Lead Lot Operations Specialist (Manheim)

Cox Enterprises; College Park (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Cox Enterprises is seeking an Operations Leader to oversee daily lot operations at the auction site, coordinating vehicle movement, inventory accuracy and sale-day readiness. You’ll supervise, coach, and coordinate with multiple departments to ensure safety and efficiency in all activities.

The role emphasizes leadership, hands-on supervision, and adherence to safety standards in an outdoor environment. Candidates should bring strong communication and problem-solving skills and a track record of

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED with 7 years’ experience, or equivalent combination including 5 years in related discipline and 1+ degree/certification
• 9 years’ experience in a related field as an alternative path
• Valid driver’s license required
• Ability to operate manual and automatic vehicles safely
• Strong knowledge of lot operations, vehicle inventory management and safety practices
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Preferred supervisory or lead experience in automotive/transport operations

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily lot operations activities including vehicle movement, staging, parking, inventory management, and sale-day readiness.
• Assist supervisors in assigning workloads and prioritizing tasks based on operational needs.
• Monitor workflow to ensure vehicles are processed accurately and on schedule.
• Serve as primary contact for associates during shifts and provide guidance on procedures.
• Communicate priorities, safety expectations, and process changes to the team.
• Promote safety culture and ensure compliance with Cox Automotive and Manheim safety standards.
• Conduct routine safety observations and address concerns; ensure PPE use.
• Report incidents and assist investigations as needed.
• Monitor vehicle flow and inventory accuracy using company systems and handheld devices.
• Coordinate vehicle placement, lot organization and staging for efficiency.
• Assist in managing specialty processes like EV charging, inventory recovery, and prioritization.
• Train, coach, and mentor Lot Operations Specialists; provide real-time coaching.
• Support onboarding and cross-training of new team members.
• Collaborate with supervisors on development opportunities and operational improvements.
• Support internal and external customers by ensuring vehicles are located, processed, and delivered accurately.
• Partner with departments to resolve issues and maintain efficient operations.
• Respond professionally to requests and maintain service standards.
• Complete operational reports, inspections, and documentation; use handheld devices to update statuses.
• Assist with audits, workflow tracking, and performance monitoring.
• Participate in team meetings and communicate key updates.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety awareness

Vehicle operations

Inventory management

Outdoor work

Team coaching

Problem solving

Job description

Operational Leadership

• Lead and coordinate daily lot operations activities, including vehicle movement, staging, parking, inventory management, and sale-day readiness.
• Assist supervisors in assigning workloads and prioritizing tasks based on operational needs.
• Monitor workflow and productivity to ensure vehicles are processed accurately and on schedule.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for associates during assigned shifts and provide guidance on operational procedures.
• Communicate operational priorities, safety expectations, and process changes to team members.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with Cox Automotive and Manheim safety standards.
• Conduct routine observations of work areas and vehicle movement activities to identify and address safety concerns.
• Ensure associates use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow vehicle handling procedures.
• Report incidents, damages, and safety concerns promptly and assist with investigations as needed.

Vehicle & Inventory Management

• Monitor vehicle flow throughout the auction process to ensure timely movement and sale readiness.
• Verify vehicle locations and inventory accuracy using company systems and handheld technology.
• Coordinate vehicle placement, lot organization, and staging activities to maximize operational efficiency.
• Assist in managing specialty processes, including electric vehicle charging activities, inventory recovery, and vehicle prioritization when applicable.

Team Support & Development

• Train, coach, and mentor Lot Operations Specialists on standard operating procedures and best practices.
• Provide real-time coaching to improve performance, productivity, and adherence to expectations.
• Support onboarding and cross-training of new team members.
• Collaborate with supervisors to identify development opportunities and operational improvements.

Customer Service

• Support internal and external customers by ensuring vehicles are located, processed, and delivered accurately.
• Partner with departments such as Vehicle Entry, Commercial, Transportation, Customer Service, Reconditioning, and Sales to resolve issues and maintain efficient operations.
• Respond professionally to requests and operational concerns while maintaining service standards.

Administrative & Reporting Duties

• Complete operational reports, inspections, and documentation as required.
• Utilize handheld devices and operational systems to record vehicle activity and update statuses.
• Assist supervisors with audits, workflow tracking, and performance monitoring.
• Participate in team meetings and communicate key operational updates.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• High School Diploma/GED and 7 years’ experience.
• The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as any level degree/certification beyond a HS diploma/GED in a related discipline and 5 years’ experience;
• or 9 years’ experience in a related field
• Safe drivers needed; valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to safely operate manual and automatic vehicles.
• Strong knowledge of lot operations, vehicle inventory management, and safety practices.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Preferred:

• Previous lead, team lead, or supervisory experience.
• Experience in automotive auction, dealership, logistics, fleet management, or transportation operations.
• Experience using inventory management systems, handheld devices, and operational technology.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Leadership and team coordination.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to train and coach associates.
• Customer-focused mindset.
• Knowledge of operational safety and compliance standards.

Success Measures

• Safety performance and compliance.
• Vehicle inventory accuracy.
• Sale-day readiness and vehicle throughput.
• Team productivity and engagement.
• Customer satisfaction.
• Quality, efficiency, and process adherence.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent walking throughout large outdoor auction lots.
• Ability to enter, exit, and operate a wide variety of vehicles.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and around moving vehicles and equipment.