Job Summary: The Auction Production Manager is a key operational leader responsible for the accurate, efficient, and timely execution of auction production from preparation through close. This role leads and develops a team, manages complex workflows and competing priorities, and works cross-functionally to ensure auction deadlines and quality standards are consistently met. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong critical thinking, sound judgment, clear and professional communication, and the ability to anticipate issues, make informed decisions, and drive solutions with a high degree of ownership and accountability. Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities: - Lead the accurate, efficient, and timely execution of auction production activities, including purchase orders, lot labeling, catalog layout, auction bidding, and all steps involved in conducting live and internet auction processes.
- Develop and maintain advanced knowledge of proprietary software and systems to support the production, cataloging, imaging, IT, and graphics teams in auction implementation and completion; quickly learn new systems, processes, and technology as business needs evolve.
- Lead, supervise, and develop auction clerks and lot labelers, setting clear expectations, providing coaching and training, addressing performance issues, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Manage the workflow of the auction clerking team, independently evaluating priorities, allocating resources, anticipating potential bottlenecks, and adjusting plans as needed to ensure deadlines and business objectives are met.
- Own escalated operational issues and complaints, gathering relevant information, evaluating options and risks, exercising sound judgment, and communicating clear, timely resolutions to appropriate stakeholders.
- Manage inventory control processes, including receiving, purchase orders, and organizing auction items, ensuring accuracy and proper handling throughout the auction cycle.
- Consistently enforce company policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety regulations among production staff, holding team members accountable and addressing issues promptly and professionally.
- Build strong cross-functional partnerships with cataloging, imaging, auctioneers, graphics, shipping, administration, IT, and other teams; communicate priorities, dependencies, risks, and decisions clearly to keep auction production aligned and on schedule.
- Use data, observation, and critical analysis to identify process gaps, recurring issues, and opportunities for operational improvement; recommend and implement practical solutions that improve accuracy, efficiency, communication, and overall performance.
- Oversee auction uploading, launch, live execution, and closing to ensure live and internet-only auctions begin on time and run smoothly from start to finish. Develop staffing schedules, confirm coverage, and communicate plans and changes proactively with appropriate departments.
Required Skills/Proficiencies: - Strong leadership presence with a demonstrated ability to lead, develop, motivate, and hold teams accountable while achieving measurable results.
- Excellent organizational, planning, and time-management skills, with the ability to assess competing priorities, delegate effectively, and maintain accuracy under tight deadlines.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex or time-sensitive information clearly, directly, and professionally to employees, peers, senior leadership, customers, and other stakeholders.
- High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and demonstrated aptitude for learning proprietary systems, auction management software, and new technology quickly.
- Strong critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the intellectual curiosity and judgment to identify root causes, evaluate alternatives, recognize downstream impacts, and implement effective solutions.
- Ability to operate with initiative and appropriate independence, make sound decisions with incomplete or evolving information, and adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, paired with the ability to understand broader operational objectives and make decisions that support the business as a whole.
- Demonstrated maturity, professionalism, and executive-level judgment, with the confidence to raise concerns, challenge assumptions constructively, and recommend a clear path forward.
Education and Experience: - Bachelor's degree strongly preferred; an equivalent combination of college education and substantial relevant professional experience may be considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in operations, production, auction services, logistics, or a similarly complex deadline-driven environment, including at least 2 years of direct supervisory or people-management experience. Auction industry experience is preferred but not required for a candidate with strong transferable leadership and operational experience.
Salary: $65,000 - $82,000 Annually Benefits: - Health Insurance - Including: Medical, vision, dental, life insurance, AD& D, Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Employee Assistance
- Paid vacation and holidays
- 401K Plan W/Company Match
Ability to commute/relocate: Costa Mesa, CA 92626: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred) Work Location: In office Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates must be authorized to work in U.S. Thorough background check. This is a full-time position. No recruiters.
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