This position will lead and direct the team responsible for supporting Upfit Vehicle and Medium/Heavy Duty Vehicle Acquisitions across the new Wheels enterprise. This includes providing internal and external customers with support in developing technical specifications for all classes of vehicles and upfitting, making supplier recommendations and support the development of acquisition strategies that meet client's expectations for work ready vehicle delivery. This leader will have the primary responsibility for managing a team of Truck Consultants who support a portfolio of clients. This position will partner will other Acquisitions, Operations and Client Facing department leaders to ensure a seamless order-to-delivery process and client experience.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND REPSONSIBILITIES:
Provide strong leadership and direction to the Truck Operations Team, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Interact with clients as a subject matter expert who can articulate the department's capabilities and measurable results, as well as the unwavering commitment to excellent service.
Collaborate with leadership to define long-term vision and goals for the Truck Operations team that align with the strategic goals and objectives of the organization.
Establish KPIs and performance metrics to track the effectiveness of operational processes.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance Responsiveness, Quality and Efficiency.
Implement quality improvement initiatives to minimize defects and enhance customer satisfaction.
Manage and mentor team members to ensure optimal performance and growth, including setting clear performance expectations, providing feedback, and conducting performance evaluations.
Develop and maintain quality assurance and control procedures to uphold product/service quality standards.
Foster effective communication and collaboration between departments to achieve company objectives.
Participate in technology and organizational initiatives to ensure alignment with clients' expectations and improvement of the customer service experience.
Allocate and manage resources effectively to meet departmental and organizational objectives.
Assist with budget planning, forecasting, and financial management within the Acquisitions department.
Monitor and control operational expenses to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Hire, develop and retain staff.
Stay current on emerging trends and proactively identify new opportunities that have a favorable impact on Wheels and our clients.
Ensure vehicle ordering/upfit templates and purchase orders are created accurately and issued timely.
Support management of all vendors within the OEM, Dealer and up fitter network to ensure the delivery of exceptional service and value to customers.
Assist in the development of vendor quality and improvement initiatives and programs.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with upfitters and other key suppliers.
Support contract negotiations and pricing agreements to benefit clients and optimize profitability without compromising service and quality standards.
Investigate, resolve, and mitigate issues from customers and vendors.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Proven people leadership skills and ability to motivate to drive performance.
Knowledge of process improvement methodologies.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills.
Results focused with an unwavering commitment to clients and employees.
Some travel may be required.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
BA or BS degree in business preferred, or 5 years equivalent experience preferably in the Automotive Industry.
Minimum 5 years of business-to-business experience
Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience
Minimum of 3 years fleet management experience recommended
Experience in process development, vendor management and/or negotiating preferable
Vehicle upfit experience preferred
ASE certifications are recommended
COMPETENCIES:
Technical knowledge of class 1-8 vehicle and upfit specifications
Customer Focus
Leadership
Strategic Thinking
Business and Financial Acumen
Teamwork and Collaboration
Personal Effectiveness/Credibility
Strong Communication skills
Experienced user of business software
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EEO Statement
Wheels is a Drug-Free Workplace. All employment is contingent on successful completion of drug and background screening.
Wheels is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law. Wheels is committed to taking affirmative steps to promote the employment and advancement of minorities, women, persons with disabilities and protected veterans.
