Lead Lot Operations Specialist (Manheim)

Cox Automotive Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Cox Automotive - USA is seeking an experienced Lead Lot Operations Specialist to lead daily lot activities, ensure sale-day readiness, and coordinate vehicle flow with a focus on safety and efficiency.

You will train and coach associates, monitor productivity, and partner with multiple departments to resolve issues and maintain smooth operations on-site.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required with 7 years’ experience, or alternative combinations with 5–9 years in related field.
• Valid driver’s license required and ability to operate manual and automatic vehicles.
• Strong knowledge of lot operations, vehicle inventory management, and safety practices.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and lead teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily lot operations, including vehicle movement, staging, parking, inventory, and sale-day readiness.
• Assist supervisors in assigning workloads and prioritizing tasks based on needs.
• Monitor workflow and productivity to ensure timely processing of vehicles.
• Serve as primary contact for associates during shifts and provide guidance on procedures.
• Communicate priorities, safety expectations, and process changes to the team.
• Support onboarding and coaching to improve performance and adherence to standards.

Skills

Leadership

Vehicle operations

Inventory management

Safety procedures

Team coaching

Communication

Outdoor work

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Inventory management 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 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 adifferent 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.

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.

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). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. 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.

EOE, 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.