Kia Lot Manager

Walser Automotive Group; Wayzata (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health benefits

401(k) with employer match

Career growth and advancement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Walser Kia in Minnesota seeks a hands-on Lot & Vehicle Operations Manager. You will lead a team outdoors, keep the lot organized, and ensure accurate inventory records and transport damage reporting. You’ll coordinate vehicle movement with sales and service, while mentoring staff and upholding Walser’s standards.

This role requires leadership, reliability in a fast-paced environment, and the ability to adapt when plans shift. Compensation is hourly with steady daytime hours.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Experience keeping a physical operation organized (retail, restaurant, warehouse, grounds, or similar).
• Ability to make decisions and adjust when plans change.
• Ability to keep a team organized through busy periods.
• Manual dexterity and eye/hand coordination to operate equipment.

Responsibilities

• Keep the dealership lot organized, presentable, and accurately merchandised.
• Inspect new vehicles for damage; report and coordinate repairs.
• Maintain detail supplies inventory.
• Coordinate vehicle movement and staging for sales and service teams.
• Enter vehicles into the DMS and keep records accurate.
• Scan and file invoices for new vehicles; process dealer trade paperwork.
• Lead and train staff on policy and Walser service processes; manage schedules and time off.
• Conduct performance reviews and handle disciplinary actions when needed.
• Support career development and communicate company news.

Skills

Team leadership

Decision making

Communication

Organization

Driving license

Tools

DMS

Job description

About Walser

For more than 70 years, Walser Automotive Group has put people first: our customers, our employees, and our communities. As a family-owned, family-run company, we've grown to 29 dealerships representing 26 brands across Minnesota, Kansas, and Illinois.

Walser Kia sits on Wayzata Boulevard in Minnetonka, serving Wayzata, Plymouth, and the western suburbs. It's a team doing things the Walser way: upfront pricing, one dedicated specialist, no runaround.

A portion of every vehicle sold and serviced supports the Walser Foundation, investing in schools, nonprofits, and workforce programs in our communities.

The Role

You own the lot. Every vehicle that arrives, moves, gets staged, or leaves Walser Kia passes through your process — and you lead the team that makes it happen.

The lot is the first thing a customer sees. How it looks and how it runs is a direct read on how the store runs, and that's on you.

This is a hands-on management job. You'll be outside with your team, and you'll also be the person accountable for accurate inventory records, clean transport damage reporting, and a department that shows up and performs.

No automotive background required. If you've led a team and kept a physical operation organized - retail, grocery, restaurant, warehouse, grounds, distribution - the dealership piece is teachable. What we can't teach is the instinct for keeping things moving when the plan changes.

Compensation: $20-$23 per hour (based on experience)

Schedule: Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm

What You'll Do

Lot & Vehicle Operations

• Keep the dealership lot organized, presentable, and accurately merchandised
• Inspect new vehicles arriving on transport for damage; report transport and lot damage and arrange repairs
• Maintain detail supplies inventory
• Coordinate vehicle movement and staging so sales and service teams can find what they need, when they need it
• Keep the lot's daily processes running and adjust them as volume shifts

Inventory & Administration

• Enter vehicles into the DMS and keep records accurate
• Scan and file invoices for all new vehicles
• Process dealer trade paperwork
• Enter price changes, audit sales and RDRs
• Build packets and assign stock numbers for incoming vehicles

Leading Your Team

• Interview and hire in partnership with the Recruiting Department
• Train staff on company policy and Walser service processes, and hold the standard
• Manage schedules, pay rates, hours, and time off
• Coach and monitor performance; deliver annual reviews with real, useful feedback
• Handle disciplinary action and PIPs when needed; complete terminations with HR approval
• Appraise productivity and recommend promotions and status changes
• Address employee relations issues and elevate to HR when appropriate
• Support your team's career development, lead by example, and advocate for your people
• Communicate company news and support compliance and company initiatives

Uphold Walser's Core Values: Do The Right Thing, Lead By Example, Display Positive Energy, Be Open Minded.

What You Bring

• At least 18 years of age
• Valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record
• Experience keeping a physical operation organized - retail, restaurant, warehouse, grounds, or similar
• Comfortable making decisions and adjusting when the day doesn't go as planned
• Ability to keep a team organized and steady through busy stretches
• Manual dexterity and eye/hand coordination to operate equipment

Helpful, not required: prior supervisory or keyholder experience, or exposure to dealership operations and DMS systems.

What the Job Is Actually Like

This is primarily outdoor work, year-round, in Minnesota weather. Expect walking, standing, bending, and moving vehicles for most of your shift. The day rarely goes exactly as planned. Safety eyewear is required at all times in dealership service departments.

What's In It For You

• Paid Time Off (PTO) - time to relax, spend with family, or take personal time away
• Career growth and advancement - we promote from within, with clear career paths and mentorship
• Comprehensive health benefits - Blue Cross Blue Shield medical, dental, and vision, plus HSA and FSA options and additional wellness benefits
• Life insurance and 401(k) with employer match - company-paid life insurance and a matched retirement program
• Fertility and adoption assistance - up to $10,000 in financial assistance
• Employee discounts across products and services
• Employee Resource Groups - Women of Walser, Drive with Pride, Asian Hmong Alliance, and Veterans at Walser
• Community involvement - volunteer through the Walser Foundation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - support for personal and professional challenges
• Referral Program - earn bonuses for referring talented candidates

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Walser Automotive Group is an EOE/Veterans/Disabled/LGBTQ+ employer.