Mech Shop Lead

carvana; Grimes (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ADESA is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Services Team Lead to guide Auto Mech I-III, ensuring high-quality repairs for auction readiness and safety compliance. You will drive daily shop activities, mentor technicians, and coordinate with parts and lot operations to meet sale deadlines.

The role emphasizes technical mastery, team leadership, and strict adherence to OSHA standards in a fast-paced environment. 18+ with valid driver’s license and ASE or equivalent preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of automotive mechanical experience with leadership preferred.
• Education: High School diploma or GED; ASE certifications or technical degree preferred.
• Proficient in shop management software and inventory systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the mechanical team and ensure productivity targets are met.
• Plan daily shop activities to optimize throughput and quality.
• Oversee onboarding and skill development of technicians; enforce safety policies.
• Monitor repair orders, parts usage, and labor hours; maintain shop efficiency.
• Perform final inspections to ensure auction readiness and quality standards.

Skills

Technical expertise

Leadership capability

Analytical thinking

Communication

Customer focus

Education

High School diploma or GED

ASE certification / technical degree

Tools

Shop management software

Inventory systems

Job description

About Us

ADESA, a Carvana-owned company, currently operates in over 50 locations throughout the US. Our auto auctions, some up to 200 acres, provide a wide array of vehicle services, including repair, reconditioning, and auction remarketing, and many of our sites serve as market hub distribution centers. Our inventory comprises hundreds of thousands of vehicles across North America, from retail to commercial, OEM & more.

We work in a service industry and embrace a "we" versus "I" culture - help others, and they will help you. Our industry is fun, fast-paced, and competitive - and filled with the best people who are passionate about what they do.

We're excited about the future! As an industry leader, ADESA is poised for a multi-year expansion, including huge investments in facilities, massive sales growth, and an ever-increasing inventory of vehicles! We are looking for great people who want to take this journey with us! Get a sneak peek into life at ADESA!

Role and Team

Reporting to the Reconditioning Manager or other designated manager, you will serve as the primary people leader for the mechanical services department. You are responsible for managing a team of direct reports, including Auto Mech I, II, and III , holding them accountable for technical excellence, production throughput, and safety compliance while ensuring all vehicle repairs meet high standards for auction readiness.

Responsibilities

• People Leadership & Accountability: Lead, manage, and hold the mechanical team accountable for daily performance. Monitor individual workloads, provide technical guidance, and ensure all technicians meet productivity and quality targets.
• Operational Oversight: Plan and coordinate daily shop activities to optimize productivity and profitability. Manage the flow of vehicles through the shop, ensuring diagnostic and repair timelines are met.
• Training & Mentorship: Oversee the onboarding and skill development of the technician team. Ensure Auto Mech I and II roles are developing toward higher proficiencies and that all staff are trained on shop safety and equipment.
• Performance Monitoring: Review repair orders and shop metrics to ensure accurate parts usage, labor hour management, and overall shop efficiency.
• Quality Control: Perform final inspections on repaired vehicles to ensure work is completed to ADESA and customer standards, reducing the risk of post-sale arbitration.
• Safety Leadership: Implement and strictly enforce all safety policies and OSHA requirements. Conduct regular shop safety audits and ensure all equipment is in a safe, working condition.
• Inventory & Supply Management: Monitor and maintain shop equipment and facility conditions. Coordinate with the parts department to ensure necessary supplies and components are available for scheduled repairs.
• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Communicate with Lot Operations, Detail, and Administrative teams to synchronize production flow and meet sale day deadlines.
• Other Duties: Perform any other duties assigned by the designated manager.

Skills and Attributes

• Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of automotive repair, diagnostics, and mechanical shop operations.
• Leadership Capability: Proven ability to lead a team of varying skill levels, delegate tasks effectively, and drive a culture of accountability.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to review shop metrics and identify opportunities for workflow improvement and cost-saving measures.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to provide clear technical direction and performance feedback.
• Customer Focus: Committed to delivering high-quality repairs that ensure a positive buyer experience and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of automotive mechanical experience; prior leadership or supervisory experience is highly preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of mechanical repair processes and proficiency with shop management software and inventory systems.
• Education: High School diploma or GED required; Technical degree or ASE Certifications preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver's license that meets requirements.
• Able to safely drive and operate a variety of vehicle makes, models, and sizes.

ADESA Values

• Our Next Customer May Be Your Mom : Every customer deserves the same level of care and respect one would give to their own mother.
• We're All in This Together : The company is unified by the shared goal of providing fantastic customer experiences, achieved through mutual trust, respect, and understanding.
• There Are No Sidelines : Employees are encouraged to be proactive, work hard, and take ownership of what needs to be done in a fast-paced environment.
• Be Brave : Employees should not fear taking risks, pushing themselves outside their comfort zones, or being decisive, even if they stumble along the way.
• Zag Forward : The company empowers creative and passionate thinking to find meaningfu