Chief Operating Officer

Organization Overview

Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) sit at the center of the automotive aftermarket and motorsports world. Together, they support a global business network that includes performance parts, racing technology, restoration, restyling, and a wide range of specialty automotive products and services.

SEMA is a mission-driven trade association serving manufacturers, distributors, retailers, builders, publishers, race teams, and other industry participants. The organization contributes to a retail market valued at nearly $53 billion annually and helps members expand through advocacy, research, programs, and major events such as the SEMA Show, one of the largest automotive trade shows in the world.

PRI extends that reach into the racing sector. Operating since 1986, it provides business intelligence, technology insights, and networking opportunities for racing professionals. Its annual PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis attracts more than 1,000 exhibitors and thousands of industry stakeholders, supported by advocacy, media, education, and year-round community engagement.

Collectively, SEMA and PRI support thousands of companies, connect professionals across the globe, and help shape the future of automotive performance and racing.

Role Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer is the senior executive responsible for overseeing the Association’s daily operations. This position is expected to strengthen operational performance, lead strategic initiatives, improve efficiency, and ensure that business activities stay aligned with the organization’s long-term direction. The COO works closely with the Executive Management Team to guide strategy, manage growth, and produce strong organizational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all operational areas of the organization.
• Work with department leaders on goal-setting, execution, budget planning, and employee development.
• Define, monitor, and evaluate key performance indicators to measure operational success.
• Keep teams aligned with organizational values, objectives, and performance standards.
• Prepare the annual operating budget and present it to the CEO and Board of Directors Budget Committee alongside the CFO.
• Lead due diligence for possible acquisitions and manage new business development efforts, including negotiations, contractual matters, financial modeling with the CFO, and implementation planning.
• Develop recommendations and board materials for the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Set, track, assess, and report on annual Association goals, including periodic Board reports and the annual fiscal-year goal report in coordination with the VP of Administration/CFO.
• Create and refine policies, procedures, processes, and programs to improve the organization’s day-to-day operations, as directed by the President and CEO.
• Identify operational and compliance risks and establish mitigation plans related to regulation, safety, and industry standards.
• Attend Board of Directors meetings and planning sessions as a staff resource.
• Lead bi-weekly Executive Management Team meetings, prepare and distribute EMT reports, and drive follow-up actions for OMP items.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of quarterly Board of Director meetings, including venue selection, hotel arrangements, agreements, food and beverage, and related activities with the Director of Special Events.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned by the CEO.

Relationships

• Reports directly to the CEO.
• Works closely with Vice Presidents, Directors, employees, and the Board of Directors.
• Interacts with Association members and prospective members.

Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including confidence in public speaking and team leadership.
• Excellent organizational ability and experience managing several priorities at once.
• Bachelor’s degree in management or a related field, or equivalent direct experience of 10 to 12 years.
• Familiarity with the automotive aftermarket and its specialty segments is an advantage.
• Previous trade show experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated background in strategic planning and measuring results against goals.

Compensation

The annual pay range for this position is $275,000 to $320,000.

Additional Information

This description is not meant to list every task, skill, relationship, or working condition tied to the role. It is intended to reflect the position accurately, but management may change, add, or remove duties and assign other responsibilities as needed.

Location

This is an on-site position based in Diamond Bar, California.

Reporting Structure

The COO reports to the CEO and collaborates with executive leadership, department heads, the Board of Directors, and association members.