Vice President of Operations (Automotive Technology SaaS)

Overview

Responsibilities

• Direct the customer success and implementation teams to ensure efficient software rollouts across dealership networks.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators for operational efficiency and customer retention.
• Manage the departmental budget and allocate resources to support strategic growth initiatives.
• Collaborate with product development teams to align software features with dealership business requirements.
• Lead large-scale organizational change initiatives to improve service delivery and internal collaboration.
• Review operational workflows regularly to identify bottlenecks and implement scalable technology solutions.
• Represent the operational interests of the company during high-level contract negotiations with major automotive groups.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is typically required.
• Extensive experience in senior operational leadership within a SaaS or technology-driven environment is essential.
• A proven track record of managing customer onboarding and success teams is necessary for this role.
• Deep knowledge of the automotive industry and dealership business models is a fundamental requirement.
• Advanced skills in strategic planning and financial management are expected at the executive level.
• Strong communication skills for presenting operational strategies to the board of directors and stakeholders are required.

Nice to have

• A Master of Business Administration or equivalent advanced degree is often preferred for executive candidates.
• Experience working with Dealership Management Systems or other specialized automotive software provides a competitive advantage.
• Professional certification in project management or Lean Six Sigma methodologies is highly regarded.

Work environment

• Work is typically conducted in a professional office setting with frequent hybrid or remote options available.
• The role involves high levels of collaboration with executive leadership, sales, and engineering departments.
• Frequent travel to meet with major dealership groups or attend industry conferences is often necessary.
• Standard business hours are common, though high-pressure deadlines often require extended evening or weekend work.
• Modern digital tools for project management, CRM, and data analytics are central to daily operations.

Benefits & growth

• Total compensation usually includes a significant base salary supplemented by performance-based annual bonuses.
• Equity grants or stock options are standard components of executive packages in growth-stage SaaS companies.
• Career progression often leads to Chief Operating Officer or President-level roles within the technology sector.
• Professional development opportunities include executive coaching and specialized leadership programs for senior management.