Pre-owned Acquisition & Marketing Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated Pre-Owned Acquisition & Marketing Manager to lead the acquisition, reconditioning, and digital marketing strategy for our premium pre-owned inventory. This is a unique opportunity for an automotive professional who understands that success in the pre-owned business begins with acquiring the right vehicles, reconditioning them to the right standards, pricing them strategically, and aggressively marketing them to today's digital consumer. While Mercedes-Benz will be an important part of our acquisition strategy, our pre-owned portfolio includes a broad range of luxury, premium, and value-oriented brands. The ideal candidate understands the characteristics, market demand, and profit opportunities across multiple segments of the pre-owned market.

Key Responsibilities

Vehicle Acquisition

• Develop and execute a proactive strategy for acquiring high-quality pre-owned vehicles
• Identify desirable Mercedes-Benz and other luxury vehicles through trade-ins, dealer purchases, auctions, private-party opportunities, and other acquisition channels
• Monitor market trends, inventory turn, pricing, demand, and competitive activity to identify the best acquisition opportunities
• Build and maintain relationships with wholesalers, auction representatives, vendors, and other acquisition sources
• Evaluate each vehicle based on marketability, anticipated reconditioning costs, current market values, and potential profitability
• Continuously expand our acquisition pipeline and identify new sources for quality pre-owned inventory

Reconditioning & Inventory Management

• Oversee the complete reconditioning process from acquisition through front line readiness
• Coordinate closely with service, body, detail, and outside vendors to ensure vehicles are reconditioned efficiently and to a premium standard
• Establish appropriate priorities and timelines to minimize days to-market
• Ensure every vehicle is properly inspected, repaired, detailed, photographed, and merchandised before being offered for sale
• Monitor reconditioning costs and maintain accountability for both quality and expense
• Help establish the appropriate retail strategy, including pricing, positioning, and inventory aging

Digital Marketing & Merchandising

• Take an active leadership role in digitally marketing our pre-owned inventory
• Ensure vehicles are presented online with compelling photography, accurate descriptions, complete equipment information, and effective merchandising
• Develop creative strategies to increase online exposure, engagement, leads, and sales
• Monitor third-party marketplace performance and digital traffic to identify opportunities for improvement
• Work closely with the dealership's Internet and Marketing teams to maximize the performance of our pre-owned inventory
• Continuously evaluate digital merchandising, pricing, and market positioning against competing dealerships and vehicles
• Help create compelling content and campaigns that showcase the quality and value of our pre-owned inventory

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is proactive, analytical, entrepreneurial, and passionate about automobiles. You should be equally comfortable evaluating a vehicle at auction, discussing reconditioning with a technician, analyzing market data, and developing a digital marketing strategy. We are looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience in pre-owned automotive sales, acquisition, inventory management, or a related position
• Has a strong understanding of luxury and premium automotive brands
• Understands vehicle valuation, market pricing, depreciation, and gross-profit opportunities
• Is highly knowledgeable about current automotive market trends and digital retailing
• Has exceptional organizational and follow-through skills
• Is comfortable working with inventory management systems, CRMs, market-pricing tools, and digital merchandising platforms
• Has strong analytical skills and the ability to make decisions based on data

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of automotive sales experience, with at least 2 years in a management role (luxury brand experience strongly preferred)
• Proven record of success in building, training, and developing high-performing sales teams
• Strong background using CRM, DMS, and digital retailing software to track performance and enhance customer experience
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Professional appearance and demeanor consistent with the Mercedes-Benz image

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonuses and commission
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
• Ongoing Mercedes-Benz training and certification opportunities
• Company vehicle allowance or demo program
• Career advancement opportunities within our luxury automotive group