Associate Director, West Region - ADESA

Must live within a commutable distance to a major airport and be located in the Mountain Time Zone, Pacific Time Zone, or Central Time Zone. Travel requirement: 75%.

About Us

ADESA, a Carvana-owned company, operates over 50 locations throughout the US. Our auto auctions, some spanning up to 200 acres, provide vehicle services including repair & reconditioning, auction remarketing, and serve as market hub distribution centers. Our inventory includes hundreds of thousands of vehicles across North America, ranging from retail to commercial and OEM. We foster a collaborative "we" culture in a fun, fast-paced, and competitive industry, surrounded by passionate professionals. As an industry leader, ADESA is embarking on a multi-year expansion with significant investments in facilities, sales growth, and vehicle inventory.

Role and Team

As a Regional Auction Associate Director, you will lead a high-performing team of General Managers across assigned auction sites. This role requires an elevated understanding of operational, sales, and financial processes, providing senior-level leadership to deliver results on key business initiatives. The position involves up to 60% travel to support sites and reports to the Regional Director, overseeing approximately 10 locations with General Managers reporting into this role.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level direction to local auction leadership to support business goals, processes, customer engagement, and team member engagement.
• Build and leverage strong relationships throughout the organization and with key customers to drive results.
• Strategically collaborate with various teams to prioritize projects and drive key business initiatives across the region.
• Participate in developing and implementing strategic plans, goals, and objectives for regional operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Advise senior leaders on strategic goals by gathering and analyzing pertinent business, financial, and operational information from the region.
• Utilize data to identify areas of opportunity and recommend solutions to improve business activities and performance.
• Ensure efficient and economical performance of regional operations and individual locations in accordance with strategic plans.
• Partner with project management and operations teams to execute change management initiatives effectively across the region.
• Mentor and hold accountable a team of General Managers (Senior Leaders).
• Execute succession planning through coaching, leadership development, and performance management for General Managers.
• Act as a key point-of-contact and change agent for other business groups regarding regional operations.
• Partner cross-functionally to conceptualize and build new processes, systems, programs, or platforms for regional operations.
• Ensure adherence to established safety policies and procedures, promoting a safe working environment.

Skills and Attributes

• Demonstrated expertise in ADESA General Manager Core Competencies: Process Execution, Business Acumen, Change Management, Team Development, Communication, Reasoning.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and interpersonal) with the ability to interact effectively and courteously.
• Strong organizational skills, demonstrating a systematic and forward-thinking approach.
• Proficiency in Google Suite and related business and communication tools.
• Effective management of remote teams, including delegation.
• Talent development and leadership skills, including change management.
• Accounting and financial skills.
• Highly detail-oriented and consistent in executing job duties.
• Self-motivated with a drive to deliver the best customer experience.
• Ability to follow through with internal partners and external customers.
• Excels in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where speed and quality are paramount.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Must live in the Pacific or Mountain Time Zone or be open to relocating to an area within one of these time zones.
• Ability to travel up to 60% of the time.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience leading complex business transformation initiatives, developing people, and solving complex operational problems in a high-volume environment (e.g., lean manufacturing).
• Knowledge of key operations principles (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma) is beneficial.
• Proven ability to quickly identify areas of opportunity and independently recommend viable solutions, including change management and leadership.
• Strong leadership skills: lead through encouragement and coaching, navigate conflict through positive resolution.
• Strong understanding and track record of leading operations, specifically Auction Operations.
• Proven track record of leading and growing exempt-level leaders while implementing key changes and growth or efficiency initiatives.
• Ability to resolve complex issues without guidance and guide others through complex issue resolution.
• Highly proficient with computer systems and applications.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment.
• Proven ability to provide valuable and actionable feedback.
• Ability to work variable schedules as necessary.
• Must be qualified to operate a motor vehicle and possess a valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Quality benefits.
• Holiday and paid time off.
• Education and equipment reimbursement programs.
• Matching 401(k).
• Career path opportunities.

Other Requirements

Physical activity requirements range from light to medium physical work, including:

• Constant: standing, watching, touching, listening, walking, talking.
• Frequent: grasping, pushing, pulling, kneeling, stooping, crouching, lifting, driving.
• Potential: running, jumping, yelling, or other rapid/forceful movement in emergency situations.

Visual acuity requirements include color, depth perception, and field of vision comparable to clerical, administrative, or machine operator positions. The role is subject to both inside and outside environmental working conditions, including temperature changes, weather conditions, and minor atmospheric conditions (e.g., fumes, odors, dust).