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Auction Operations Manager

Machine Tool Bids · Chicago, IL

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MissionOwn the execution of every Machine Tool Bids auction post contract signature through final equipment removal by creating operational clarity, financial accuracy, and an exceptional experience for buyers, sellers, and vendors.This role exists to ensure every auction is profitable, organized, and professionally executed while allowing the sales and auction teams to focus on winning business.Position SummaryThe Auction Operations Manager owns everything that happens operationally after an auction is secured.You'll coordinate internal teams, buyers, sellers, riggers, trucking companies, and accounting while ensuring every detail is accurate, from invoices to asset lists to equipment removal.Success in this position means auctions finish smoothly, customers remain happy, vendors get paid correctly, and Machine Tool Bids consistently protects and grows its profit margins.Core ResponsibilitiesAuction Operations• Review Auction Contracts for accuracy and coordinate with Account Managers to verify/clarify as needed.• Manage Accounts Receivable• Coordinate Accounts Payable• Ensure customer payments are collected• Verify vendor invoices prior to payment• Reconcile auction expenses• Protect company profitability through operational accuracyRigging & Logistics ManagementCoordinate all equipment removal activities including:• Obtaining rigging quotes• Negotiating rigging pricing• Scheduling riggers• Coordinating trucking logistics• Scheduling buyer pickups• Managing facility loading schedules• Resolving logistical conflicts• Working directly with buyers throughout equipment removalBuyer ExperienceServe as the primary operational contacts for auction buyers.Responsibilities include:• Answer inbound customer calls• Assist with invoicing questions• Explain payment procedures• Coordinate equipment pickup• Connect buyers with financing resources• Route technical equipment questions to the appropriate sales representative• Resolve customer issues professionallyVendor ManagementBuild book of Vendors and develop strong working relationships with:• Riggers• Trucking companies• Warehouses• Contractors• Service providersWhat Success Looks Like• Auctions execute without operational surprises• Buyers consistently have a positive experience• Vendor relationships continue to strengthen• Financial records are accurate• Rigging costs stay within budget• Asset lists are error-free• Equipment removal stays on schedule• Internal teams trust operational information• Problems are solved before they become crises Ideal CandidateYou are someone who enjoys bringing order to complexity.You naturally think several steps ahead and understand how small operational mistakes can create expensive downstream problems.You remain calm under pressure, communicate professionally, and know how to negotiate without damaging relationships.You enjoy solving problems and take pride in making difficult projects look easy. Skills & QualificationsRequired• Excellent organizational skills• Exceptional verbal and written communication• Experience working in a fast paced and self-driven environment• Strong negotiation abilities• Customer service mindset• Financial accuracy and attention to detail• Experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously• Comfortable working with vendors and customers• Ability to prioritize rapidly changing workloads• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google WorkspacePreferred• Industrial machinery experience• Auction industry experience• Logistics or transportation coordination especially with machinery• AP/AR experience• ERP or CRM software experience• Project management experience