Inventory Manager / Vehicle Acquisition Manager

1st International Auto Group is a well-established, family-owned used car dealership and service center proudly serving the Merrimack community for over 14 years. We take great pride in our reputation for quality vehicles, exceptional service, and long-standing relationships with our customers. Our team is passionate, hardworking, and dedicated to delivering the best experience possible—whether it's sales, service, or detailing. We are currently looking for an experienced Inventory Manager / Vehicle Acquisition Manager to oversee our vehicle acquisition process, manage inventory flow, and help maximize profitability on every vehicle from purchase to sale. Position Overview The Inventory Manager will be responsible for managing the dealership's vehicle acquisition and inventory process from start to finish. This includes working with auctions, buyers, porters, the service department, and the sales team to make sure vehicles are purchased correctly, transported, inspected, repaired, detailed, photographed, priced, and ready for sale as quickly and profitably as possible. This is a key management position for someone who understands used vehicles, auction buying, reconditioning, pricing, and dealership operations. Responsibilities Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Oversee the dealership's vehicle acquisition and inventory process. Manage company buyers and assist with sourcing vehicles from auctions, trade-ins, wholesalers, private sellers, and other sources. Review potential purchases for market value, condition, expected recon cost, profit potential, and resale demand. Coordinate transportation of purchased vehicles from auctions and other locations. Manage porters and ensure vehicles are moved, organized, cleaned, and processed properly. Work closely with the Service Manager to inspect vehicles and determine needed repairs. Work with the Sales Manager to make smart recon decisions that protect front-end profit. Monitor each vehicle from purchase to frontline-ready status. Help control recon costs and avoid unnecessary repairs that reduce profitability. Prioritize vehicles that need to be ready quickly for sale. Track aging inventory and work with management on pricing, marketing, or wholesale decisions. Ensure vehicle information, photos, pricing, keys, paperwork, and status updates are accurate. Maintain strong communication between buying, service, detailing, sales, and management. Review auction purchases, arbitration issues, title delays, transport delays, and mechanical concerns. Help improve dealership processes related to inventory flow, vehicle readiness, and profitability. Hold buyers and porters accountable for their daily responsibilities. Make sure vehicles are presented professionally and ready for customers. Requirements Previous experience in the used automotive industry is required. Strong understanding of used vehicle values, auction buying, reconditioning, and resale profit. Experience with automotive auctions such as Manheim, Adesa, Openlane, ACV, or similar platforms is preferred. Ability to evaluate vehicles based on condition, market demand, and profit potential. Strong communication skills with service, sales, buyers, porters, and management. Ability to manage multiple vehicles and priorities at the same time. Strong attention to detail and follow-up. Ability to make practical decisions that balance repair cost, vehicle quality, and profitability. Basic computer skills and ability to work with dealership systems, spreadsheets, and online tools. Valid driver's license required. Must be reliable, organized, and able to work in a fast-paced dealership environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience managing used car inventory. Experience supervising buyers, lot attendants, porters, or recon staff. Knowledge of CarGurus, vAuto, Dealer Center, AutoCheck, CARFAX, or similar tools. Experience with aged inventory management. Mechanical knowledge or strong understanding of common used vehicle issues. Ability to negotiate with vendors, transporters, auctions, and repair providers. Compensation Compensation will be based on experience and performance. We are open to discussing a pay structure that may include: Base salary or weekly pay Performance bonuses Inventory turn / recon efficiency bonuses Profit-based incentives Final compensation will depend on experience, responsibilities, and agreed pay plan. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is not just a "lot manager." We are looking for someone who understands the full used car inventory cycle: buying the right cars, controlling recon, preparing vehicles quickly, working with service and sales, and helping the dealership maximize profit while maintaining vehicle quality. This position is best for someone with real used car dealership experience who can take ownership of inventory and help keep the dealership moving efficiently. How to Apply Please submit your resume and a brief description of your automotive experience. Candidates with used car dealership, auction, inventory management, or vehicle acquisition experience will be given priority.

Pay:

$53,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee discount Paid time off

Work Location:

In person