Security Guard Lead - ADESA Lexington

Carvana; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

ADESA, a Carvana-owned company, is hiring a Security Team Lead to guide a night- and day-shift group ensuring round-the-clock safety at our Lexington facility. You will drive safe and secure operations, staff scheduling, and ongoing training while reporting to the Inspections Manager or a designated leader.

The role emphasizes leadership, quick decision-making, and strong communication to engage with customers, vendors, and internal teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of security experience is preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Proficiency with computer systems, including desktop and handheld devices.
• Must be 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license; First Aid certification may be required.
• Ability to drive a variety of vehicle makes/models; high school diploma or GED preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day activities of the security team under a manager.
• Lead safety-focused operations to protect people and assets.
• Coordinate response for de-escalation, investigations, reporting and first aid.
• Schedule staff to cover 24/7 operations and manage PTO/timecards.
• Oversee onboarding and training of new team members on SOPs and safety.

Skills

People Leadership

Communication

Detail-Oriented

Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Desktop and handheld devices

Security systems

Job description

Pay Range: $20-$21 hourly

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am -4:30pm (approximately)

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 filledFinish 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 Inspections Manager or other designated manager, you will serve as the direct people leader for a team of Security Guards to maintain round-the-clock safe and secure operations of our facility. Lead Safe and Secure activities to drive positive customer and team member experience, profitability, retention, and safety. This role is an hourly, non-exempt people leader with no hire/fire authority.

Responsibilities

• People Leadership & Accountability: Oversee day-to-day activities of assigned team under the guidance of designated manager; monitor and ensure adherence to systems, policies, procedures, and performance standards. Participate in performance management processes: identify team member’s strengths and weaknesses; determine areas of opportunity and take appropriate steps to improve; address performance issues. Provide recommendations to senior leadership during the recruiting/selection process and escalated performance concerns.
• Operational: Provide guidance and advanced support to Security Guards in responding to safe and secure needs, including de-escalation, investigations, reporting, lockout/tag out, and first aid. Escalate complex or severe situations to management or emergency personnel, as appropriate.
• Inventory Management Support: Lead inventory control procedures; regularly review inventory reports, lot maps, check in/check out procedures, gate and fence security, key and personal property storage, and PII protocols to monitor compliance, identify opportunities, and prioritize work assignments for the team. Perform regular patrols/site inspections of all areas of the facility.
• Communication: Interact with all levels of team members, customers, vendors, governmental agencies (police, fire, etc.). Proactively communicate information to team members, providing a clear understanding of expectations, performance measures, and goals. Conduct effective seek to understand conversations.
• Resource Allocation: Schedule team to support 24/7 security operations; monitor, review, and approve/deny PTO requests and timecards. Recommend cost-effective solutions to support safety and security initiatives, team engagement, and site needs.
• Training & Mentorship: Oversee the onboarding and training of new team members, ensuring they are proficient in standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and technical systems.
• Safety Leadership: Ensure department safety compliance and promote a high degree of safety focus within the team during all lot movements.
• Facility & Equipment Oversight: Assure good operating condition of equipment and assign cleaning tasks as needed to maintain an orderly lot.
• General Duties: Perform any other duties assigned by the designated manager.

Skills and Attributes

• People Management: Proven ability to lead a team, influence others, and manage deliverables against aggressive targets.
• Collaboration: Team player who can coordinate with multiple departments and engage with customers and employees in a reliable and positive manner.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to provide clear direction to team members, and de-escalate highly emotional or critical situations.
• Detail-Oriented: Proven ability to multitask while maintaining strict attention to detail and operational accuracy.
• Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage day-to-day issues or safety concerns.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years of security experience is preferred.
• Leadership: Minimum of 1 year of leadership or supervisory experience, with a proven ability to manage direct reports and hold them accountable.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with computer systems, including desktop and handheld devices.
• Age/Licensing: Must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license that meets requirements. Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid certification and (if required by local jurisdiction) local security guard licensing.
• Driving Ability: Able to safely drive a variety of vehicle makes, models, and sizes.
• Education: High School diploma or GED preferred.

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 meaningful ways to be different and deliver amazing experiences.
• Don’t Be a Richard: A simple guiding principle to act appropriately and professionally.
• Stay Scrappy: This value rejects mediocrity and "good enough," pushing employees to do more with less to pass savings on to customers.

ADESA Benefits and Perks

Competitive Pay | Quality Benefits | Holiday and Paid Time Off | Education and Equipment Reimbursement Programs | Matching 401(k) | Career Path Opportunities | And More!

Other Requirements

To be able to do your job at ADESA, there are some basic requirements we want to share with you. Of course, we’ll make any reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs.

• The physical activity requirements of the position range from Light to Heavy Physical Work.
• Constant - standing, watching, touching, listening, walking, talking
• Frequent - bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting, grasping, pushing, pulling
• Potential –running, jumping, yelling, or other rapid or forceful movement in emergencies
• Visual acuity requirements include color, depth perception, and field of vision comparable to definitions for Clerical, Administrative, and Machine Operators (including inspection) positions.

Physical Working Conditions

This position is subject to both inside and outside environmental working conditions, including temperature changes, outside weather conditions, slightly elevated ambient noise levels, and minor atmospheric conditions affecting skin or respiratory systems, such as fumes, odors, and dust associated with internal and external service station/convenience food and petroleum dispensing operations.

To be able to do your job at ADESA, you must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Of course, we’ll make any reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs.

Legal Stuff

Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

ADESA is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. ADESA also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Please note that this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.