Operations Manager

CarMax; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CarMax is seeking an Operations Manager in Training to lead the Service Operations Department across assigned locations. You will oversee reconditioning, cosmetic, production, and automotive service functions while guiding multiple managers and frontline staff toward exceptional customer and associate experiences.

The program includes CarMax’s Senior Management Development Program, with emphasis on data-driven decision making, staffing optimization, and financial accountability.

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret and maintain accurate data records.
• Completion of CarMax-provided training in Inventory, Cosmetic, and Production processes.
• Strong multi-tasking skills and ability to make independent, critical business decisions.
• Proven ability to lead leaders, manage complex operations, and balance competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• 3+ years of management experience, retail management preferred.
• Ability to work in indoor/outdoor environments with a flexible rotating schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and 12-hour shifts, plus occasional travel for meetings and training.
• Willingness to work at multiple locations or relocate.
• Internal candidates must successfully complete SMDP before applying.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Senior Manager on the store leadership team, providing strategic leadership and direction across Service Operations, including reconditioning, cosmetic, production, and automotive service functions.
• Directly and indirectly lead multiple managers and a large frontline workforce, with accountability for staffing, performance management, associate development plans, succession planning, and engagement tools.
• Own operational execution through detailed oversight of key performance metrics (KPMs), production capacity, quality, cycle time, and cost controls, using data and trend analysis to drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain full financial accountability, including P&L ownership, expense management, labor optimization, and productivity targets aligned to business plans.
• Champion process improvement initiatives and company programs, ensuring consistent execution and alignment with CarMax operational standards.
• Responsible for the Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) program for your department and/or location, including but not limited to self-inspections, hazardous waste disposal, workplace safety, and PPE.

Skills

Data interpretation

Leadership

Decision making

Multi-tasking

Staffing & scheduling

Job description

As an Operations Manager in Training, you will play a key role in leading and shaping the Service Operations Department at one or more assigned CarMax locations. This structured development program equips you with the tools and leadership skills needed to manage operations effectively. Training includes learning the roles and responsibilities of Service Operations, mastering end-to-end production processes such as inventory management and cosmetic/mechanical repair, and completing CarMax’s Senior Management Development Program. You’ll collaborate with Sales, Business Office, and Purchasing teams to deliver an exceptional customer and associate experience while driving operational excellence. If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and grow, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact at CarMax.

Why CarMax?

At CarMax, we are the nation’s largest retailer of used cars with stores from coast to coast, and we are still growing. We’re rethinking the way people buy cars – and it’s our associates that help us do just that. We believe work should feel meaningful and rewarding, with opportunities to make an impact every day. Whether you’re advancing your career or growing your skillset, we are here to drive you forward.

Role Responsibilities

• Serve as a Senior Manager on the store leadership team, providing strategic leadership and direction across Service Operations, including reconditioning, cosmetic, production, and automotive service functions.
• Directly and indirectly lead multiple managers and a large frontline workforce, with accountability for staffing, performance management, associate development plans, succession planning, and engagement tools.
• Own operational execution through detailed oversight of key performance metrics (KPMs), production capacity, quality, cycle time, and cost controls, using data and trend analysis to drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain full financial accountability, including P&L ownership, expense management, labor optimization, and productivity targets aligned to business plans.
• Champion process improvement initiatives and company programs, ensuring consistent execution and alignment with CarMax operational standards.
• Responsible for the Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) program for your department and/or location, including but not limited to self-inspections, hazardous waste disposal, workplace safety, and PPE.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to interpret and maintain accurate data records
• Completion of CarMax-provided training in Inventory, Cosmetic, and Production processes
• Strong multi-tasking skills and ability to make independent, critical business decisions
• Proven ability to lead leaders, manage complex operations, and balance competing priorities in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• 3+ years of management experience, retail management preferred
• Ability to work in indoor/outdoor environments with a flexible rotating schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and 12-hour shifts, plus occasional travel for meetings and training
• Willingness to work at multiple locations or relocate
• Internal candidates must successfully complete SMDP before applying