Director of Talent Acquisition (Technicians)

AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering innovative products, exceptional services, and comprehensive solutions, empowering our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. With a network of dealerships nationwide strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.

So what do you say? Are you ready to be part of something big?

As the Director of Talent Acquisition, you will lead and shape AutoNation’s strategy for recruiting top talent across our Technician, AMS (Aftermarket Services), and Collision Repair teams. This position requires a proven leader with extensive experience managing high-performing teams of managers and recruiters, while staying hands-on in high-level recruiting efforts, preferably with Automotive Technicians and/or other skilled trades. With responsibility spanning a large geographic area and high-volume recruiting, you’ll be instrumental in driving key talent acquisition initiatives that support AutoNation’s mission to attract and retain the best talent in the industry.

This position is based on-site at either Irving, Texas or Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
We’re looking for a dynamic leader who excels in a fast-paced environment, thrives on solving complex recruiting challenges, and can roll up their sleeves to contribute directly when needed.

If you’re passionate about shaping the future of automotive retail and skilled trades recruitment, we invite you to apply!

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and manage teams of talent acquisition managers and recruiters responsible for technician and skilled trade hiring across multiple business units, including Aftermarket Services and Collision Repair.
• Develop and execute a robust recruitment strategy for high-volume technician, technical, and skilled trades roles, ensuring alignment with business needs and growth objectives.
• Elevate AutoNation’s employer brand within the skilled trades and automotive industries, positioning the company as the employer of choice.
• Drive recruiting innovation by implementing advanced sourcing strategies, leveraging technology, and building talent pipelines through partnerships with technical schools, trade programs, and referral networks.
• Ensure talent acquisition processes are optimized for efficiency and effectiveness, improving candidate experience and reducing time-to-hire without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and operational managers to proactively develop workforce planning strategies that address current and future talent needs across the organization.
• Manage and analyze key recruitment metrics, reporting regularly to the VP of Talent Acquisition, and recommending data-driven strategies for improvement.
• Stay hands-on in recruiting senior-level or specialized roles as needed to ensure the right talent is brought into critical functions.
• Ensure competitive and fair offer processes are followed to attract top candidates, including management of compensation discussions and candidate negotiations.
• Oversee ATS utilization and reporting, ensuring accuracy in tracking recruitment performance and identifying areas for improvement.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and partners, ensuring high service levels and value in recruitment partnerships.

Required Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in talent acquisition management, particularly within high-volume recruiting, skilled trades, or technical recruitment in a large-scale, multi-location environment.
• Proven success in managing managers and building high-performing teams, including talent acquisition for technician and skilled trade positions.
• Experience with recruitment for AMS/Collision Repair and familiarity with the automotive retail industry.
• Strong operational mindset with the ability to drive process improvements and manage complex recruitment operations.
• Demonstrated ability to work hands-on in recruitment for senior or specialized roles while leading and mentoring teams.
• Advanced experience with ATS systems and data management, particularly in tracking and reporting recruitment metrics in high-volume environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and partner with multiple stakeholders, including executive management and field leaders.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and external recruiting partnerships to support high-volume hiring needs.