The Vehicle Acquisition Specialist is a strategic position focusing on the procurement and management of pre-owned inventory for our dealerships in Shawnee, OK. The position ensures a consistent supply of appropriate pre-owned vehicles to meet the dealership's sales and profitability objectives. This role is responsible for managing appraisal and acquisition strategies to optimize used vehicle inventory levels. The Vehicle Acquisition Consultant collaborates closely with dealership leadership, used car directors, and executive leadership to support profitability and ensure consistent performance. Success is achieved through strong leadership, data-driven decision making, and market expertise.
DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Key Performance Indicators include but not limited to: Inventory acquisition volume, gross profit per vehicle, days to turn, reconditioning cost, inventory optimization.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive vehicle buying strategy aligned with dealership sales goals.
- Source vehicles through auctions, direct-to-consumer purchases, trade-ins, wholesalers, and digital platforms.
- Monitor local and national market trends to identify profitable buying opportunities.
- Maintain optimal inventory mix (make, model, price range, turn rate).
- Track and analyze metrics such as acquisition cost, front-end gross, days-to-turn, and ROI.
- Manage buying center budget and expense controls.
- Collaborate with General Manager and Used Car Manager to align inventory with sales needs.
- Provide regular reporting to executive leadership on acquisition performance.
- Oversee daily appraisal activities, ensuring evaluations are accurate, competitive, and aligned with Cooper Auto Group standards.
- Communicate on a regular basis with dealership management team to identify challenges, inventory gaps, consumer trends, and other applicable opportunities.
- Understand needs and tailor acquisition goals accordingly.
- Monitor key performance metrics and provide regular reporting to executive leadership.
- Analyze market trends, auction data, and pricing guides to maintain competitive offers.