Company

Cox Automotive - USABusiness OperationsBusiness Process Design & Improvement ManagerManager - Non People LeaderHybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the weekYes, 25% of the timeDay

Compensation

Compensation includes a base salary of $90,100.00 - $150,100.00. 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.

A Manager of Operational Excellence is responsible for leading initiatives to meet Manheim’s goals of delivering great client experience and efficient operations.

This position will focus on understanding pain points & opportunities and finding solutions to standardize operational processes, tools and procedures to reduce variation across our operating locations, leading to improved effectiveness, client experience, team member engagement, and efficiency. This position will lead the delivery of these initiatives throughout the project lifecycle, articulating key objectives and business value, identifying root causes, defining the problem, designing and executing the solution, and measuring success.

In addition, this position will work directly with field and/or regional level management, other project charged groups as well as corporate leadership in support of the operating locations to ensure the operational design, readiness, implementation and success of initiatives.

PRIMARY DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITES

• Deliver initiative goals based on established roadmap

• Lead and own small – medium (~3 month – 9 month) projects including cross-functional, geographically diverse teams and provide individual contributions

• Provide management with project status updates, feedback, and appropriate reporting on key responsibilities and objectives

• Support Operations in enforcing adoption of project goals, including documentation, playbooks, SOPs, communities of practice, and metrics, while championing change management and continuous improvement practices across operating units

• Assist in design, implementation and tracking of metrics to indicate project impact

• Assist in development of long-term strategic roadmaps and business cases by integrating leadership and stakeholder feedback, data analysis, industry trends, and internal insights to drive operational transformation

• Build and sustain relationships with corporate stakeholders, operations, auctions, and regional teams

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to align diverse perspectives and drive consensus on operational priorities and execution plans

• Demonstrate ability to influence others by achieving buy-in from stakeholders on design and direction

• Apply agile thinking and adaptive problem-solving to rapidly assess complex challenges, managing through ambiguity, and identifying the most effective path forward

• Leverage internal and external networks, partnerships, and professional development opportunities to stay ahead of industry trends and bring innovative solutions to the organization

• Continuously learn and apply emerging technologies, including automation and AI-driven tools, to streamline operations and enhance decision-making

Required Experience & Specialized Knowledge and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 6 years’ experience in a related field. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master’s degree and 4 years’ experience; a Ph.D. and 1 year of experience; or 10 years’ experience in a related field

• 5 + years of relevant operational excellence experience at the auction level or equivalent

• Experience in process improvement design

• Possess an understanding of the automotive industry; i.e., industry structures, key players, competitive dynamics, technological underpinnings

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights and strategic direction

• Demonstrated bias for action and results

• Must be able to proactively identify and resolve issues through analysis with proven results

• Experience with business support software applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) required

• Demonstrated experience in agile methodologies, design thinking, or lean transformation

• Experience with automation tools, digital transformation, or process digitization is a strong plus

• Ability to build process flows

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and conflicting perspectives to identify the most effective solutions

• Possess ability to manage groups across a nationwide geographic basis

• Strong consultative skills with the ability to influence and lead without authority across diverse teams

• Possess ability to develop and present high-level presentations to Corporate and Auction Management

• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development

• Display a positive and professional image

• Highly motivated and exhibiting a strong work ethic

• Excellent people, teamwork, and customer service skills

• Possess clear and effective written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to travel up to 25%

• Other duties as needed or required

• Requires physical ability and mental acuity to execute the duties of the position successfully within required timeframes in order to meet business requirements.

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.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.