Associate Director, Field Operations & Strategy

Travel: up to 75% required and must live within a commutable distance to a major airport.

About the role

The Associate Director, Field Operations and Strategy is responsible for the performance of new car operations across multiple Inspection Centers (ICs), starting with a core set of sites and expanding to oversee a larger portion of the network. This field‑based, high‑travel role (50‑75%) combines hands‑on production leadership with strong analytical and strategic thinking. The Associate Director works with teams and partner organizations in Reconditioning, Market Ops, and Logistics to resolve challenges, act as a strategic thought partner, identify network‑wide trends, shape process and product improvements, and represent the voice of the field in cross‑functional planning. The role requires both floor‑level execution and the ability to build frameworks for senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Leadership: Demonstrate effective leadership, setting a positive tone and sense of purpose across each Inspection Center; visit the shop floor regularly to maintain detailed awareness of each IC and a genuine connection to the team; ensure IC management beliefs and behaviors align with Carvana's culture and values; pursue consistent, measurable improvement across sites.
• Production Management: Work with IC teams to identify, prioritize, and solve problems impacting IQR performance; ensure leadership executes operating standards—including standardized work, operating rules, 5S, product integrations, and visual management tools; monitor compliance with health, safety, and loss‑prevention guidelines; partner closely with Reconditioning, Market Ops, and Logistics to align production plans, resolve cross‑functional bottlenecks, and keep vehicles moving smoothly across the broader supply chain.
• Strategy and Product Partnership: Identify patterns and opportunities across sites that point to systemic fixes and lead continuous‑improvement efforts; act as a thought partner to Product Management, translating field realities into clear input on tools, workflows, and systems; use data and field observation to build cases for process, technology, or systems enhancements and prioritize improvements; audit continuous‑improvement events across the network, ensure resources are available, and hold site teams accountable; train and mentor managers on problem‑solving and process improvement; apply AI tools to analyze data, prepare reviews, or accelerate problem solving; prepare and deliver clear, well‑reasoned recommendations to senior leadership, including trade‑offs and implementation implications.
• People Management: Collaborate with People Operations and IC leadership to build and maintain a pipeline of associates for current and future positions and manage churn; develop a bench of candidates for IC leadership positions; ensure progression‑path training and certification processes are consistently executed; provide competency‑based feedback and hold leaders accountable; mentor and develop regional and site leaders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a top‑tier institution preferred, in business, operations management, analytics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of combined operations and strategy experience, including significant experience leading large teams (100+ associates) as a GM‑level operator in automotive or lean manufacturing, or in a comparable operations leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead and develop associates and managers at scale, including building leadership benches.
• Demonstrated experience using data and analysis to drive operating strategy.
• Current use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot) to support decision‑making or productivity is a plus.
• Strong ability to communicate and influence cross‑functionally, including with product and senior leadership, without formal authority.
• Ability to manage project deliverables and metrics against aggressive targets and timelines.
• Willingness and ability to travel 50‑75% of the time across the network; field‑based role with no fixed office location.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record (no DUIs, no more than two moving violations in the last 3 years).
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Physical requirements: standing for extended periods with frequent stretching, reaching, walking, stooping, pushing, and/or pulling in environments that may be cold, hot, noisy, or wet, and may have fumes or odors; use of safety equipment (face shield or goggles, non‑slip shoes, gloves, mask, etc.); lift up to 30 lb independently from various levels; walk up to three miles each day; ability to work overtime, weekends, and a variable schedule as necessary.

Carvana will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment is contingent on a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Benefits

• Full‑time position with competitive salary and Carvana stock compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Perks including student loan payments, vehicle discounts, pet benefits, and more.
• Wellness program to support physical and mental health.
• Opportunities to expand skill set and share knowledge across the organization.
• Culture focused on high performance and bar‑raising, with vast opportunity to learn and grow.