Robert Grounds Email & Phone Number

Atlanta Metropolitan Area

Leading the implementation of Lean Practices across Cox Automotive, creating our future leaders and a culture of problem solvers!

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Cox Automotive was formed in 2014 to consolidate all of Cox's global automotive businesses, including Kelley Blue Book, Xtime, Autotrader.com, and Manheim. ◆ AVP Operational Excellence – I directed a team of operationally focused process leaders in a matrixed environment. My primary responsibility involved. identifying continuous improvement opportunities and manage productivity metrics and efficiencies.Among the key accomplishments were:► The enhancement and implementation of an organizational vision and providing thought leadership, insight, and influence around the organization's enterprise-wide strategy. ► The development and execution of a variety of client experience strategies that enhanced the overall value proposition ► Led efforts for reporting out metrics and operational performance dashboards for our executives.◆ AVP Product Management – In this position, I collaborated with both internal and external business stakeholders to determine the future direction of products and develop a successful go-to-market strategy.Key accomplishments:► The prioritization of process opportunities that addressed the strategic needs and pain points of Field Operations in conjunction with senior leadership► Delivering strategic leadership for the development and implementation of a Lean Center of Excellence ◆ Senior Director, Operational Excellence/Customer Experience – This position required the delivery of programs from strategy to business case creation through deployment and ongoing support of various high-profile initiatives.Major accomplishments:► Achievement of $550M in efficiencies through system and process redesign and $350m investment ► The turning around of an underperforming program into our highest performer

Atlanta, Ga

In this position, I collaborated with both internal and external business stakeholders to determine the future direction of products and develop a successful go-to-market strategy.Key accomplishments:► The prioritization of process opportunities that addressed the strategic needs and pain points of Field Operations in conjunction with senior leadership► Delivering strategic leadership for the development and implementation of a Lean Center of Excellence

Atlanta, Ga

This position required the delivery of programs from strategy to business case creation through deployment and ongoing support of various high-profile initiatives.Major accomplishments:► Achievement of $550M in efficiencies through system and process redesign and $350m investment ► The turning around of an underperforming program into our highest performer

Greater Atlanta Area

Manheim, Inc., a subsidiary of Cox Automotive since 2014, is an automobile auction company and the world's largest wholesale auto auction. During my tenure, I held two home office positions and several in various geographic locations in the US.◆ Senior Director, Field Operations MAFS/MCC – I managed corporate initiatives to meet cost control, risk management, budget optimization, and revenue generation goals.Major accomplishments:► Increased portfolio performance while controlling risk; secured $9B and unsecured $50B (MAFS) and reduced outstanding accounts receivable by 25%► Reduced labor costs by $6.5M, increased revenue by $8M for the client-facing business unit and increased cash flow by $120M.► Improved market presence and formalized the free-cash-flow initiative

Greater Atlanta Area

I led corporate programs and operations in the implementation of best practice methodologies across more than 80 locations with 150+ team members.Key accomplishments:► Established strategic long- and short-range business plans at each location increasing free cash flow and introduced and supervised the implementation of cross-functional labor management plans► Enhanced business capabilities by managing 3rd party customer data hub across multiple states and successfully led operational integrations post $1B acquisition of ADT Automotive.

Greater Atlanta Area

Manheim Orlando

Manheim Fredericksburg

Manheim Pittsburgh