Lot Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company

Cox Automotive - USAVehicle OperationsSupervisor, Lot OperationsSupervisorNo remote option; must work at a specified Cox locationNoDay

Compensation

Compensation includes a base salary in the range of $60,500.00 - $90,700.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.

Position Summary

The Supervisor, Lot Operations is a handson leader responsible for overseeing all vehicle checkin, inspection, and lot operations activities for the auction. This role ensures vehicles are accurately checked in, inspected, imaged, staged, and moved efficiently through the lot and into sale lanes.

In a smaller auction environment, this position combines responsibilities from both VE/Inspection and Lot Ops, requiring a leader who actively works alongside the team, models expected behaviors, and drives high-quality customer service, accuracy, operational flow, and safety.

Key Responsibilities

Vehicle Entry, Inspection & Imaging

• Oversee all vehicle checkin and inspection functions (Dealer, Commercial & Specialty).
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry into AS400, including vehicle condition, features, announcements, and digital imaging.
• Direct the team in writing condition reports, conducting inspections, and performing data entry.
• Perform quality audits in alignment with Manheim QA and NAAA standards; review arbitration trends to identify training opportunities.
• Review condition reports and vehicles with customers as needed; escalate client-specific variations from Insight ECR standards to Operational Excellence.
• Maintain inspection equipment and ensure proper functionality and care.

Lot Operations & Vehicle Movement

• Supervise lot operations including staging, vehicle flow, numbering, and lot organization.
• Work hands-on with the lot team to keep vehicle movement efficient and sale-ready.
• Coordinate movement of vehicles from checkin to the correct lot locations and sale lanes.
• Maintain and inspect lot equipment to ensure safe and functional operation.
• Monitor and report lot damage; collaborate with Operations Manager on corrective actions.
• Partner with Recon, Factory, Fleet/Lease, and other departments to ensure vehicles are accurately processed and ready for sale.

Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Lead by example-actively working alongside the team and setting a high standard for professionalism, quality, and service.
• Plan for and respond to staffing fluctuations-including calloffs, PTO, and unexpected volume changes-by reallocating resources, adjusting schedules, and personally stepping in when necessary to maintain operational continuity and service levels
• Recruit, select, train, and develop checkin, inspection, sale lot drivers, lane captains, and other staff.
• Coordinate and deliver skill-based training including the Inspector Certification Program (ICP) and support employee progression through ICP levels.
• Obtain and maintain Inspector Manager Certification Program (MCP) certification.
• Provide coaching, motivation, counseling, and discipline when needed.
• Conduct or support performance evaluations with input from Operational Excellence managers.

Operational Planning & Performance

• Plan and adjust staffing levels based on auction volume, sale schedules, and operational needs.
• Continuously monitor performance against KPIs; develop and execute action plans for improvement.
• Manage requisitioning of supplies, materials, and equipment for both VE and lot operations.
• Ensure compliance with auction policies, government regulations, and safety standards.
• Collaborate with local and field teams (Finance, HR, Safety, MFS, Security, Sales, Recon, etc.) to ensure strong operational processes and customer service.

Customer Service & Relationship Management

• Interact directly with customers to resolve concerns related to checkin, inspections, and vehicle movement.
• Provide highquality service and maintain professionalism with internal and external clients.
• Maintain a customerfocused mindset across all team interactions.

Qualifications:

Minimum

• High School Diploma/GED and 5 years of related experience.
• Strong communication skills with ability to work effectively across teams and departments.
• Strong Excel skills and ability to analyze data and metrics.

Preferred

• Experience in arbitration, inspections, or NAAA standards.
• Experience in the automotive or auction industry.
• Degree in a related discipline (Information Systems, Business, Automotive Technology, etc.).

Leadership Expectations

• Lead by example-professionalism, initiative, teamwork, and integrity.
• Champion Cox/Manheim values and promote a respectful, inclusive environment.
• Model exceptional safety practices and support all Safety Excellence initiatives.
• Maintain a strong presence across the lot-visible, engaged, and hands-on.

To be employed in this role, you'll need to clear a pre-employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre-employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug-free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company's needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells - or simply uses - cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry-leading dealer-facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people-centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.EOE, including disability/vetsApplicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.