Assistant Director, Vehicle Damage Operations

Merchants Fleet, a leader in innovative fleet management solutions, is seeking a results-driven Assistant Director of Vehicle Damage Operations to lead our vehicle damage strategy across the U.S. This is a high-impact, hybrid leadership role that combines strategic oversight with day-to-day operational excellence.

Join us in transforming vehicle repair, reconditioning, and cost management with a focus on quality, speed, and vendor performance. If you're passionate about operational efficiency, team leadership, and driving measurable results, we want to hear from you.

Location: Hybrid (Hooksett, NH + remote)

Travel: Minimal

Salary Range: $90,000 to $105,000  

Actual compensation will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills, and is aligned with industry benchmarks.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and refine nationwide vehicle damage operations—estimation, repair, and reconditioning
• Develop and implement strategic operating plans to maximize fleet performance and profitability
• Monitor and optimize KPIs including technician productivity, downtime, repair cost, and quality metrics
• Own budgeting and forecasting for repair and service-related expenses
• Manage internal teams and vendor networks to ensure timely, high-quality repairs
• Champion a culture of accountability and continuous improvement through data, technology, and best practices
• Lead a talented damage ops team through hiring, development, and performance management
• Ensure operational safety, compliance, and HR alignment

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 6+ years of progressive leadership in vehicle damage, repair, or maintenance operations (rental or fleet background strongly preferred)
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams (10+ team members)
• Strong financial acumen with budgeting, forecasting, and cost control experience
• Expertise in vehicle repair processes, appraisal systems, and insurance workflows
• Skilled in vendor negotiations, stakeholder alignment, and cross-functional collaboration
• Analytical thinker with a continuous improvement mindset
• Comfortable in a hybrid work model with occasional in-person collaboration

The Company 

You're invigorated by team collaboration and a fast-paced work environment. Opportunities for growth motivate you to always bring your A-game. You’re tired of being told “no” when you think of ways to improve, innovate, and do things better.

There’s a place for people like you. Welcome to Merchants Fleet.

We’ve been around for more than 60 years, but we’re the fastest growing fleet management company in North America. The fleet industry is behind every delivered package, the summertime memories kids make on their way to camp, and the heavy-duty trucks and vans that keep the lights on. That’s a lot of responsibility, and why we want our employees to always be at their best.

Everything at Merchants Fleet is fueled by our entrepreneurial spirit, including:

• Leadership who truly lead and engage with employees   
• Real career paths and the tools you need to grow and develop  
• A work environment that’s encouraging and collaborative

We know employees won’t stay if they’re not happy, which is why we provide a great benefits package on top of our award-winning work environment. In fact, we’ve just made the “Great Companies to Work For in NH” list for the eighth year in a row and have a 88% employee satisfaction score (higher than the national average of 57%).

So, what are you waiting for? See why a career with Merchants Fleet is the best decision your future self has ever made.