Operations Director Jobs in Cochrane, AB (NOW HIRING)

Join Canada’s Largest Automotive Group

If you are looking to grow your career with an organization driven by excellence, integrity, and innovation, Dilawri offers an environment where people are supported and empowered to succeed.

Founded in 1985, Dilawri is Canada’s largest automotive group and one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. Dilawri operates over 80 franchised dealerships, representing more than 35 of the world’s most respected automotive brands across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and Washington, DC.

With a team of more than 4,000 employees, Dilawri fosters a culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning. Our values of Excellence, Leading, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, and Giving Back guide how we work, how we lead, and how we serve our customers and communities. Through the Dilawri Foundation, we are also committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Discover how you can build your career with Dilawri.

Position Overview

Reporting to the SVP Finance for Western Canada, the Regional Director of Finance is responsible for leading all financial operations ensuring strong financial performance, compliance, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making for Dilawri’s Prairies Region.

This role partners closely with VPs of Operations, General Managers, and the Western Canadian finance team to drive profitability, optimize working capital, improve controls, and support business growth across multiple dealership locations.

The Regional Director of Finance provides leadership to dealership finance teams and acts as a trusted advisor to operational leadership, translating financial information into actionable business insights.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the financial performance of a portfolio of automotive dealerships within the region.
• Develop and execute financial strategies that support regional and corporate objectives.
• Partner with operational leaders to identify opportunities to improve profitability, revenue growth, and cost management.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations on acquisitions, divestitures, capital investments, and business initiatives.
• Support annual strategic planning processes and long-term financial forecasting.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting activities.
• Analyze dealership performance, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Deliver accurate and timely financial reporting to executive leadership.

Operational Finance Support

• Partner with dealership leadership teams to improve financial results and operational effectiveness.
• Review dealership financial statements and ensure accurate month-end reporting.
• Support inventory management and floorplan financing optimization.
• Monitor vehicle, parts, and service department profitability.
• Evaluate operational processes and implement best practices across the region.

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, company policies, lender requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Maintain strong internal controls and financial governance practices.
• Oversee audit activities and support external auditors as required.
• Ensure timely completion of balance sheet reconciliations and account reviews.
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop dealership Controllers and Finance teams.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Foster a culture of financial discipline, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Support succession planning and talent development initiatives.

Reporting & Stakeholder Management

• Present financial results, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to senior executives.
• Act as the primary finance liaison between regional operations and corporate finance.
• Build strong relationships with lenders, auditors, manufacturers, and external partners.
• Support due diligence activities related to acquisitions and integration efforts.

Qualifications Required

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related field.
• CPA designation required.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting leadership experience.
• 5+ years in a multi-location automotive dealership environment strongly preferred.
• Experience overseeing multiple dealerships or business units.
• Strong understanding of dealership accounting, financial statements, manufacturer programs, inventory management, and automotive retail operations.

Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting capabilities.
• Strong analytical and business acumen.
• Deep understanding of dealership management systems (DMS) and automotive financial reporting.
• Excellent leadership and team development skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Proven ability to influence operational leaders and drive business results.
• Advanced proficiency with financial systems, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools.

About Dilawri

In addition to working with and learning from a team of leading professionals in the automotive industry, our benefits include:

- Discounted employee vehicle purchase program

- Job-specific coaching & training programs

- Comprehensive health & dental plans

- Employee wellness & assistance programs

- Employee social events

Build your career with a team that is driven by excellence, integrity and innovation. Discover Dilawri.