Pre-Owned Operations Manager - Automotive

Watershed Consulting; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A commercial trucking company seeks a Pre-Owned Operations Manager to launch and scale its pre-owned vehicle operations. Responsibilities include managing the tradeback process for cost efficiency, implementing pre-owned policies, and driving profitability. The ideal candidate will have 5-8 years of experience in the automotive sector, skills in financial management, and strong operational leadership.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years experience in the automotive/commercial vehicle sector, preferably in pre-owned operations.
• Proven experience managing outsourced partners and operational processes.
• Track record in cost control and pricing strategy.

Responsibilities

• Manage tradeback process for cost efficiency.
• Design and implement pre-owned policies and systems.
• Develop a dedicated team for pre-owned operations.

Skills

Operational management

Financial management

Negotiation skills

Analytical mindset

Detail-oriented

Resilience

Education

Degree in Business, Commerce, Logistics

Job description

Pre-Owned Operations Manager needed in a commercial trucking company!

Purpose- To launch and scale the OEM's pre-owned vehicle operations.

The immediate focus is on managing the outsourced Tradeback process for cost efficiency.

The strategic goal is to establish a dedicated Pre-Owned Division, implement a structured resale strategy, and expand the brand's market presence in used commercial trucks.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Tradeback Partner Oversight: Manage all aspects of the OEM tradeback process with outsourced partner.
  • Vehicle return processing from clients into OEM stock.
  • Transfer of units into partner's stock yard and system.
  • Tracking, reporting, and reconciling stock movements.
  • Monitor refurbishment, repair, and readiness processes for returned vehicles.
  • Control and approve cost allocations for pre‑owned activities (transport, reconditioning, storage).
  • Determine wholesale pricing structures for tradeback units supplied to the partner.
  • Conduct gap analysis between new and pre‑owned market pricing to optimise competitiveness.
  • Develop reporting structures for pre‑owned stock, costs, and profitability.
• 2. Establishing Pre‑Owned Division: Design and implement pre‑owned policies, processes, and systems aligned with OEM standards.
  • Build business cases for expanding beyond outsourced operations into an internal division.
  • Engage and develop new resale partners to broaden market reach.
  • Define resale partner criteria, performance measures, and contractual frameworks.
  • Create marketing and positioning strategies for pre‑owned trucks under the OEM brand.
  • Integrate pre‑owned strategy with dealer network, ensuring synergy with new truck sales.
• 3. Division Growth Leadership: Transition pre‑owned activities into a structured OEM Pre‑Owned Division.
  • Develop a dedicated team (as business scales) to manage operations, pricing, and resale partner relationships.
  • Drive profitability and revenue contribution from pre‑owned operations as a standalone business unit.
  • Provide regular performance updates and strategic recommendations to senior management.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Operational Efficiency: Turnaround time of tradeback vehicles into stock and resale.
• Financial Control: Cost management within approved budgets; gross margin per tradeback unit.
• Pricing Competitiveness: Alignment of wholesale pricing with market benchmarks and gap analysis outcomes.
• Stock Management: Accuracy and completeness of reporting on returned and resale‑ready vehicles.
• Partner Management: Performance and compliance of outsourced partner against agreed SLAs.
• Division Growth: Establishment of new resale partners, increase in resale volumes, profitability contribution.
• Strategic Development: Delivery of Pre‑Owned Division business plan and transition milestones.

Skills Competencies

• Strong operational management and process discipline.
• Advanced financial and cost management skills.
• Strategic thinking with capability to design and scale new business units.
• Strong negotiation and partner management abilities.
• Analytical mindset for market and pricing analysis.
• High attention to detail and compliance discipline.
• Resilient, adaptable, and entrepreneurial in building a new division.

Qualifications

• Experience Degree in Business, Commerce, Logistics, or related field (or equivalent proven experience).
• 5‑8 years experience in automotive / commercial vehicle sector, preferably in pre‑owned operations, tradeback, or fleet management.
• Proven experience in managing outsourced partners and operational processes.
• Track record in cost control, pricing strategy, and margin protection.
• Exposure to dealer networks and pre‑owned resale channels advantageous.
• Experience in setting up or scaling business operations will be highly regarded.

Collaboration

• Sales Dealer Network teams (for alignment with new sales and tradeback inflows).
• Outsourced pre‑owned partner teams (operations, logistics, stock management).
• Finance (for cost and pricing management).
• After‑Sales Technical teams (for vehicle condition and readiness assessments).