Automotive Operations Manager

• Department: Automotive Production
• Location: Sydney
• Description
• At Carma, we’re more than just a car company, we’re on a mission to shake up the Australian automotive industry!
• As a digital pre-owned car dealership, we’re turning the car buying experience into a hassle-free, seamless journey that customers can truly enjoy.
• With our diverse and collaborative team managing everything from engineering to marketing and buying to reconditioning in-house, we’re powered by the best people and we’d love for you to come along for the ride.

As an Automotive Operations Manager, you own the performance of the production system across inspection, merchandising and outbound. This is not a coordination role - you are accountable for ensuring vehicles move efficiently, consistently and to standard across the entire operation.

What you'll be doing?

Own the system: Deliver throughput, quality, cost and flow outcomes across inspection, merchandising and outbound. Keep cars moving and hit targets.

Drive performance visibility: Build and maintain clear dashboards and operating rhythms to track performance, identify issues early and drive accountability.

Identify disruptions early: Monitor workflows to spot breaks in flow such as growing queues, delays, idle time or rework — before they escalate.

Root Cause Resolution: Solve the “why,” not just the “what.” Lead structured root cause analysis across quality, cost and performance issues to ensure permanent fixes.

Process Optimisation: Continuously improve workflow, sequencing and resource allocation to remove inefficiencies and optimise throughput.

Quality Standardisation: Ensure work is completed to standard every time by embedding consistent processes and preventing drift.

High-Performance Leadership: Lead, coach and develop your leaders and teams, setting clear expectations and building capability to deliver outcomes through others.

Own the end-to-end system: Take accountability across all production areas — if one part of the system fails, you own the outcome.

Cost Ownership: Manage labour, consumables and operational inputs, identifying and delivering cost efficiencies.

Continuous Improvement: Champion Lean principles including standard work, 5S, waste elimination and Kaizen initiatives.

Strategic Escalation: Identify system-level constraints and escalate effectively to ensure cross-functional issues are resolved.

Okay, let’s talk about you:

Minimum 5 years’ experience in a leadership role within a production, automotive, or workshop environment.

Proven experience managing diverse teams, including both technical and non-technical skillsets.

Experience leading through others.

Demonstrated ability to build leadership capability and deliver outcomes through others.

Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing cost and driving operational performance.

Proven experience improving efficiency, productivity, and cost outcomes.

Strong problem-solving capability, including structured root cause analysis.

Experience designing, implementing, and embedding standardised processes.

Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma).

Strong stakeholder management skills across cross-functional teams.

Technically savvy, with the ability to work across multiple systems (DMS exposure preferred).

Comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level.

Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence and align teams.

High attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Trade background or industry experience is advantageous, but not essential.

Valid and clean NSW Driver’s Licence.

What's in it for you?

We wouldn’t be a car business if we didn’t give you some $$ off our Carma cars, parts and NRMA cover.

Join our high-performing, forward-thinking team and help shake up car buying in Australia.

Join a team that values quality as much as quantity — we believe in working hard, having fun and delivering an exceptional product.

At Carma, we’re all about fostering an amazing culture, where you can bring your best self to work! We value collaboration, innovation and having a laugh at work. Plus, we’re committed to diversity, inclusion and safe work practices, so no matter your background or experience (or car brand of choice!) we’d love to hear from you. Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments during the interview process.