Arbitration Director (Manheim)

The Director of Arbitration is responsible for leading arbitration operations across a region, serving as a strategic partner to General Managers and the Regional Vice President. This role plays a critical part in driving regional consistency, operational excellence, and compliance with NAAA guidelines and organizational policies. The Director is accountable for mitigating financial and reputational risks by proactively managing arbitration claims, ensuring policy adherence, and overseeing loss prevention programs. Additionally, the Director will collaborate with other Regional Directors across the organization to ensure cross‑regional consistency, share best practices, and engage in strategic planning initiatives. By leveraging data‑driven insights, the Director will shape the future of arbitration operations and contribute to the company’s risk management and continuous improvement efforts. Location & Travel Finalized candidate must be based out of or willing to relocate to Riverside, CA, Anaheim, CA, Fontana, CA, or Phoenix, AZ. Travel expected to be 40%. What You’ll Do Team Leadership & Development: Lead and mentor a team of Senior Managers, Arbitration Managers, and other arbitration staff across the region. Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence while providing development opportunities for team members to grow in their roles. Escalation & Complex Case Management: Serve as the ultimate escalation point for high‑risk arbitration disputes, including cases with significant financial or reputational implications. Collaborate with senior leadership, legal teams, and external stakeholders to resolve critical issues while maintaining compliance with NAAA guidelines. Regional Leadership & Strategy Execution: Lead arbitration operations across a region, serving as a strategic partner to General Managers and the Regional Vice President to align arbitration strategies with broader organizational goals. Ensure consistent execution of arbitration initiatives that drive operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and compliance across locations. Policy & Compliance Oversight: Lead the review and communication of arbitration policies across the region, ensuring compliance with NAAA guidelines and local regulations. Partner with other Regional Directors to ensure consistent application of policies nationwide. Risk Mitigation & Loss Prevention: Develop and implement regional loss prevention programs aimed at reducing risks associated with arbitration claims, including those within a substantial $5+ billion claims portfolio. Analyze arbitration data to identify patterns of risk and collaborate with other Regional Directors to establish preventative measures that mitigate financial and reputational losses. Industry Representation & Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the organization at industry forums, including the NAAA Standards Committee, and ensure the company remains competitive in arbitration best practices. Act as a key point of contact for external stakeholders, ensuring that arbitration trends and challenges are addressed in collaboration with national leadership. Cross‑Regional Collaboration & Strategic Planning: Collaborate with other Regional Directors of Arbitration across the organization to ensure cross‑regional consistency in arbitration operations. Engage in strategic planning sessions with other directors, sharing best practices, developing national policies, and implementing initiatives to drive efficiency and continuous improvement at a national level. Cross‑Location Arbitration Consistency: Ensure that arbitration processes are standardized across all locations in the region. Lead the development of best practices and operational tools to streamline arbitration procedures and reduce variability in case outcomes. Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Drive regional continuous improvement initiatives in arbitration, focusing on process optimization, cost reduction, and enhanced client service. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including Operations Excellence (OpEx), Technology, and Risk Management, to implement innovative tools and processes that improve arbitration operations across the region. Performance & KPI Management: Oversee the regional arbitration team’s performance, ensuring that KPIs related to resolution times, customer satisfaction, and financial outcomes are consistently met. Utilize data and analytics to identify trends, improve efficiency, and inform regional and national arbitration strategies. Required Experience & Specialized Knowledge and Skills Bachelor’s degree in business, automotive services, or a related field. 10+ years of experience in arbitration, operations management, or risk management within the automotive auctio