Automotive Operations Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Own the system: Deliver throughput, quality, cost and flow outcomes across inspection, merchandising and outbound. Keep cars moving and hit targets.
• Drive performance visibility: Build and maintain clear dashboards and operating rhythms to track performance, identify issues early and drive accountability.
• Identify disruptions early: Monitor workflows to spot breaks in flow such as growing queues, delays, idle time or rework — before they escalate.
• Root Cause Resolution: Solve the “why,” not just the “what.” Lead structured root cause analysis across quality, cost and performance issues to ensure permanent fixes.
• Process Optimisation: Continuously improve workflow, sequencing and resource allocation to remove inefficiencies and optimise throughput.
• Quality Standardisation: Ensure work is completed to standard every time by embedding consistent processes and preventing drift.
• High-Performance Leadership: Lead, coach and develop your leaders and teams, setting clear expectations and building capability to deliver outcomes through others.
• Own the end-to-end system: Take accountability across all production areas — if one part of the system fails, you own the outcome.
• Cost Ownership: Manage labour, consumables and operational inputs, identifying and delivering cost efficiencies.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion Lean principles including standard work, 5S, waste elimination and Kaizen initiatives.
• Strategic Escalation: Identify system-level constraints and escalate effectively to ensure cross-functional issues are resolved.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a leadership role within a production, automotive, or workshop environment.
• Proven experience managing diverse teams, including both technical and non-technical skillsets.
• Experience leading through others.
• Demonstrated ability to build leadership capability and deliver outcomes through others.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing cost and driving operational performance.
• Proven experience improving efficiency, productivity, and cost outcomes.
• Strong problem-solving capability, including structured root cause analysis.
• Experience designing, implementing, and embedding standardised processes.
• Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma).
• Strong stakeholder management skills across cross-functional teams.
• Technically savvy, with the ability to work across multiple systems (DMS exposure preferred).
• Comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence and align teams.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Trade background or industry experience is advantageous, but not essential.
• Valid and clean NSW Driver’s Licence.

Benefits

• We wouldn’t be a car business if we didn’t give you some $$ off our Carma cars, parts and NRMA cover.
• Join our high-performing, forward-thinking team and help shake up car buying in Australia.
• Join a team that values quality as much as quantity — we believe in working hard, having fun and delivering an exceptional product.