Executive Director

The Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) is a voluntary industry association representing 95 businesses primarily engaged in the acquisition of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), their proper treatment and handling, and the subsequent recycling or re-use of the parts and materials recovered.

In addition, OARA has 50 Associate Members, supplying services to the ELV industry in Ontario.

OARA has been the voice of the auto recycling industry in Ontario since 1992 and has kept the sector informed and involved with input and information into current industry trends and government legislative initiatives that affect auto recyclers.

In addition, numerous membership benefits are developed and made available to enhance each member’s business opportunities, productivity and profitability - including the opportunities to sell more Green Recycled Parts, and acquire more end-of-life vehicles.

The annual Convention & Trade Show is the highlight of the year and brings the entire national auto recycling ecosystem in one place to propel the industry forward.

As a founding Member of the Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) national association, OARA has been at the forefront of the professional auto recycling industry in Ontario, Canada, North America and the world.

Reporting to an active Board of Directors, the Executive Director helps set the strategy and vision for the Association, ensuring the Association’s mission and objectives are achieved.

The Executive Director is responsible for overall of the association, including financial sustainability, operations, marketing and communications, and managing key relationships.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of five years of demonstrated leadership experience supporting a member-based organization.

Experience working the auto recycling sector including the overall auto claims economy would be considered an asset. The candidate has experience interacting with government and an understanding of industry legislation at the municipal and provincial levels.

They will be an outstanding communicator that has demonstrated experience in building trusted relationships, fostering association excellence, and enhancing member value.

Board governance experience working with and reporting to a voluntary Board of Directors would be an asset. Solid business and financial skills are required, along with excellent written, oral, and presentation skills.

The current Executive Director is retiring after 32 years and will be active in the succession process, as well as being available and engaged as a mentor to the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership :

• Develop and execute a forward-thinking strategic vision that aligns with the association's mission and goals.
• Lead the development of annual business plan and budget, ensuring they address industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Provide guidance and input to the Board of Directors and collaborate on the development of policies and initiatives.

Organizational Management :

• Provide oversight on documentation, presentations and communication with the Board of Directors.
• Oversee all aspects of association operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Interact and engage with 10 working Committees of the association to address specific challenges and opportunities.

Advocacy and Representation :

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the association, representing the interests of members to government bodies, industry partners, media, and the public.
• Develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including insurers, repairers, government officials, industry leaders, and other associations.
• Stay informed about legislative, regulatory, economic, and technical issues affecting the industry and develop advocacy strategies accordingly.

Membership Engagement :

• Proactively engage with current and potential members and develop and implement strategies, programs and opportunities to enhance member engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Plan, organize and deploy a national convention with a 60+ booth trade show, keynote speakers, industry panels and presentations, roundtables, networking, facility tours, fundraisers, and fun.

Financial Oversight :

• Develop and manage the association's budget, ensuring financial sustainability and responsible resource allocation.
• Oversee day-to-day financial processes, ensuring sound financial practices are in place.
• Initiate invoicing of all association activities to effectively engage with the industry.
• Provide regular financial reports to the Board and ensure transparency in financial matters.

What is the Automotive Recycling Industry?

Automotive Recyclers acquire End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) - both total loss vehicles from the insurance industry, and older vehicles no longer fit for the road - depollute them, and recover parts to be sold to repairers (both mechanical and collision) along with do-it-yourself consumers.

OARA Members are all audited to the Canadian Automotive Recyclers Environmental Code (www.carec.ca) to ensure they manage ELVs properly.

Materials from these vehicles are also recovered, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, tires, catalytic converters, and increasingly critical and rare earth metals from hybrid and electric vehicles.

To learn more about the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association please visit www.oara.com.