Used Car Manager

About the Role

Carlock Toyota of Tupelo is seeking an experienced Pre-Owned Manager to lead and grow our used vehicle operation. This role owns the full pre-owned P&L — from acquisition and appraisal through reconditioning, pricing, merchandising, and retail sales. The ideal candidate is a sharp inventory strategist and a strong desk manager who can build gross while keeping the lot turning.

Key Responsibilities

• Inventory & Acquisition — Own pre-owned inventory levels, mix, and days' supply to align with market demand and turn objectives. Source vehicles across all channels: trade-ins, auctions, service drive, off-lease, and direct-from-consumer acquisition. Perform accurate, market-based appraisals and manage trade valuation for the sales team.
• Pricing & Merchandising — Set and adjust retail pricing using live market data (vAuto, Provision, or equivalent) to maximize turn and gross. Ensure every unit is fully merchandised online within 24–48 hours of frontline-ready status — photos, descriptions, and pricing. Monitor aged inventory daily and take decisive action on units approaching turn thresholds.
• Reconditioning — Manage the recon pipeline with service and detail to minimize time-to-line while controlling recon spend. Establish and enforce reconditioning standards and cost targets per unit.
• Sales & Desk Management — Desk pre-owned deals to structure profitable, closable transactions while protecting CSI. Coach and develop sales consultants on pre-owned product, appraisal presentation, and closing. Partner with F&I to maximize product penetration and back-end gross.
• Wholesale & Reporting — Manage wholesale disposition of units that don't fit the retail model. Track and report on key metrics: turn, gross per unit, days' supply, recon cost, and aged inventory.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of automotive management experience, with proven success managing a pre-owned department (dealership Sales Manager or Used Car Manager background preferred)
• Demonstrated command of inventory management tools (vAuto, Provision, or similar) and market-based pricing
• Strong desking and deal-structuring skills
• Experience sourcing inventory across multiple channels
• Track record of hitting or exceeding turn and gross objectives
• Proficiency with a modern CRM and DMS
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• High integrity, strong leadership presence, and a data-driven approach to decision-making

Compensation

Performance-based pay tied to pre-owned volume and gross profit, ranging from $13,000–$18,000 per month ($156,000–$216,000 annually).

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• The stability and growth opportunity of an established, family-owned dealer group operating across five states