Product Owner

Cox Automotive Europe; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company in the UK seeks a Product Owner to oversee the AIMS platform essential to daily operations. This role focuses on improving workflows and maintaining system efficiency, rather than creating new products. The ideal candidate should excel in stakeholder engagement and possess an understanding of auction operations. Join us to make impactful changes and help shape the future of auction operations with a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of supporting platforms as a product owner.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Ability to translate business needs into clear requirements.
• Exposure to transformation or process improvement.
• Familiarity with IT systems or complex operational workflows.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the AIMS product backlog, prioritising enhancements.
• Define clear, actionable system requirements with operations.
• Maintain and communicate the AIMS roadmap.
• Coordinate deployment readiness and smooth adoption of system changes.

Skills

Product management

Stakeholder engagement

Organizational skills

Agile delivery

Problem-solving

Job description

Location: Manchester or Leeds - Hybrid x2 a week

About the Role

AIMS is the core platform that keeps Manheim Auctions running every day. As our Product Owner, you’ll ensure this business‑critical system continues to meet operational needs by maintaining, enhancing, and evolving its capabilities. This is a role focused on continuous improvement, workflow optimisation, and supporting operational excellence – not building new products from scratch.

You’ll work closely with operational teams, technology partners (CAPTG), and stakeholders across the business to understand real‑world challenges and translate them into clear system enhancements. This is a highly collaborative role where your understanding of auction operations is key.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage the AIMS product backlog, prioritising enhancements that deliver operational value
• Work with operations and CAPTG to define clear, actionable system requirements
• Maintain and communicate the AIMS roadmap
• Support process analysis and identify opportunities for improvement
• Coordinate deployment readiness and smooth adoption of system changesLi>Champion AIMS stability, usability, and scalability
• Support quarterly planning and capacity discussions
• Act as the link between operations and technology teams
• Share knowledge and help teams understand system capabilities
• Use data and feedback to refine processes and improve performance

What You’ll Bring

• Strong understanding of supporting platforms as a product owner
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills
• Ability to translate business needs into clear requirements
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to learn product management and agile delivery
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Exposure to transformation or process improvement
• Familiarity with IT systems or complex operational workflows

Who You Are

• A proactive, collaborative team player
• Someone who enjoys solving operational challenges
• Comfortable engaging with a variety of stakeholders
• Adaptable, resilient, and able to manage shifting priorities
• Curious, open to learning, and willing to take ownership
• Passionate about improving systems and enabling operational excellence

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to influence a system that underpins Manheim Auctions’ core operations.

Your work will have a visible, meaningful impact every day, supporting teams across the business and helping shape the future of auction operations.

STRICTLY NO AGENCIES PLEASE

We kindly ask that agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We work with a carefully selected and trusted group of recruitment partners.

We do not accept unsolicited CVs sent to the recruitment team or directly to a hiring manager. We will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited submissions.