Build the Best Pre-Owned Department in Chicagoland

Subaru of Evergreen Park is seeking a proven, high-performing Used Car Manager to lead and grow our pre-owned operation. This is not an entry-level management opportunity—we're looking for a results-driven automotive professional with a proven track record in acquiring inventory, maximizing profitability, and leading a successful used vehicle department.

The ideal candidate is passionate about buying cars, understands today's rapidly changing wholesale and retail markets, and knows how to build a profitable inventory from multiple acquisition channels.

If you're the person other dealerships call when they need help valuing a trade, buying at auction, or merchandising inventory, we'd like to talk with you.

Responsibilities

Vehicle Acquisition

• Source quality pre-owned inventory through auctions, customer trade-ins, private-party purchases, service drive opportunities, lease maturities, and off-market buying.
• Develop and execute aggressive inventory acquisition strategies.
• Purchase vehicles that meet profitability and inventory-turn objectives.

Vehicle Appraisals

• Perform accurate, market-based appraisals using current market data and appraisal tools.
• Evaluate condition, history reports, market demand, and reconditioning costs.
• Structure competitive trade offers while protecting dealership profitability.

Inventory Management

• Manage inventory levels, aging, and turn rates.
• Ensure every vehicle is priced competitively using market-based pricing strategies.
• Make timely wholesale decisions on aging or undesirable inventory.
• Maintain the right mix of vehicles to meet customer demand.

Merchandising

• Ensure every vehicle is frontline-ready.
• Oversee reconditioning timelines and expenses.
• Verify high-quality photos, descriptions, and online merchandising.
• Maintain attractive lot presentation and pricing accuracy.

Sales Leadership

• Support the sales team with trade evaluations and deal structuring.
• Negotiate used vehicle sales while maximizing front-end gross.
• Assist in desking deals and overcoming customer objections.
• Coach sales consultants on presenting vehicle value.

Wholesale Operations

• Buy and sell vehicles through physical and online auctions.
• Build relationships with wholesalers and industry partners.
• Maximize returns on wholesale inventory while minimizing losses.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales Managers, Finance Managers, Service, and BDC to maximize opportunities.
• Drive customer satisfaction while achieving department profitability goals.

Qualifications

We're looking for someone with:

• Minimum 5 years of dealership Used Car Management experience.
• Proven experience buying inventory through auctions, customer purchases, and trade-ins.
• Exceptional appraisal skills.
• Strong negotiation abilities.
• Experience managing inventory turn and aging.
• Strong understanding of vehicle market trends and pricing.
• Experience with inventory management software such as vAuto or similar pricing tools.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (Required).

Preferred Experience

• Multi-franchise dealership experience.
• High-volume used vehicle operations.
• Knowledge of CARFAX, AutoCheck, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, OVE, ACV, SmartAuction, and other digital wholesale platforms.
• Experience with CRM and DMS systems.
• Strong understanding of retail, wholesale, and service lane acquisition strategies.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will:

• Consistently acquire high-quality inventory.
• Increase used vehicle sales volume.
• Improve inventory turn.
• Reduce aged inventory.
• Maximize front-end gross.
• Lead by example.
• Build strong relationships with customers and employees.
• Help make Subaru of Evergreen Park the preferred destination for buying and selling pre-owned vehicles.