Re-Conditioning Manager

Company Description

Established in 1911, Dutton Automotive is the largest retailer and wholesaler of pre-owned luxury, exotic, prestige, family, and commercial vehicles in Australia, focused on reliable and customer-centric automotive services.  Dutton Automotive was recently acquired by Japanese conglomerate Sojitz Corporation. Sojitz employs over 20,000 people and operates in 87 countries across the globe. Dutton Automotive is a Co-Major Partner of Essendon Football Club.

A.O. Dutton opened his first garage on Burnley Street, Richmond. Driven by an obsessive focus on customer experience, today, Dutton Automotive operates dealerships throughout Australia. We currently have over 300+ staff nationally.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a skilled and dynamic Re-Conditioning Manager to play a pivotal role in overseeing the entire process for our used vehicles. You will ensure that each vehicle meets our dealership's high-quality standards before it is offered for sale. This position demands strong leadership and organisational skills to effectively manage technicians, coordinate with vendors, and adhere to timelines that drive an efficient and cost-effective workflow.  Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Develop and implement efficient workflows to ensure vehicles are reconditioned in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Work closely with service technicians, detailers, and vendors to ensure quality repairs and detailing.
• Maintain a reconditioning pipeline, prioritising vehicles based on sales demand and site needs.
• Ensure vehicles meet all dealership quality standards before being approved for sale.
• Coordinate with the sales and inventory teams to ensure timely availability of vehicles.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with third-party vendors for mechanical repairs, bodywork, detailing, and other services.
• Monitor costs and ensure adherence to reconditioning budgets while maintaining quality.
• Review and approve repair orders, ensuring work is necessary and completed efficiently.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.
• Conduct final inspections to ensure all reconditioned vehicles meet dealership and customer expectations.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and manufacturer standards.
• Maintain proper documentation of all reconditioning work, including repairs, inspections, and costs.
• Address any quality concerns before vehicles are placed at site.
• Supervise and lead a team of service technicians, detailers, and other reconditioning employees.
• Provide training and guidance to team members to ensure efficiency and quality standards are met.
• Monitor team performance and provide feedback to improve productivity.
• Foster a positive work environment and encourage teamwork and accountability.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs), including reconditioning cycle time, cost per vehicle, and inventory readiness.
• Provide regular updates to management on reconditioning progress and challenges.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimise reconditioning operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years in automotive service, reconditioning, or fixed operations, preferably in a dealership setting.
• Proven experience managing a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of vehicle repairs, bodywork, detailing, and reconditioning processes.
• Ability to multitask, prioritise, and manage reconditioning timelines effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills for working with vendors, technicians, and dealership leadership.
• Ability to ensure high-quality reconditioning while controlling costs.
• Experience with dealership management software, repair order systems, and inventory tracking tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot challenges and implement solutions quickly.
• ASE Certification or equivalent automotive service credentials.
• Experience with auction and trade-in vehicle inspections.
• Hold a current driver's licence.
• Willing to undergo a National Police Clearance.

Additional Information

Benefits and perks

• You will have access to a fully funded Employee Assistance Program to provide you with the support and resources to thrive personally and professionally.
• Company-funded flu vaccinations.
• Refer a friend and we will provide an upfront bonus
• Access to generous discounts and savings through our Rewards platform
• A day off for your birthday and;
• Annual Family fun days, held across the country

At Dutton Automotive, we value our customers and our employees. Our values are built on prioritising our customer needs, valuing our employee's flexibility to change, and fostering creativity and initiative. If you share our values and have the skills and experience, we are looking for, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.