What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Vehicle Program Manager position at Rawhide Youth Services?
Job Purpose
The Senior Vehicle Program Manager leads Rawhide’s vehicle donation program as a revenue-generating business unit that directly supports the organization’s mission. This role is responsible for program strategy, operational excellence, and financial performance, ensuring donated assets are converted into maximum financial return while maintaining safety, quality, and mission integrity. The position integrates market strategy, operations leadership, and financial management to drive sustainable growth and long-term impact.
Essential Functions
- Lead the vehicle donation program as a strategic, revenue-generating operation
- Drive program performance through market analysis, operational oversight, and financial accountability
- Ensure safe, compliant, and mission-aligned operations across all vehicle program activities
- Balance business performance with youth development and Work Experience program outcomes
- Protect donor trust and Rawhide’s public credibility
Job Responsibilities
- Program Strategy & Business Performance
- Develop and execute the strategic plan for the vehicle donation program
- Establish revenue, volume, and margin targets across sales channels
- Analyze market trends and performance data to guide pricing, disposition, and channel strategies
- Identify opportunities to increase efficiency, value, and profitability
- Vehicle Operations & Asset Management
- Lead all inspection, valuation, repair, and disposition activities
- Optimize workflows to maximize throughput and asset value
- Establish standardized processes, quality controls, and operating procedures
- Manage risk, safety, and regulatory compliance
- Sales & Market Optimization
- Direct multi-channel sales strategies across recycle, auction, and online marketplaces
- Evaluate channel performance regularly to determine optimal disposition paths
- Set pricing strategies and volume goals based on market conditions and forecasts
- Build and manage relationships with auction houses, recyclers, and vendors
- Inventory & Network Management
- Oversee the movement, tracking, and valuation of all donated vehicles
- Manage and optimize the evaluation site network
- Ensure inventory turns, storage costs, and disposition timing support financial goals
- Financial Planning & Forecasting
- Lead the development of annual budgets, revenue forecasts, and pricing models
- Monitor financial performance against established targets
- Adjust strategy in response to trends, seasonality, and market shifts
- Work Experience Program Leadership
- Operate the vehicle shop as a structured learning environment for Work Experience students
- Align training, safety, and supervision with program requirements
- Balance business performance with youth development outcomes
- Fleet & Asset Stewardship
- Manage Rawhide’s vehicle fleet as a strategic operational asset
- Ensure vehicles are properly maintained, tracked, and utilized
- Performance Management & Continuous Improvement
- Lead Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) initiatives
- Establish KPIs, dashboards, and performance targets
- Implement process improvements to drive efficiency, quality, and profitability
- Team Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing service, sales, and operations team
- Set expectations, coach performance, and develop future leaders
- Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and results
- Mission & Reputation
- Ensure operations align with Rawhide’s values and standards of conduct
- Protect and strengthen donor trust and public credibility
- Maintain Professional and Technical Knowledge
- Completing required trainings
- Attending educational workshops
- Reviewing professional publications
- Establish Personal Networks
- Participating in professional societies
- Maintain Staff Job Results
- Training and coaching support staff
- Establishing staff goals, monitoring progress, and providing feedback
- Appraising job results
- Protects the Credibility of the Rawhide Mission
- Complying with the Rawhide standard of conduct
- Setting an example, in words and actions, that is consistent with the values and beliefs of Rawhide
- Contributes to Team Effort
- Performing other duties as directed or assigned by supervisor
Qualifications:
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered
- Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in operations, asset management, automotive, logistics, or resale markets
- Proven ability to manage P&L, budgets, and revenue targets
- Experience leading multi-site operations and vendor networks
- Strong analytical, strategic, and operational leadership skills
Ability to balance business objectives with mission-driven work and youth development
Working Conditions
- This role may require standing, walking, lifting, and working in vehicle shop and outdoor environments
- Occasional travel between evaluation sites and partner locations may be required
Benefit Overview
- Competitive Pay
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Competitive 401k plan
- 10 paid Holidays
- PTO, VTO, Wellness Day, & Floating Holiday
- 5 Weeks Paid Sabbatical Leave
- Onsite Café (New London)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Nature Trails/Waterfront on 600 acres (New London)
- Onsite Fitness Center and Gymnasium (New London)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Jury Duty Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- Paid Benefits for Birth or Adoption