Chief Operating Officer

SEMA Education

Diamond Bar (CA)

On-site

USD 275,000 - 320,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

SEMA is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to manage day-to-day operations and drive strategic initiatives across the organization. You will partner with the EMT, shape strategy, oversee budgets, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver operational excellence.

This role requires a track record in executive management, strong communication, and deep knowledge of the automotive aftermarket. You will guide growth, performance metrics, and risk mitigation while aligning with the CEO and Board.

Qualifications

Excellent communication skills and public speaking ability.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
Bachelor’s degree in management or related discipline or equivalent experience (10–12 years).
Knowledge of automotive aftermarket and its segments is a plus.
Trade show experience preferred.
Proven experience with strategic planning and tracking measurable results.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic oversight of all operational functions.
Partner with department heads on goals, budgets and development.
Establish and track KPIs to evaluate operational effectiveness.
Ensure teams align with company values and performance expectations.
Prepare and present annual operating budget to CEO and Board.
Lead due diligence for potential acquisitions and resolutions with CFO.
Develop policies and programs to optimize day-to-day operations.

Skills

Excellent written and oral comms

Organizational skills

Bachelor’s degree in management

Automotive aftermarket knowledge

Trade show experience

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in management or related discipline

Job description

Organization Overview

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) together represent the heart of the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries. United by a passion for cars, trucks, SUVs, and racing of every kind, these organizations support a vibrant global marketplace that spans performance parts, advanced racing technologies, restoration, restyling, and the full spectrum of specialty automotive innovation.

Details

Posted: 10-Jul-26

Location: Diamond Bar, California

Type: Full Time

Salary: $275,000 - $320,000

Categories

Executive Management

Organization Overview

SEMA is a dynamic, business-minded nonprofit trade association made up of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, builders, publishers, race teams, and more—an industry ecosystem powering a nearly $53-billion-a-year retail market. Through industry-leading programs, advocacy, research, and world-class events—including the annual SEMA Show, one of the largest automotive trade shows in the world—SEMA helps its members grow, innovate, and succeed.

PRI extends this influence into the global racing marketplace. Since 1986, PRI has been the premier source of business intelligence, cutting-edge technology insights, and community connection for racing professionals. The annual PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis brings together over 1,000 exhibiting companies and thousands of racing stakeholders across every major discipline, supported by PRI’s industry-leading advocacy, media platforms, education programs, and year-round engagement.

Together, SEMA and PRI fuel the success of thousands of businesses, connect industry professionals worldwide, and preserve and grow the future of automotive performance and racing.

Purpose

Key executive leader responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Association. This role ensures operational excellence, drives strategic initiatives, improves efficiency, and aligns operations with the Association’s long-term goals. Partners closely with the EMT to shape strategy, manage growth, and deliver exceptional organization outcomes.

Responsibilities And Authority

Provide strategic oversight of all operational functions.
Partner with respective department heads on goal development and implementation, departmental budget planning and employee development.
Establish and track key performance indicators to evaluate operational effectiveness.
Ensure teams are aligned with company values, goals, and performance expectations.
Prepare and present annual operating budget to CEO and BOD Budget Committee, in conjunction with CFO.
New Business Development – Lead the Due Diligence process for potential acquisitions. Direct and coordinate negotiations, contractual elements, financial modeling (with CFO) and implementation plan. Prepare recommendations to the CEO and BOD presentations.
Establish, monitor, evaluate and report on Annual Association Goals. Responsibilities include, preparation for CEO of periodic BOD report and Annual FY Association Goal Report for CEO and BOD leadership. (In conjunction with VP of Administration/CFO)
Develop policies, procedures, processes and programs to optimize the day-to-day operation of the Association as directed by President and CEO.
Identify potential operational risks and develop mitigation strategies, including compliance in the areas of regulation, safety, and industry-specific standards.
Participate in BOD meetings and planning sessions as a staff resource.
Lead the bi-weekly Executive Management Team meeting, including preparation and distribution of EMT report for staff distribution and drive OMP follow up actions.
Lead the operational planning and implementation of quarterly Board of Director Meetings. Determining meeting locations, hotel accommodations and agreements, F/B and ancillary activities (if applicable) with the Director of Special Events.
Perform other assignments and duties as required by CEO.

Relationships

Reports to CEO.
Interfaces with Vice Presidents/Directors/employees/Board of Directors.
Interfaces with the Association members and prospective members.

Pay Range

$275,000 - $320,000

Skills And Knowledge Required

Excellent written and oral communication skills with proven public speaking and managerial skills.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
Bachelor’s degree in management or related discipline or an equivalent number of years of direct related experience (10-12 years).
Knowledge of the automotive aftermarket and its specialty segments is a plus.
Trade show experience (Preferred)
Proven experience with strategic planning and tracking measurable results.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, relationships or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.

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About Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

A love for cars, trucks and SUVs is the motivating force behind the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). This trade association consists of a diverse group of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, publishing companies, auto restorers, street-rod builders, restylers, car clubs, race teams and more. Our organization performs many services for its members and for the hobby as a whole. Perhaps most importantly, SEMA works hard to protect consumers’ rights to drive accessorized, customized and vintage vehicles. Every year, SEMA also presents an enormous trade show in Las Vegas. This is where manufacturers unveil their latest offerings, while buyers, distributors and members of the press walk their feet off to see it all. Visit SEMAShow.com for more information.

Connections working at Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

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