The DPM operates with a consultative and collaborative approach, focused on building trust with General Managers, Department Heads, and frontline associates while driving accountability to transformation milestones. This role helps bridge the gap between strategy and execution by partnering closely with dealership leadership and corporate stakeholders to improve operational performance, technology utilization, and customer experience outcomes.

Organizational Relationships

The Dealer Performance Manager reports to the Senior Director of Centralized Operations and partners closely with the Retail Operations Development Manager (RODM), dealership leadership teams, Operational Leaders, and Transformation Project stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

Dealer Partnership & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for assigned AutoNation dealership locations.

• Conduct regular on-site visits to build relationships with General Managers and department leaders.

• Foster a collaborative partnership culture, ensuring dealerships feel engaged in the transformation process rather than subject to mandates.

• Represent the AN USA Transformation Project with professionalism, clarity, and credibility at all times.

Technology Adoption & Training

• Champion the rollout of new technologies and business processes, including digital retail platforms, AI-assisted customer engagement tools, and workflow systems.

• Deliver hands-on and facilitated training sessions for dealership staff across Sales, Service, Customer Financial Services (CFS), and Operations Center functions.

• Ensure dealership teams can confidently navigate and utilize new platforms, with a focus on sustainable day-to-day adoption.

• Translate complex technology features and processes into practical, real-world applications for end users.

• Serve as the escalation point for dealership questions, concerns, and feedback, partnering with internal product and support teams as needed.

Performance Consulting & Operational Review

• Conduct structured operational assessments across Sales, Service, and BDC functions aligned with transformation goals and objectives.

• Deliver data-driven recommendations to dealership management teams with confidence, professionalism, and diplomacy.

• Identify gaps in process execution, technology utilization, and customer experience that impact key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Develop and present customized action plans with measurable goals, timelines, and accountability measures.

• Track and report dealership performance metrics, initiative adoption rates, and project milestone progress.

Program Communication & Initiative Alignment

• Ensure dealerships receive current, accurate, and complete information regarding active transformation initiatives and upcoming changes.

• Communicate program updates, new rollouts, and implementation timelines in a clear and professional manner.

• Gather field-level feedback and relay actionable insights to project stakeholders, product teams, and operational leaders.

• Participate in project team meetings, status reviews, stakeholder updates, and executive reporting.

• Partner closely with the Retail Operations Development Manager (RODM) and Operational Leaders to support successful initiative execution.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Five (5) or more years of experience working in or directly supporting automotive dealerships (OEM, dealer group, vendor partner, or retail dealership environment).

• Demonstrated understanding of dealership operations, including Sales, F&I, Service, Parts, and BDC functions.

• Experience managing client, dealer, or stakeholder relationships in a field-facing capacity.

• Proven ability to deliver performance feedback, operational recommendations, and strategic guidance to senior leadership.

• Experience supporting technology implementations, training initiatives, or process improvement programs.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of the automotive technology ecosystem, including digital retail tools, CRM platforms, and AI-assisted communication solutions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for executives, managers, and frontline associates.

• Confident and solutions-oriented facilitator capable of delivering constructive feedback and driving accountability.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple dealership relationships and concurrent project initiatives.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret dealership performance data and convert findings into actionable business recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI-powered BDC tools, outbound engagement platforms, or digital retailing solutions (e.g., Podium, Brooke.ai, Epsilon, or similar platforms).

• Experience supporting OEM, dealer group, transformation, change management, or innovation initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Automotive Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.

Career Path Opportunities

Potential advancement opportunities may include:

• Retail Operations Development Manager (RODM)

• Regional Operations Manager (ROM)

• Director of Transformation

• Senior Director, Transformation Operations

• Vice President, Transformation & Operational Excellence

Physical Requirements

This is a field-based role requiring significant travel to AutoNation dealerships, Corporate Office locations, and Operations Center facilities.

Associates in this role should expect:

• Up to 70% travel, including overnight stays and multi-day site visits.

• A hybrid work environment, with primary work locations consisting of dealership sites, Operations Centers, and Corporate Office locations.

• Frequent walking, standing, and movement throughout dealership and operational environments.

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents in this position. Associates may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned to meet business needs.

• Competitive compensation and 401k matching

• Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with insurance plans (health, dental, vision) and maternity benefits.

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