Mech Shop Lead at Carvana in Grimes, IA

About Us

ADESA, a Carvana-owned company, currently operates in over 50 locations throughout the US. Our auto auctions, some up to 200 acres, provide a wide array of vehicle services, including repair, reconditioning, and auction remarketing, and many of our sites serve as market hub distribution centers. Our inventory comprises hundreds of thousands of vehicles across North America, from retail to commercial, OEM & more.

We work in a service industry and embrace a “we” versus “I” culture – help others, and they will help you. Our industry is fun, fast-paced, and competitive – and filled with the best people who are passionate about what they do.

We’re excited about the future! As an industry leader, ADESA is poised for a multi-year expansion, including huge investments in facilities, massive sales growth, and an ever-increasing inventory of vehicles! We are looking for great people who want to take this journey with us! Get a sneak peek into life at ADESA!

Role and Team

• Reporting to the Reconditioning Manager or other designated manager, you will serve as the primary people leader for the mechanical services department. You are responsible for managing a team of direct reports, including Auto Mech I, II, and III, holding them accountable for technical excellence, production throughput, and safety compliance while ensuring all vehicle repairs meet high standards for auction readiness.

Responsibilities

• People Leadership & Accountability: Lead, manage, and hold the mechanical team accountable for daily performance. Monitor individual workloads, provide technical guidance, and ensure all technicians meet productivity and quality targets.
• Operational Oversight: Plan and coordinate daily shop activities to optimize productivity and profitability. Manage the flow of vehicles through the shop, ensuring diagnostic and repair timelines are met.
• Training & Mentorship: Oversee the onboarding and skill development of the technician team. Ensure Auto Mech I and II roles are developing toward higher proficiencies and that all staff are trained on shop safety and equipment.
• Performance Monitoring: Review repair orders and shop metrics to ensure accurate parts usage, labor hour management, and overall shop efficiency.
• Quality Control: Perform final inspections on repaired vehicles to ensure work is completed to ADESA and customer standards, reducing the risk of post-sale arbitration.
• Safety Leadership: Implement and strictly enforce all safety policies and OSHA requirements. Conduct regular shop safety audits and ensure all equipment is in a safe, working condition.
• Inventory & Supply Management: Monitor and maintain shop equipment and facility conditions. Coordinate with the parts department to ensure necessary supplies and components are available for scheduled repairs.
• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Communicate with Lot Operations, Detail, and Administrative teams to synchronize production flow and meet sale day deadlines.
• Other Duties: Perform any other duties assigned by the designated manager.

Skills and Attributes

• Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of automotive repair, diagnostics, and mechanical shop operations.
• Leadership Capability: Proven ability to lead a team of varying skill levels, delegate tasks effectively, and drive a culture of accountability.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to review shop metrics and identify opportunities for workflow improvement and cost-saving measures.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to provide clear technical direction and performance feedback.
• Customer Focus: Committed to delivering high-quality repairs that ensure a positive buyer experience and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of automotive mechanical experience; prior leadership or supervisory experience is highly preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of mechanical repair processes and proficiency with shop management software and inventory systems.
• Education: High School diploma or GED required; Technical degree or ASE Certifications preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license that meets requirements.
• Able to safely drive and operate a variety of vehicle makes, models, and sizes.

ADESA Values

• Our Next Customer May Be Your Mom: Every customer deserves the same level of care and respect one would give to their own mother.
• We’re All in This Together: The company is unified by the shared goal of providing fantastic customer experiences, achieved through mutual trust, respect, and understanding.
• There Are No Sidelines: Employees are encouraged to be proactive, work hard, and take ownership of what needs to be done in a fast-paced environment.
• Be Brave: Employees should not fear taking risks, pushing themselves outside their comfort zones, or being decisive, even if they stumble along the way.
• Zag Forward: The company empowers creative and passionate thinking to find meaningful ways to be different and deliver amazing experiences.
• Don’t Be a Richard: A simple guiding principle to act appropriately and professionally.
• Stay Scrappy: This value rejects mediocrity and "good enough," pushing employees to do more with less to pass savings on to customers.

ADESA Benefits and Perks

Competitive Pay | Quality Benefits | Holiday and Paid Time Off | Education and Equipment Reimbursement Programs | Matching 401(k) | Career Path Opportunities | And More!

Other Requirements

To be able to do your job at ADESA, there are some basic requirements we want to share with you. Of course, we’ll make any reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs.

• The physical activity requirements of the position range from Medium to Heavy Physical Work.
  • Constant - standing, watching, touching, listening, walking, talking
  • Frequent - bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting, grasping, pushing, pulling
  • Potential – **** running, jumping, yelling, or other rapid or forceful movement in emergencies
• Visual acuity requirements include color, depth perception, and field of vision comparable to definitions for Clerical, Administrative, and Machine Operators (including inspection) positions.

Physical Working Conditions

This position is subject to both inside and outside environmental working conditions, including temperature changes, outside weather conditions, slightly elevated ambient noise levels, and minor atmospheric conditions affecting skin or respiratory systems, such as fumes, odors, and dust associated with internal and external service station/convenience food and petroleum dispensing operations.

To be able to do your job at ADESA, you must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Of course, we’ll make any reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs.

Legal Stuff

Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

ADESA is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. ADESA also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Please note that this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.