, competitive pricing, and inventory aging to maximize profitability and minimize exposure
  • Partner with inventory management and buying teams to source clean, desirable, high-demand inventory
  • Maintain aggressive inventory turn objectives while protecting front-end gross
  • Drive used vehicle performance through disciplined process management and operational accountability
  • Monitor aging inventory daily and implement strategies to improve turn and profitability
  • Ensure used vehicle inventory is properly marketed, merchandised, and competitively positioned online
Variable Operations Leadership
  • Assist the General Manager with overseeing all aspects of variable operations including New, Used, and F&I departments
  • Work closely with the General Manager, sales team, and finance leadership team to achieve monthly sales, gross, and F&I objectives
  • Lead from the showroom floor and maintain an active daily presence throughout operations
  • Assist with structuring deals and maximizing both front-end and back-end profitability
Sales Leadership & Team Development
  • Hire, train, supervise, mentor, and monitor performance of sales consultants, finance managers, and sales managers
  • Develop future automotive leaders through daily coaching, accountability, roleplay, and process management
  • Create and maintain a high-energy, performance-driven sales culture
  • Conduct daily sales meetings, one-on-ones, and save-a-deal sessions
  • Hold the sales team accountable to lead follow-up, appointment generation, showroom traffic conversion, and CRM activity standards
Desk Management & Customer Engagement
  • Consistently work the sales desk and assist with customer turn-overs
  • Actively engage customers and support the sales process from greeting to delivery
  • Assist sales managers and consultants with deal structure and negotiation strategy
  • Ensure exceptional customer experience and strong CSI performance throughout the sales process
Process, Accountability & Financial Performance
  • Be a highly detailed, process-driven leader capable of holding the staff accountable for results
  • Track and improve:
    • Used vehicle volume
    • Used vehicle gross profit
    • Inventory turn
    • Aging inventory
    • Appointment performance
    • Closing percentages
    • CSI performance
    • Overall variable profitability
  • Assist sales managers with ensuring manufacturer volume commitments are achieved
  • Responsible for ensuring CIT lists are reviewed and resolved within required deadlines
  • Partner with the General Manager to establish monthly and annual performance goals and review actual performance
Relationship & Operational Management
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with lending institutions, auctions, wholesalers, and manufacturer representatives
  • Communicate management policies and operational expectations clearly and effectively
  • Lead by example while ensuring company core values are demonstrated consistently throughout the dealership
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by executive leadership

Qualifications
  • Minimum 5+ years of automotive management experience
  • Strong used vehicle operational background REQUIRED
  • Previous GSM, Used Car Director, Variable Operations Director, or high-level sales leadership experience preferred
  • Proven track record of success in used vehicle inventory management and profitability
  • Demonstrated history of increasing used vehicle volume while maintaining gross
  • Strong desking, negotiation, inventory acquisition, and pricing abilities
  • Proven history of developing high-performing sales and management teams
  • Excellent CSI and customer experience history
  • Strong leadership presence with a hands-on management style
  • Must thrive in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment

What Weโ€™re Looking For

We are looking for a leader who:

  • Lives and understands the used car business
  • Knows how to maximize inventory turn and profitability
  • Leads from the front instead of behind a desk
  • Understands both operational execution and financial performance
  • Can build accountability, urgency, and culture
  • Has a passion for developing people and driving results
  • Brings energy, professionalism, and intensity every day

Why Gwinnett Place Nissan?

At Gwinnett Place Nissan, we are building a high-performance culture centered around:

  • Integrity
  • Transparency
  • Professionalism
  • Teamwork
  • Respect

If you are a proven automotive leader with a strong used car background and a passion for building profitable operations while leading from the front lines, we want to speak with you.

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