Used Car Manager - Land Rover Southwest Houston in Houston, TX at Sonic Automotive

Job Description

Summary:

The Pre-Owned Inventory Manager is responsible for sourcing, appraising, and preparing pre-owned vehicles that can be retailed with minimal reconditioning.
This role focuses on acquiring units that can be offered directly to the public when they meet basic drivability and safety standards.
The position requires strong auction expertise, accurate appraisals, and a deep understanding of how to evaluate vehicles that can be retailed efficiently and profitably.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Acquire pre-owned vehicles through auctions, trade-ins, internal wholesale streams, and other sourcing channels.
• Attend and participate in auctions, selecting vehicles that align with retail feasibility and profitability targets.
• Conduct thorough appraisals to determine mechanical condition, repair needs, expected recon cost, and retail potential.
• Evaluate Sonic trades earmarked for wholesale and determine which units can instead be retailed through this program.
• Partner with the service department to identify and prioritize minimal start-steer-stop repairs required to make a vehicle retail-ready.
• Manage reconditioning workflow, ensuring cost control and timely turnaround.
• Set competitive retail pricing based on market trends, condition levels, and internal benchmarks.
• Maintain strong inventory flow by managing each vehicle from acquisition through reconditioning to frontline readiness.
• Ensure accurate inventory reporting and status updates within SIMS and other dealership systems.
• Review aged inventory and adjust strategy or pricing as needed to ensure optimal movement.
• Work closely with the sales manager and sales team to communicate vehicle availability, condition, and pricing strategy.
• Support internal process improvement for acquisition, appraisal consistency, and recon efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with dealership policies, OEM guidelines, and all applicable regulations.

• Proven experience as a Used Car Manager
• Proficiency with SIMS or similar inventory management and appraisal systems.
• Strong background with auctions, including buying strategy, pricing evaluation, and market behavior.
• Ability to quickly assess vehicle condition and determine whether a unit can be efficiently retailed versus wholesaled.
• Understanding of reconditioning processes, repair prioritization, and cost control.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills with auction representatives and internal teams.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage a fast-moving inventory pipeline.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to pass all pre-employment screenings.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Compensation (Salary / Commission):

• Performance-based earnings range: $15,000 / month
  • Actual earnings depend on performance.

Schedule:

• FULL-TIME
• Sundays Always Off
• Saturday Availability Required

Perks & Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off that Grows with You
• Sundays Always Off
• Closed on Thanksgiving & Christmas
• Employee Pricing on Purchases & Leases
• Free & Discounted Gym Membership Options
• Exclusive Travel Deals on Hotels, Rentals & Airfare
• Career Growth in a Fortune 500 Company

All your information will be kept confidential in accordance with EEO guidelines

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