Lead Lot Operations Specialist (Manheim)

CAI Cox Automotive Corp Svcs., LLC; College Park (GA); On-site; USD 45,802 - 68,806; Full time

Job summary

Cox Automotive USA is seeking a Lead Lot Operations Specialist to manage daily lot activities, vehicle flow, and sale-day readiness at a Cox location. You will coordinate movements, supervise assignments, and ensure on-schedule processing.

This role requires strong leadership, safety-mindedness, and hands-on experience with vehicle inventory systems; you will train team members and work with multiple departments to maintain high service standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum: High School Diploma/GED and 7 years’ experience.
• Alternative: any degree/certification beyond HS with 5 years’ experience.
• Or 9 years’ related field experience.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily lot operations, including vehicle movement, staging, parking, inventory management, and sale-day readiness.
• Monitor workflow and productivity to ensure vehicles are processed accurately and on schedule.
• Train, coach, and mentor Lot Operations Specialists on SOPs and best practices.
• Support onboarding and cross-training of new team members.
• Collaborate with supervisors to identify development opportunities and operational improvements.
• Complete operational reports, inspections, and documentation as required.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Outdoor work

Safety practices

Vehicle operations

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Inventory systems

Handheld devices

Job description

Company Cox Automotive - USA Job Family Group Vehicle Operations Job Profile Lead Lot Operations Specialist Management Level Individual Contributor Flexible Work Option No remote option; must work at a specified Cox location Travel % No Work Shift Day Compensation Hourly base pay rate is $22.02 - $33.08/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.

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

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 Qualifications

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.

Drug Testing

To be employed in this role, you’ll need to clear a pre‑employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre‑employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug‑free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.

Benefits

Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.

Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page.

About Us

Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry‑leading dealer‑facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people‑centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO).

Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.

EEO, including disability/vets Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.

Cox brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Cox vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.