Chief Operating Officer

Job title: Chief Operating Officer, Multi-Location Automotive Service (Confidential Search)Location: Denver, CO area · On-site, with regular travel to locationsEmployment type: Full-timeAbout the companyHQHR is conducting a confidential senior leadership search on behalf of a client. Every conversation is private.About the roleOur client is an established, owner-led group of full-service automotive repair centers operating across several states. They are hiring a Chief Operating Officer to run day-to-day operations across the network, raise performance store by store, and work with ownership on growth. This is a hands-on operating seat for a leader who knows the service bay, the front counter and the store P&L.What you’ll do• Lead operations across a multi-state network of full-service repair centers: car count, average repair order, labor and parts margin, and store-level EBITDA.• Lead, coach and hold accountable the store and area managers, and build a bench of future leaders.• Set the operating rhythm: clear store scorecards, weekly performance reviews and consistent standards in every location.• Improve and standardize how the stores run: scheduling, estimating, parts purchasing, technician productivity, and the customer experience.• Own store-level hiring and spending decisions within an agreed framework.• Recommend pricing, promotions and vendor choices within the agreed strategy.• Work with ownership on budgets, forecasting, new locations and acquisitions.• Partner with an established operations leader already in the business.• Visit stores regularly across all markets.What you bring• Senior multi-location leadership in automotive service or repair. You currently run, or recently ran, a comparable or larger store footprint (regional VP or director, district or area leader, or COO/GM over multiple locations).• Full-service franchise experience is a strong plus, especially in national aftermarket repair systems.• Dealership fixed operations leaders who have run several service departments will also be considered.• Proven P&L ownership, with a track record of improving car count, ticket and margin.• A people leader who builds accountable teams and keeps good managers.• Comfortable with data: you run the business on numbers, not feel.• Based in Colorado, or willing to relocate.• A bachelor’s degree is preferred; equivalent operating experience counts.Compensation and benefits• Base salary: $200,000 to $250,000 per year• Annual incentive: target of $50,000 to $100,000, tied to store performance• Vehicle allowance• Medical, dental and vision coverage• Paid time off and paid holidays, including Colorado paid sick leave• Retirement plan• Company phone, laptop and business expense card• Relocation support for candidates moving to Colorado• Applications accepted until: Nov 30, 2026All inquiries are handled in confidence. Interested, or know someone who fits? Message me directly.