Midwest Operations Director-Full Service Automotive Fleets at Vaco, LLC
chicago, IL 60007
About the Job
Vaco is conducting an exclusive search on behalf of a leading organization within the automotive services industry. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional to oversee the maintenance, repair, and operational efficiency of a large vehicle fleet across multiple states in the Midwest. Due to the confidential nature of this search, specific client details will only be disclosed to shortlisted candidates.
About the Role:
As the Regional Operations Director – Automotive Fleet Services, based in the Chicago area, you will take full ownership of fleet service operations across a wide geographic region. Your primary focus will be on optimizing fleet utilization, ensuring vehicle readiness, and driving profitability through effective maintenance and repair strategies. This role requires significant travel (50-60%) throughout the Midwest, with direct oversight of operations in multiple states.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Leadership:
- Lead and oversee the performance of fleet services, including maintenance, repair, and vehicle in-fleeting/de-fleeting operations.
- Manage a fleet ranging from 50,000 to 70,000 vehicles, distributed across multiple states, with direct oversight of 8-10 managers and their teams per site.
- Develop and implement strategic plans to maximize fleet utilization and ensure the business meets its financial and operational goals.
- Financial Management:
- Own and optimize the P&L for fleet services within your region.
- Forecast, budget, and manage key financial metrics, including warranty recovery, cost per estimate, and technician productivity.
- Drive cost control initiatives related to parts procurement, vehicle repairs, and vendor management.
- Team Development:
- Mentor, coach, and develop team members, including technicians and over-the-counter clerks, to foster a high-performance culture.
- Set and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for service, damage, and fleet readiness.
- Collaborate with regional managers and HR to manage all aspects of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to performance management.
- Vendor & Damage Management:
- Navigate and manage relationships with multiple vendors responsible for vehicle repairs and parts procurement.
- Oversee collision repair operations, ensuring cost-effective and timely resolutions.
- Maintain high standards for vehicle quality, particularly in the sale and auction processes.
- Strategic Planning & Process Improvement:
- Identify and drive opportunities for process improvements to enhance operational efficiencies.
- Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to meet and exceed business objectives.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety standards across the region.
- Experience:
- A minimum of 8 years of management experience, with at least 5 years in multi-site management within automotive repair operations.
- Proven track record in leading operations within the automotive services industry, particularly with large vehicle fleets.
- Background in automotive maintenance, repair, or fleet management, with a strong understanding of cost control and process optimization.
- Experience managing multiple locations and large teams across a diverse geographic area.
- Skills:
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage P&L and drive cost efficiency.
- Excellent leadership and team development skills, with a focus on performance management and operational excellence.
- Proficient in data analysis, strategic planning, and multi-tasking across various operational functions.
- Location Requirement:
- Candidates must be based in the Chicago area and be prepared to travel frequently (50-60%) throughout the Midwest.
- Base Salary: $130,000 - $140,000
- Incentives: Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP) at 30% of the salary, Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), (Approx. $15K.), Both Discretionary.
- Perks: Company vehicle, company cell phone.
- Bonus Payment: Prorated based on start date, with annual bonuses paid in April.
- Excellent Healthcare Benefits
Vaco values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
EEO Notice
Vaco is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco LLC and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco LLC and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .
Vaco also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
Privacy Notice
Vaco LLC and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
- California residents may access Vaco’s HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
- Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
- Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
- Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
- Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.
Pay Transparency Notice
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:
- the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
- licensure and certification requirements;
- office location and other geographic considerations;
- other business and organizational needs.
With that said, as required by local law, Vaco believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.
