Chief Operating Officer

Description

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) together represent the heart of the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries. United by a passion for cars, trucks, SUVs, and racing of every kind, these organizations support a vibrant global marketplace that spans performance parts, advanced racing technologies, restoration, restyling, and the full spectrum of specialty automotive innovation.

SEMA is a dynamic, business‑minded nonprofit trade association made up of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, builders, publishers, race teams, and more—an industry ecosystem powering a nearly $53‑billion‑a‑year retail market. Through industry‑leading programs, advocacy, research, and world‑class events—including the annual SEMA Show, one of the largest automotive trade shows in the world—SEMA helps its members grow, innovate, and succeed.

PRI extends this influence into the global racing marketplace. Since 1986, PRI has been the premier source of business intelligence, cutting‑edge technology insights, and community connection for racing professionals. The annual PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis brings together over 1,000 exhibiting companies and thousands of racing stakeholders across every major discipline, supported by PRI’s industry‑leading advocacy, media platforms, education programs, and year‑round engagement.

Together, SEMA and PRI fuel the success of thousands of businesses, connect industry professionals worldwide, and preserve and grow the future of automotive performance and racing.

Purpose

Key executive leader responsible for managing the day‑to‑day operations of the Association. This role ensures operational excellence, drives strategic initiatives, improves efficiency, and aligns operations with the Association’s long‑term goals. Partners closely with the EMT to shape strategy, manage growth, and deliver exceptional organization outcomes.

Responsibilities And Authority

• Provide strategic oversight of all operational functions.
• Partner with respective department heads on goal development and implementation, departmental budget planning and employee development.
• Establish and track key performance indicators to evaluate operational effectiveness.
• Ensure teams are aligned with company values, goals, and performance expectations.
• Prepare and present annual operating budget to CEO and BOD Budget Committee, in conjunction with CFO.
• New Business Development – Lead the Due Diligence process for potential acquisitions. Direct and coordinate negotiations, contractual elements, financial modeling (with CFO) and implementation plan. Prepare recommendations to the CEO and BOD presentations.
• Establish, monitor, evaluate and report on Annual Association Goals. Responsibilities include, preparation for CEO of periodic BOD report and Annual FY Association Goal Report for CEO and BOD leadership. (In conjunction with VP of Administration/CFO)
• Develop policies, procedures, processes and programs to optimize the day‑to‑day operation of the Association as directed by President and CEO.
• Identify potential operational risks and develop mitigation strategies, including compliance in the areas of regulation, safety, and industry‑specific standards.
• Participate in BOD meetings and planning sessions as a staff resource.
• Lead the bi‑weekly Executive Management Team meeting, including preparation and distribution of EMT report for staff distribution and drive OMP follow up actions.
• Lead the operational planning and implementation of quarterly Board of Director Meetings. Determining meeting locations, hotel accommodations and agreements, F/B and ancillary activities (if applicable) with the Director of Special Events.
• Perform other assignments and duties as required by CEO.

Relationships

• Reports to CEO.
• Interfaces with Vice Presidents/Directors/employees/Board of Directors.
• Interfaces with the Association members and prospective members.

Pay Range: $275,000 - $320,000

Requirements

Skills And Knowledge Required

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with proven public speaking and managerial skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Bachelor’s degree in management or related discipline or an equivalent number of years of direct related experience (10‑12 years).
• Knowledge of the automotive aftermarket and its specialty segments is a plus.
• Trade show experience (Preferred)
• Proven experience with strategic planning and tracking measurable results.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, relationships or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.