Purpose of the Role

The Pre-Owned Operations Manager will establish, manage, and grow the OEM’s pre-owned vehicle operations. Initially, the focus will be on controlling and professionalising the Tradeback process via an outsourced partner, ensuring cost efficiency, pricing alignment, and operational oversight. Over time, the role will expand to supporting the development of a dedicated Pre-Owned Division, contributing towards a structured resale strategy, widening resale partner networks, and enhancing the brand’s presence in the pre-owned commercial truck market.

Key Responsibilities

1. Tradeback & Partner Oversight

• • Manage all aspects of the OEM tradeback process with outsourced partner:
    • Vehicle return processing from clients into OEM stock.
    • Transfer of units into partner’s stock yard and system.
    • Tracking, reporting, and reconciling stock movements.
  • Monitor refurbishment, repair, and readiness processes for returned vehicles.
  • Control and approve cost allocations for pre-owned activities (transport, reconditioning, storage).
  • Determine wholesale pricing structures for tradeback units supplied to the partner.
  • Conduct gap analysis between new and pre-owned market pricing to optimise competitiveness.
  • Develop reporting structures for pre-owned stock, costs, and profitability.

2. Establishing Pre-Owned Division

• • Design and implement pre-owned policies, processes, and systems aligned with OEM standards.
  • Build business cases for expanding beyond outsourced operations into an internal division.
  • Engage and develop new resale partners to broaden market reach.
  • Define resale partner criteria, performance measures, and contractual frameworks.
  • Create marketing and positioning strategies for pre-owned trucks under the OEM brand.
  • Integrate pre-owned strategy with dealer network, ensuring synergy with new truck sales.

3. Division Growth & Leadership

• • Transition pre-owned activities into a structured OEM Pre-Owned Division.
  • Develop a dedicated team (as business scales) to manage operations, pricing, and resale partner relationships.
  • Drive profitability and revenue contribution from pre-owned operations as a standalone business unit.
  • Provide regular performance updates and strategic recommendations to senior management.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Operational Efficiency: Turnaround time of tradeback vehicles into stock and resale.
• Financial Control: Cost management within approved budgets; gross margin per tradeback unit.
• Pricing Competitiveness: Alignment of wholesale pricing with market benchmarks and gap analysis outcomes.
• Stock Management: Accuracy and completeness of reporting on returned and resale-ready vehicles.
• Partner Management: Performance and compliance of outsourced partner against agreed SLAs.
• Division Growth: Establishment of new resale partners, increase in resale volumes, profitability contribution.
• Strategic Development: Delivery of Pre-Owned Division business plan and transition milestones.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong operational management and process discipline.
• Advanced financial and cost management skills.
• Strategic thinking with capability to design and scale new business units.
• Strong negotiation and partner management abilities.
• Analytical mindset for market and pricing analysis.
• High attention to detail and compliance discipline.
• Resilient, adaptable, and entrepreneurial in building a new division.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Business, Commerce, Logistics, or related field (or equivalent proven experience).
• 5–8 years’ experience in automotive/commercial vehicle sector, preferably in pre-owned operations, tradeback, or fleet management.
• Proven experience in managing outsourced partners and operational processes.
• Track record in cost control, pricing strategy, and margin protection.
• Exposure to dealer networks and pre-owned resale channels advantageous.
• Experience in setting up or scaling business operations will be highly regarded.

Collaboration

• Works closely with:
  • Sales & Dealer Network teams (for alignment with new sales and tradeback inflows).
  • Outsourced pre-owned partner teams (operations, logistics, stock management).
  • Finance (for cost and pricing management).
  • After-Sales & Technical teams (for vehicle condition and readiness assessments).