CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - Hickman Automotive Group

Higher Talent is excited to partner with Hickman Automotive Group in St. John's, NL, to recruit an innovative and passionate Chief Operating Officer (COO) for this dynamic, family-driven organization.

WHO WE ARE:

Hickman Automotive Group, a fourth-generation family-owned and operated business, has been a cornerstone of the automotive industry in Newfoundland and Labrador since 1905. With 13 locations across Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, we proudly represent a variety of brands including Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, RAM, FIAT, Volvo, Mack, Isuzu, Nissan, Honda, and Harley-Davidson. We are also home to the Hickman Select Certified Pre-Owned Network and Hickman Autospa.

Our commitment to excellent service is anchored by our core value: Family Drives Everything. To learn more about us, please visit: https://www.hickmangroup.ca/en/about-us.

THE ROLE:

We are seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to complement our already successful leadership team. As COO, you will serve as the conductor of our organizational orchestra, implementing strategic goals set by ownership while driving operational excellence of 10 automotive dealerships and coordinating our head office support teams.

This is a pivotal leadership role, ensuring profitability and sustainability while upholding the proven values that have made Hickman Automotive Group successful for over a century.

ABOUT YOU:

• You are at the point in your career where your track record of operational success has prepared you for this next big challenge.

Experience and Education:

• Extensive leadership experience in operations, business growth, and project management, with a proven track record in change management.
• A bachelor's degree in business or a related field is required; an MBA or other advanced degree is considered an asset.

Key Competencies:

• Family Drives Everything: Support the growth and challenges of a family-driven culture. Balancing compassion and accountability while motivating everyone to excel.
• Passion for Growth: A hunger to innovate, improve profitability, and drive business success through innovative and creative thinking.
• Team Development: A mentor and coach, you know how to empower teams, foster collaboration, and hold everyone accountable for results.
• Follow-Through & Action: You don't let initiatives drop. You keep projects moving and ensure teams are action-oriented and deliver results.
• Big Picture Thinker: Ability to see how every decision impacts the overall organization and can prioritize accordingly.
• Strong Communicator: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Adept at adapting your style to different audiences and handling tough, honest conversations.
• Analytical & Strategic: Ability to interpret organizational data, identify trends, and drive actionable strategies.
• Self-Aware Leader: You recognize how your leadership style impacts team dynamics and organizational outcomes.

WHY CHOOSE US?

• At Hickman Automotive Group, we are more than just a team - we're family. We support, challenge, and empower each other to grow and succeed.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

• An attractive total compensation package, including:
• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based incentives
• Company vehicle
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Defined contribution pension plan
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• A role based in St. John's, NL, with regular travel to dealership branches across the province and to manufacturer meetings.
• A dynamic and rewarding leadership position where hard work and dedication are balanced with encouragement to recharge and replenish yourself.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are ready to step into this exciting growth opportunity and bring your leadership expertise and passion for operational excellence to a growing, family-driven organization, apply today!

• To apply in confidence online: http://jumpcareers.ca/bullhorn/#/jobs/1345

For more information, please contact:

Christine Phillips | HR Consultant & Executive Recruiter | christine@highertalent.ca

Higher Talent | https://highertalent.ca/

At Higher Talent we recognize the value of diversity and are committed to making intentional steps toward building inclusive teams that better reflect the communities Higher Talent and the organizations we serve operate within. We believe that inclusion is not just about making room at the table but about seeking out talent through a diversity lens and letting everyone know that their unique perspectives are important contributions to building stronger workplaces in a changing world. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for our posted positions. We welcome candidates to self-identify or make our recruitment team aware of any potential accommodations they may need during the recruitment process. This opportunity is only available for candidates legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates being considered for an interview will be contacted.