Strategic Planning, Senior Manager - CAI Inventory Solutions (Inside Operations)

Company Cox Automotive - USA Job Family Group Business Operations Job Profile Business Process Design & Improvement Sr Manager Management Level Sr Manager - Non People Leader Flexible Work Option Can work remotely anywhere in the specified country Travel % Yes, 25% of the time Work Shift Day Compensation Compensation includes a base salary in the range of $122,600.00 - $204,400.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program. Job Description *** Candidates based in Atlanta, GA market highly preferred, we are open to considering qualified remote candidates throughout the United States. Candidates working remotely must be available during Eastern Time business hours to effectively collaborate with the team and business partners. The Senior Manager of Strategic Planning (CAI Inventory Solutions) serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting Commercial, Dealer, and Front Office operations. This role is accountable for shaping and executing strategic initiatives that modernize business processes across titling, payments, commercial services, dealer services, and client support operations. The position will also play a key role in driving greater efficiency through automation and supporting the evolution to digital self-service. This position partners closely with Manheim auction leadership, auction front office teams, contact centers, and shared service centers to ensure timely and efficient transaction processing at scale. The person in this role will also interface directly with enablement partners such as learning and development, enterprise technology, and change management to translate strategy into action. Finally, this position will own and manage the roadmap of people, process, and technology improvements that drive timely achievement of operational goals while maintaining exceptional client outcomes. The ideal candidate will have an extensive management consulting background blended with years of industry experience. They will demonstrate the ability to combine strategic frameworks with practical experience to create realistic solutions for complex challenges. PRIMARY DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITES Strategic Planning & Execution – Inside Operations Perform strategic planning and analysis that shapes a single, cohesive client experience, developing outcome scenarios that inform investment decisions and long-range plans Translate strategy into action by partnering with auction operations team members on processes and policies that support an outstanding client experience. Develop and deliver a sequenced, time-bound roadmap to achieve goals Own specific workstreams within strategic initiatives, ensuring comprehensive analysis from multiple perspectives including market positioning, competitive dynamics, and business impact Partner with Product and Technology teams to develop innovative, scalable capabilities that address evolving client needs and align with long-term strategic objectives while delivering measurable improvements to operational efficiency Operational Analysis & Business Impact Develop business cases and operational analyses tied to labor efficiency, throughput, and revenue protection Define and track success metrics for modernization initiatives Conduct post‑implementation reviews to assess impact and identify improvement opportunities Stakeholder & Change Leadership Serve as key contributor to execution on specified strategic initiatives, engaging with diverse cross-functional colleagues and business leaders Build and sustain relationships with business leaders and stakeholders to understand strategic objectives, challenges, and opportunities Act as a bridge between Operational Excellence (Opex) team, shared services functions, and auction field operations Influence cross‑functional partners without direct authority Support change adoption by translating strategy into clear, operationally relevant messaging Required Experience & Specialized Knowledge and skills Industry & Domain Expertise: Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 8 years of relevant experience. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master’s degree and 6 years’ experience; a Ph.D. and 3 years’ experience in a related field; or 12 years’ experience in a related field. 8+ years of experience across management consulting, business process design, operations leadership, strategic planning, or operational transformation disciplines Strong understanding of auction execution, including sale day, post-sale, and client support operations Proven experience working in client experience or front office operations, preferably within shared services or outsourced operating models Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into execution across multi‑site operations Skills & Capabilities Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a bias toward execution Ability to influence and lead across diverse stakeholder groups Experience developing business cases, operational metrics, and performance insights Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Excel) Strong executive presence and comfort with presenting to audiences of various leadership levels across an organization. Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated use of related tools and templates such as project plans. High adaptability, including the ability to react and adjust based on new knowledge or circumstances. Ability to lead and/or manage multiple workstreams with competing priorities and deadlines. Additional Information Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience Ability to travel up to 25 - 40% (Typically on week per month, but varies) Work environment primarily office‑based with regular auction site engagement Organizational Position: Does this position have direct reports? ​☒​ NO ​☐​ YES Drug Testing To be employed in this role, you’ll need to clear a pre-employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre-employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug-free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited. Benefits The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company’s needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave. About Us Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry-leading dealer-facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people-centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship. EOE, including disability/vets Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future. Application Deadline: 09/04/2026