Regional Auction Manager

Kia America; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Kia America is seeking an experienced remarketing leader to drive auction sales for company-owned and off-lease inventory. You will partner with Kia America Sales, Mobility & Remarketing leadership, captive finance remarketing teams, auction providers, transportation partners, and dealer networks to develop and execute disposal strategies.

The role emphasizes analytics, reporting, and performance recommendations to improve value retention and profitability, using tools like Excel and Power BI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or equivalent required.
• Master’s degree a plus.
• 5-7 years in automotive retail, wholesale, remarketing, or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Lead auction sales and direct-sale activities to maximize retention and remarketing objectives.
• Track vehicle inventory and route units to optimal sales channels to reduce holding costs.
• Manage auction marketing and dealer engagement initiatives to increase dealer participation and wholesale proceeds.
• Oversee vehicle condition reporting, reconditioning standards, and quality control processes to maximize wholesale value.
• Conduct audits of auction operations, transportation expenses, and vendor billing to ensure efficiency and budget compliance.
• Analyze market trends and performance data to provide strategic recommendations to remarketing leadership.

Skills

Verbal & written comms

Analytical thinking

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

MS Office

Power BI experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in business

Master's degree (nice to have)

Tools

Power BI

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

We appreciate your interest in this role. We value internal growth and will take careful consideration in reviewing your application.

Generally, internal applicants must be in their job for at least 12 months before applying to a new role and must be in good standing with the Company. Please notify your current management before you apply as they will receive a system notification of your internal application. The recruiting team will notify you about next steps, thank you and good luck!

General Summary

The primary responsibility of this position is to lead the auction sales for Kia America company-owned vehicles, Lemon Law buybacks, repurchase vehicles, and captive finance off-lease inventory. The role is responsible for maximizing vehicle value retention, improving sales velocity, managing aging units, optimizing wholesale performance, and reducing remarketing expenses through effective pricing, inventory management, channel strategy, and auction operations.

The position partners closely with Kia America Sales, Mobility & Remarketing leadership, captive finance remarketing teams, auction providers, transportation partners, and dealer networks to develop and execute vehicle disposition strategies. Responsibilities include auction performance management, dealer engagement initiatives, pricing recommendations, transportation and logistics oversight, vehicle condition and reconditioning standards, expense management, and analytics-driven decision-making that improves profitability and overall remarketing outcomes.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Priority One – 30%

• Execute on remarketing strategies and tactics that drive the most value for company-owned vehicles, Lemon-Law buybacks, repurchase vehicles, and captive off-lease inventory to maximize value retention and improve sales velocity.

Priority Two – 25%

• Partner with captive finance remarketing teams, auction providers, transportation vendors, and internal stakeholders to execute on pricing strategy, logistics, remarketing channels, vehicle condition standards, and disposition performance.

Priority Three – 20%

• Provide oversight for upstream sales channels for assigned market places.

Priority Four – 15%

• Manage remarketing expenses, auction performance, vendor compliance, vehicle quality standards, and operational audits to ensure cost-effective operations and achievement of remarketing objectives.

Priority Five – 10%

• Develop reporting, analytics, market intelligence, and performance recommendations that improve value retention, auction effectiveness, pricing accuracy, inventory efficiency, and overall remarketing profitability.

Personally Performed Duties

• Lead auction sales and direct-sale activities to achieve the highest possible vehicle retention values and support overall remarketing objectives.
• Track vehicle inventory throughout the disposition life cycle and direct units to the optimal sales channels to improve inventory turnover and reduce holding costs.
• Manage auction marketing and dealer engagement initiatives to increase dealer participation, strengthen buyer demand, and maximize wholesale proceeds.
• Oversee vehicle condition reporting, reconditioning standards, and quality control processes to ensure vehicles meet Kia standards and maximize wholesale value.
• Conduct audits and reviews of auction operations, transportation expenses, condition reports, reconditioning charges, and vendor billing to ensure operational efficiency and budget compliance.
• Analyze market trends, wholesale performance metrics, retention data, and inventory performance to provide strategic recommendations to Kia America remarketing leadership.
• Manage transportation, logistics, and vehicle disposition processes to improve cycle times and reduce overall remarketing expenses.

Qualifications/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or equivalent job experience in related field required.
• Master’s degree a plus

Job Requirement

Overall Related Experience

• Minimum of 5 -7 years in automotive retail, automotive wholesale, captive finance company, remarketing, or equivalent required

Directly Related Experience

• Knowledge of auction operations, wholesale vehicle sales, and remarketing program management
• Ability to evaluate vehicle condition reports, reconditioning quality, and repair estimates.
• Advanced analytical, reporting, and data interpretation capabilities
• Knowledge of wholesale vehicle pricing, residual value management, and market trends.
• Experience and relationships with Manheim, ADESA, Americas Auto Auction and independent auto auctions highly desired.

Position Requirements

• Weekly travel may be required domestically .
• May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job, including weekends or holidays.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Specialized Skills And Knowledge Required

• High level of proficiency in verbal, written and electronic communications.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze several data sources and provide support, collaboration, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Problem identification, solving and decision-making skills.
• Accomplished interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency of Microsoft Office products primarily Excel and Power Point.
• Experience with Power BI or equivalent a plus
• Physical Requirements: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform routine office tasks.
• 5-10% of (domestic and/or international) travel.

Competencies

• Care for People
• Chase Excellence Every Day
• Dare to Push Boundaries
• Empower People to Act
• Move Further Together

Pay Range

$108,698.72 - $146,708.73

Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.

Equal Employment Opportunities

KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.

Disclaimer: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.