Operations Management-Manager (F&I Manager)

The Operations Manager is responsible for bringing eCommerce expertise to Cox Automotive's marketplace businesses, focusing specifically on Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. This is a consumer and client facing role that will work closely with the recently launched Esntial Commerce platform, the Automotive industry's first automated, scalable B2B2C eCommerce solution for Used Car sales. The role will be responsible for testing into, and ultimately managing, large volumes of transactions in partnership with our clients (Dealership groups) and act as an independent operator for credit and lending-related matters in the eCommerce automotive sales category. The Operations Manager will oversee day-to-day operations for financing and order fulfillment; from ensuring deal jacket compliance to negotiating with lenders.
This role will be critical to Cox Automotive's growth and mission to provide its clients with new capabilities and its customers with quick and accessible financing options. The ideal candidate is solution-oriented and can follow intricate processes while improving them. This individual will also be asked to help develop strategies and actions to help our Marketplace clients leverage Esntial's eCommerce capabilities most effectively. This will include participating in Beta and Pilot product launches, and collaborating with Operations, Product and Engineering to translate eCommerce best practices and learnings from partner Dealers into elements of our product roadmap, actively drive the acceleration of our experimentation efforts, and driving growth for our clients.
While this role is open to traditional F&I managers, this is not a commission-based role. It is fully remote and may require infrequent travel.
Ideal candidates will be located in the Eastern or Central time zones.
This individual will have the following responsibilities:

• Operational coordinator for all entities under the finance purview included but not limited to contracting, administration, and incident escalation.
• Follow procedural methods to clearly and concisely close deal jackets for the finance transactional process; works in tandem with a titling and compliance teams to keep processes within our legal and ethical boundaries.
• Contribute to customer and client satisfaction by consistently meeting and/or exceeding expectations and commitments by providing a high level of customer service and solving customer problems quickly and effectively.

• Will improve and expand training to promote KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols for risk mitigation.
• Act as a liaison for active deals ensuring all aspects work for both dealer clients & consumers.
• Advise accordingly on purchase options from cash to partner-financing.
• Provides daily oversight on financial approval reviews.
• Monitors deals post-sale to ensure funding is 'distributed' and fully funded without interruption.

• Work closely with operations team, client, account manager, product, and other cross-functional teams as required to meet the client's needs.
• Provides oversight on Warranty & GAP registration products and processes, registrations, refunds, & compliance.
• Familiarity with post-sale funding and work with accounting to ensure deal payments are filed.
• Will work with management to improve and maintain compliance processes.
• Provides a solution-oriented approach to non-textbook deals or incidents which lack protocol.

• Maintains strong working knowledge of operations status and follow up in relation to SLAs.
• Proactive communication to consumers and dealer clients on operations status updates.
• Review of Process gaps and writing of change control documentation.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline and 6 years experience in a related field. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master's degree and 4 years experience; a Ph.D. and 1 year of experience; or 10 years experience in a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of Autotrader and aftermarket products.
• Experience in eCommerce space, either with a Retailer, Branded Manufacturer or Platform

• Proven record of accomplishment in building relationships and process improvement.
• Ability to read/understand a credit report.
• Proven track record of scaling a dealership's eCommerce business.
• Experience leading and influencing cross functional partners.
• Analytics and risk mitigation/ Analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Comfort in making sales over the phone, dealing with new situations, and managing difficult conversations and external relationships.
• Show initiative with a results orientation while showing a strong individual drive and the ability to act jointly within a team.
• Organizational, time/task management skills. Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines required.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Competency in using web-based software including Salesforce, Microsoft Office, and DealerTrack.

• Ability to embrace gaps in rules/processes, solve problems and think strategically.
• Travel: 5-10%

This role is full-time. You may be placed on a rotating schedule due to the necessity of this role seven days a week.
About Cox Automotive
At Cox Automotive, people of every background are driven by their passion for mobility, innovation and community. We transform the way the world buys, sells, owns and uses cars, accelerating the industry with global powerhouse brands like Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim and more. What's more, we do it all with an emphasis on employee growth and happiness. Drive your future forward and join Cox Automotive today!
About Cox
Cox empowers employees to build a better future and has been doing so for over 120 years. With exciting investments and innovations across transportation, communications, cleantech and healthcare, our family of businesses - which includes Cox Automotive and Cox Communications - is forging a better future for us all. Ready to make your mark? Join us today!
Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page .
Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.
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