Recon Manager- WE BUY CARS x1
- Location: Bloemfontein
- Industry: Automotive
- Job Level: Intermediate Management
- Workplace Type: On-site
Job Purpose
The Recon Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the vehicle reconditioning (recon) process to ensure vehicles are prepared efficiently, cost-effectively, and within targeted turnaround times. The role focuses on managing recon teams, coordinating with workshops, monitoring vehicle status, controlling costs, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring operational targets are achieved.
The successful candidate will lead the recon department, optimise resources, build relationships with workshops and OEM partners, and ensure vehicles move through the recon process efficiently to support business performance.
Key Responsibilities
Recon Department Management
- Manage the daily operations of the recon office.
- Ensure recon processes run efficiently across branches.
- Introduce and improve systems and operational processes where necessary.
- Monitor performance against departmental KPIs.
- Ensure timely completion of all recon activities.
- Minimise delays and improve vehicle turnaround times.
Team Leadership and Staff Management
- Lead, supervise, and support recon staff.
- Ensure sales staff receive appropriate training related to recon processes.
- Monitor employee performance and productivity.
- Promote adherence to company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
- Foster a culture of accountability and performance excellence.
Workshop and Supplier Management
- Source and establish relationships with new workshops and OEM partners.
- Manage relationships with external workshops.
- Monitor workshop performance and service delivery.
- Ensure effective communication between workshops and operational teams.
- Prevent communication breakdowns that may impact vehicle delivery timelines.
Vehicle Recon and Maintenance Oversight
- Manage OEM vehicle processes.
- Monitor vehicle repairs and reconditioning progress.
- Identify and correct inaccurate vehicle information.
- Ensure vehicle service histories are accurately updated on systems.
- Prevent warranty losses through proper process management.
- Ensure quality standards are maintained throughout the recon process.
Cost Control and Efficiency Management
- Drive cost-saving initiatives at workshop level.
- Monitor recon expenses and operational efficiency.
- Ensure optimal utilisation of resources.
- Support profitability through effective recon management.
Planning and Coordination
- Coordinate AAA and ageing stock vehicles.
- Monitor reserve vehicle lead times.
- Attend daily production meetings.
- Ensure reserve vehicle information remains accurate and up to date.
- Structure vehicle deals to maximise delivery of financed vehicles.
Reporting and KPI Management
- Conduct weekly KPI review meetings.
- Monitor recon status and vehicle turnaround times.
- Track performance against recon targets.
- Provide updates and reports to management.
- Maintain accurate records within business systems such as Nexus.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The Recon Manager will be measured on:
- Average days vehicles remain in reserve status.
- Average days vehicles remain in recon status.
- Recon turnaround time.
- Certified Sticker vehicle targets achieved.
- Golden Sticker vehicle targets achieved.
- Cost-saving initiatives implemented.
- Workshop performance and efficiency.
- Warranty preservation and compliance.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- Grade 12 (Matric).
- Valid Code 8 Driver’s Licence.
Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a similar management role.
- Experience within the automotive industry.
- Experience managing vehicle reconditioning or workshop operations.
- Proven leadership and people management experience.
Technical Requirements
- Strong technical automotive knowledge.
- Understanding of vehicle repairs and reconditioning processes.
- Experience with operational management systems.
- Knowledge of vehicle quality standards and inspections.
Required Skills and Competencies
Leadership Skills
- Team management and supervision.
- Performance management.
- Coaching and staff development.
- Decision-making and accountability.
Operational Management
- Process improvement.
- Resource planning and allocation.
- Cost management.
- Workflow optimisation.
Communication Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication.
- Relationship-building skills.
- Stakeholder management.
- Workshop and supplier engagement.
Problem-Solving Skills
- Analytical thinking.
- Root cause analysis.
- Conflict resolution.
- Proactive issue management.
Personal Attributes
- Confident and proactive.
- Highly organised.
- Results-driven.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Strong sense of responsibility and ownership