Lead Lot Operations Specialist (Manheim)

Cox; College Park (GA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 45,460; Full time

Job summary

Cox is seeking an Operational Lead to direct daily lot operations, ensure safe vehicle handling, and coordinate teams across departments to maintain sale-day readiness. You will monitor workflows, mentor staff, and liaise with internal teams to resolve issues efficiently.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership in a fast-paced outdoor environment, with a focus on safety, accuracy, and process improvements to sustain high throughput and top-notch service.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED and 7 years' experience or an equivalent combination.
• 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.

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 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 procedures.
• Communicate operational priorities, safety expectations, and process changes to team members.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Communication

Safety practices

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Inventory management systems

Handheld devices

Operational technology

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

• 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.

USD 22.02 - 33.08 per hour

Hourly pay rate is in the range of $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.

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.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.

EOE, including disability/vets