Associate Director

Travel: 75% required

*Can live anywhere in the Mountain Time Zone, Pacific Time Zone, or Central Time Zone

*Must live within a commutable distance to a major airport

About Us

ADESA, a Carvana owned company, currently operating over 50 locations throughout the US. Our auto auctions, some up to 200 acres, provide a wide array of vehicle services including repair & reconditioning, auction remarketing, and many of our sites serve as market hub distribution centers. Our inventory comprises hundreds of thousands of vehicles across North America from retail to commercial, OEM & more.

We work in a service industry and embrace a “we” versus “I” culture – help others, and they will help you. Our industry is fun, fast-paced, and competitive – and filled with the best people who are passionate about what they do.

We’re excited about the future! As an industry leader, ADESA is poised for a multi-year expansion including huge investments in facilities, massive sales growth, and an ever-increasing inventory of vehicles! We are looking for great people who want to take this journey with us! 

Role and Team

As a Regional Auction Associate Director, you will lead a high performing team of General Managers across your assigned auction sites.  Our Regional AD’s display an elevated level of understanding of operational, sales, and financial processes of our auction business and provide senior level leadership to their regions in delivering results on key business initiatives.  This leader is expected to be a functional expert with the proven ability to foster meaningful and collaborative relationships cross-functionally across various levels of leadership and customer groups.  The role involves up to 60% travel to provide ongoing site support. This role reports to the Regional Director and will be responsible for approximately 10 locations with General Managers reporting into them.

Responsibilities

• Provide local auction leadership senior level direction to support business goals and initiatives, auction processes, customer and team member engagement.
• Build and leverage strong relationships throughout the organization and with key customers to deliver results.
• Strategically work through and with various teams to identify project prioritization and drive key business initiatives across the region.
• Participate in the development and implementation of strategic plans, goals, and objectives for the regional operations, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals and objectives. 
• Advise senior leaders on strategic goals by gathering and analyzing pertinent business, financial, and operational information from the region.
• Utilize data to quickly identify areas of opportunity and recommend solutions to improve business activities and performance within the region.
• Ensure efficient and economical performance of the regional operations and individual locations in accordance with strategic plans, goals, and objectives.
• Partner with project management and operations teams to ensure change management initiatives are effectively executed across the region and its locations.
• Provide mentoring and accountability to a team of General Managers (Senior Leaders). Successfully execute efficient succession planning through appropriate coaching, leadership development, and performance management for the General Managers.
• Act as a key point-of-contact and change agent for other business groups throughout the organization regarding the regional operations.
• Partner cross-functionally to clearly conceptualize and build new processes, systems, programs/platforms to be effective in the regional operation.
• Ensure Auction team members and General Managers adhere to established safety policies and procedures, promoting a safe working environment.

Skills and Attributes

• Demonstrated expertise in ADESA General Manager Core Competencies: Process Execution, Business Acumen, Change Management, Team Development, Communication, Reasoning.
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and interpersonal, with the ability to interact effectively and courteously with others.
• Strong organizational skills, demonstrating an organized, systematic, and forward-thinking approach to work.
• Proficiency in Google Suite and related business and communication tools.
• Effectively manage remote teams, including delegation.
• Talent Development and Leadership skills, including Change Management skills.
• Accounting and Financial skills.
• Highly detail-oriented and consistent in the execution of job duties.
• Self-motivated, with a drive to deliver the best customer experience possible.
• Demonstrated ability to follow through with both internal partners and external customers.
• Excels in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where speed and quality are paramount.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Must live in the Pacific or Mountain Time Zone or be open to relocating to an area within one of these time zones.
• Ability to travel up to 60% of the time, as indicated for the Associate Director role supporting sites. 
• Minimum of 8 years of experience leading complex business transformation initiatives, developing people, and solving complex operational problems in a high-volume environment, potentially drawing on experience in areas like lean manufacturing.
• Knowledge and understanding of key operations principles (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, etc.) is beneficial.
• Strategic data analysis.
• Proven ability to quickly identify areas of opportunity and independently recommend viable solutions, change management, and leadership.
• Strong leadership skills - lead through encouragement and coaching, navigates conflict through positive conflict resolution.
• A strong understanding and an excellent track record of leading operations, specifically Auction Operations. 
• A proven track record of leading and growing exempt-level leaders while seamlessly implementing key changes and growth or efficiency initiatives.
• Proven ability to resolve complex issues without guidance from others and to guide others through complex issue resolution and lead change.
• Highly proficient with computer systems and applications.
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment.
• Proven ability to provide valuable and actionable feedback.
• Ability to work variable schedule(s) as necessary.
• Must be qualified to operate a motor vehicle and possess a valid driver’s license.

ADESA Benefits and Perks

Competitive Pay | Quality Benefits | Holiday and Paid Time Off | Education and Equipment Reimbursement Programs | Matching 401(k) | Career Path Opportunities | And More!

Other Requirements

To be able to do your job at ADESA, there are some basic requirements we want to share with you. Of course, we’ll make any reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs. 

• The physical activity requirements of the position range from Light to Medium Physical Work. 
• Constant – standing, watching, touching, listening, walking, talking
• Frequent - grasping, pushing, pulling, kneeling, stooping, crouching, lifting driving
• Potential –running, jumping, yelling or other rapid or forceful movement in emergency situations
• Visual acuity requirements include color, depth perception and field of vision comparable to definitions for Clerical, Administrative, Machine Operators (including inspection) positions. 

Physical Working Conditions:

This position is subject to both inside and outside environmental working conditions, including temperature changes, outside weather conditions, slightly elevated ambient noise levels, and minor atmospheric conditions affecting skin or respiratory systems, such as fumes, odors and dusts associated with internal and external service station/convenience food and petroleum dispensing operations.

To be able to do your job at ADESA, you must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Of course, we’ll make any reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs.

Legal Stuff

Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check.  This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

ADESA is an equal employment opportunity employer.  All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.  ADESA also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.