Used Car Purchasing Director

Description

PURPOSE

The Used Car Purchasing Director is responsible for developing, executing, and overseeing the dealership’s used vehicle acquisition strategy to ensure a consistent, high-quality, and profitable used car inventory. This role focuses on sourcing vehicles through auctions, trades, direct purchases, and other channels while maintaining inventory levels, cost controls, and market competitiveness across all rooftops or assigned locations.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive used vehicle purchasing strategy aligned with dealership goals.
• Source used vehicles through auctions, trade-ins, lease returns, direct purchases, and wholesale channels.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels, mix, age, and turn rates to maximize profitability and cash flow.
• Analyze market trends, pricing data, and competitive inventory to guide purchasing decisions.
• Ensure purchased inventory aligns with dealership brand standards and target customer demographics.
• Monitor cost of acquisition, reconditioning expenses, gross profit, and aging inventory.
• Establish purchasing benchmarks and gross margin targets.
• Minimize write-downs, over-allowances, and wholesale losses.
• Work closely with Sales Managers to align inventory with sales strategies.
• Coordinate with Service and Recon teams to ensure timely and cost-effective reconditioning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with auctions, wholesalers, and external vendors.
• Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate favorable terms and fees.
• Ensure compliance with auction policies, arbitration timelines, and transport requirements.
• Ensure all purchases comply with state laws, titling requirements, and dealership policies.
• Maintain accurate documentation for all vehicle acquisitions.
• Provide leadership, training, and guidance to buyers or purchasing team members

• 5+ years of experience in used vehicle purchasing, inventory management, or automotive sales leadership.
• Strong understanding of used vehicle markets, auction platforms, and valuation tools.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Experience working with dealership management systems (CDK, PBS, Reynolds, or similar).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.
• High level of integrity and attention to detail.