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Get to know Marco Didone, Senior Purchaser in Italy
25 February 2025
As we continue the roll-out of our purchasing branch locations across Europe to provide consumers with an easy and seamless way to sell their used cars, we’re excited to introduce you to Marco Didone, our Senior Purchaser at the Ancona branch in Italy. With over seven years of experience at AUTO1 Group, Marco has become an integral part of the company and an expert in the automotive sector. Let’s dive into his journey, his role, and what makes him proud to be part of the AUTO1 Group family.
Can you tell us about your role?
As Senior Purchaser and Branch Representative of the Ancona branch, I serve as the main point of contact between our headquarters and various internal stakeholders, including the Area Manager and Vice Area Managers. My responsibilities include ensuring smooth communication with my line manager to address any operational challenges, overseeing the work of my colleagues, and ensuring that everything within the branch runs optimally.
I am deeply involved in the car inspection and acquisition process, conducting thorough appraisals to ensure professionalism and reliability. Beyond my branch responsibilities, I am proud to have been the president of the AUTO1 Group Sustainability Community since November 2023. In this role, I guide initiatives that raise colleagues' awareness of sustainability and promote viable solutions for a more sustainable workplace.
How has your role at AUTO1 Group evolved over the past 7 years?
My journey at AUTO1 Group began in August 2015, when I joined as a Buyer. Over time, I took on the role of Mobile Purchaser, which allowed me to gain experience across different branches. In December 2017, I returned to the Ancona branch, where I was promoted to Branch Representative. Most recently, in November 2023, I took on an additional role as Chairman of the Sustainability Community at AUTO1 Group.
What do you find most rewarding about your role, and why does it make you proud?
I take immense pride in the results we’ve achieved as the Ancona branch. We’ve reached a level of excellence thanks to our performance and meticulous attention to detail. This dedication has earned us over 3,000 reviews on Google - a testament to the trust and satisfaction of our customers. Knowing that our hard work as a team has contributed to such success is incredibly rewarding. Customer satisfaction, above all, is what makes me proud and motivates me to keep pushing forward.
What key skills and knowledge are essential for your role, and how do they contribute to your success?
Experience in the automotive industry and in-depth technical knowledge of car repairs and mechanical components are crucial for my role. These skills set the foundation for expertise in car appraisals. Additionally, empathy and strong interpersonal skills are essential for building trust with customers. Organization, precision, attention to detail, and the ability to work toward goals in a dynamic and fast-growing environment complete the profile needed for success in this role.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your role?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that helping colleagues in their daily work always pays off, both in the short and long term. Collaboration and teamwork are key to achieving great results.
Another important lesson is to approach every customer interaction with professionalism and thoroughness, especially in the car appraisal process, where it’s essential to verify every detail. Maintaining a high standard of professionalism always leads to the best outcomes.
What advice would you give to new team members looking to join the Purchasing department?
Take advantage of the knowledge and experience of your colleagues and managers. Don’t hesitate to ask questions - even if they seem small - because that’s the best way to learn. Familiarize yourself with the company’s guidelines and processes, as following them will set you up for success. Stay focused and use your time at work to train and develop professionally. Last but not least, maintain a positive attitude, as approaching challenges with optimism will help you adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment.
Marco’s journey at AUTO1 Group highlights the opportunities for growth, innovation, and teamwork within our company. As we continue to expand our Purchasing department, we’re looking for passionate individuals who share Marco’s commitment to professionalism, customer satisfaction, and innovation. If you’re ready to take on exciting challenges and grow with us, we’d love to hear from you! To start your story, find the list of open positions on our careers page. We welcome applicants of all genders, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds to apply.