Chief Operating Officer

Hickman Motors Limited; San Juan de Terranova; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Hickman Motors Limited seeks a visionary Chief Operating Officer to lead operations across 10 automotive dealerships in Newfoundland and Labrador. You will drive profitability, implement strategic goals, and coordinate head office support for sustained growth.

The role requires change management expertise, strong communication, and a track record of mentoring leaders in a family-driven, growth-oriented culture. Regular travel to branches and meetings is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree considered an asset.
• Experience leading multi-site operations with accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational strategy across 10 automotive dealerships.
• Drive profitability and sustainable growth through innovation.
• Coordinate head office support and ensure execution across sites.
• Mentor and coach teams while maintaining accountability for results.

Skills

Operations leadership

Business growth

Project management

Change management

Strategic thinking

Verbal & written communication

Mentoring/coaching teams

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in business

MBA (asset)

Job description

The client is seeking an innovative and passionate Chief Operating Officer (COO) to complement its existing leadership team. This pivotal role serves as the operational lead for implementing strategic goals set by ownership, driving operational excellence across 10 automotive dealerships, and coordinating head office support teams. The COO will help ensure profitability and sustainability while upholding the core values and long-standing culture that have contributed to the organization’s success.

The client is looking for a leader with extensive experience in operations, business growth, and project management, including demonstrated success in change management. A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is required, with an MBA or other advanced degree considered an asset. Key competencies include supporting a family-driven culture with a balance of compassion and accountability, a strong drive for growth and profitability through innovation, and the ability to mentor and coach teams while fostering collaboration and ensuring accountability for results. The role also emphasizes disciplined follow-through, big-picture decision-making, strong verbal and written communication, analytical and strategic thinking to interpret organizational data and identify trends, and self-aware leadership that positively influences team dynamics.

the COO position is based in St. John’s, NL, with regular travel to dealership branches across the province and to manufacturer meetings. In this leadership role, The client expects support, challenge, and empowerment within a family-oriented environment, with opportunities for professional development and growth. While total compensation and benefits are described as attractive, the specifics are not reproduced here; applicants should be prepared for a dynamic position that blends operational rigor with encouragement to recharge and maintain sustainable performance.