General Manager
Location: Erie, PA
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation & Benefits:
- Base Salary: $125K-$140K based on experience
- Bonus Potential: Up to 5% of net profit (~$25K) or a structured performance-based incentive (20% of base salary)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Cell phone and car allowance
- Professional development and networking opportunities
- Employee discounts on new vehicle purchases
- Relocation assistance available
About the Role:
Aquent, on behalf of our Auto Auction client, is seeking a General Manager (GM) to lead and expand a well-established auto auction business in Erie, PA. The GM will be responsible for overseeing all operational, financial, and strategic aspects of the auction, driving business growth, optimizing processes, and developing a high-performing team.
This role requires a seasoned leader with auto auction experience, strong business acumen, and the ability to bridge corporate strategies with on-the-ground execution. Candidates should be experienced in scaling operations, team leadership, financial management, and customer engagement within the auction or automotive sector.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Leadership & Team Management-Lead, mentor, and motivate cross-functional teams to enhance performance and engagement.
- Foster a strong company culture centered on operational efficiency and employee development.
- Set goals and KPIs for managers and conduct annual performance reviews.
- Partner with corporate leadership on hiring, recruiting, training, and retention strategies.
2. Business Strategy & Growth
- Act as a bridge between local operations and corporate leadership, ensuring alignment in performance, culture, and strategy.
- Develop and implement data-driven business strategies based on market trends, competitor analysis, and operational performance.
- Identify expansion opportunities to increase profitability and optimize auction processes.
- Prepare and present financial and operational reports to corporate stakeholders.
3. Operations & Financial Management
- Oversee the entire auction operation, including sales, logistics, and service functions.
- Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance, ensuring cost control and profitability.
- Ensure regulatory compliance with industry standards and company policies.
4. Customer & Dealer Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with dealers, fleet companies, financial institutions, and key industry partners.
- Act as the escalation point for major customer concerns and resolve conflicts effectively.
- Enhance customer experience by ensuring smooth transactions, high service standards, and dealer engagement initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Auto auction industry experience required
- 5+ years of leadership experience in automotive auctions, logistics, or a similar operational environment.
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
- Demonstrated ability to scale a business, optimize operations, and increase efficiency.
- Proven success in building and managing high-performing teams.
- Strong problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
- Experience in corporate reporting and stakeholder engagement is a plus.
- Familiarity with auction software and digital platforms is preferred.
Preferred Candidate Attributes:
- Charismatic and influential leader able to motivate teams and drive cultural change.
- Strategic thinker with an ability to see the big picture while managing daily operations.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills that can bridge corporate directives with team execution.
- Ability to identify business opportunities and implement strategic initiatives for long-term growth.
****This is an on-site role in Erie, PA, requiring a hands-on leader who can balance operational excellence, team leadership, and business growth. If you are ready to take ownership of a growing auto auction operation, apply today!
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