Manager, Franchised Operations

Position Summary The Manager, Franchise Operations serves as a key liaison between Auto Nation and its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners, supporting the management, administration, and governance of Auto Nation’s franchised dealership network. This role owns the administration of franchised dealership agreements and partners closely with Legal, M&A, CRES, Operations, Treasury, and other stakeholders to ensure franchise requirements are accurately documented, maintained, and executed.

The Manager, Franchise Operations is responsible for coordinating OEM and dealership documentation, supporting dealer application processes, tracking franchise-related requirements, and ensuring timely completion of critical activities associated with dealership acquisitions, divestitures, General Manager changes, and other franchise-related transactions. This role requires exceptional organization, attention to detail, follow-through, and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities across a complex, matrixed organization.

Key Responsibilities
• Serve as a primary liaison between Auto Nation and OEM partners on franchise-related matters, ensuring effective communication, timely follow-up, and alignment with OEM requirements.
• Manage and maintain franchised dealership agreements, including tracking key terms, requirements, amendments, renewals, and related documentation.
• Partner closely with Legal and M&A on acquisitions, divestitures, General Manager changes, dealership transactions, and other activities impacting franchise agreements.
• Coordinate and provide all required documentation and information for OEM Dealer Applications, ensuring submissions are complete, accurate, and timely.
• Maintain organized and accurate franchise records, agreements, approvals, correspondence, and supporting documentation.
• Track franchise-related milestones, deadlines, approvals, and outstanding requirements to ensure timely completion and resolution.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to gather required information and documentation and ensure alignment prior to OEM submissions.
• Monitor OEM franchise requirements and communicate changes, risks, and action items to appropriate Auto Nation leadership.
• Support the development and implementation of standardized franchise processes, procedures, and documentation to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Identify potential gaps, risks, or issues related to franchise agreements and proactively escalate and coordinate resolution.
• Prepare reports, status updates, and presentations related to franchise activity, agreements, applications, and transaction-related initiatives.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality when handling sensitive dealership, transaction, legal, and OEM information.
• Maintain and ensure the accuracy of dealership contact lists, including key dealership leadership, OEM contacts, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support Brand Presidents with OEM reporting, performance summaries, and presentation deck preparation to support business reviews and strategic discussions.
• Coordinate preparation for OEM meetings by gathering relevant data, compiling materials, tracking action items, and aligning with Brand Presidents and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with Brand Presidents to ensure OEM reporting and meeting materials are accurate, timely, and aligned with manufacturer priorities and performance expectations.
• Track OEM meeting follow-ups, commitments, and action items to support timely execution and accountability.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive operations, franchise management, OEM relations, M&A,…