Senior Manager - Performance Media

The Sr. Manager, Performance Media will lead the development, execution, and optimization of lower-funnel media strategies designed to drive leads, vehicle sales, inventory movement, and measurable business outcomes across AutoNation's portfolio of brands and dealership locations.
This role is responsible for enterprise performance media strategy, audience activation, channel investment recommendations, attribution frameworks, testing roadmaps, and agency leadership across performance-focused media channels including but not limited to Paid Search, Performance Max, Meta, Vehicle Listing Ads (VLA), Inventory Ads, Retargeting, Lead Generation, and emerging performance media solutions.
The ideal candidate combines deep platform expertise with strong strategic thinking and a data-driven mindset, leveraging performance insights, audience intelligence, and measurement frameworks to optimize business outcomes and return on investment.

Key Responsibilities

Performance Strategy & Investment Management

• Lead enterprise lower-funnel media strategy across AutoNation brands and business lines.
• Develop annual, quarterly, and campaign-level performance marketing plans aligned to business objectives.
• Recommend channel mix, investment priorities, audience strategies, and optimization frameworks.
• Manage investment allocation across Paid Search, Paid Social, Inventory-Based Media, Retargeting, and emerging performance channels.
• Identify opportunities to improve lead volume, lead quality, sales efficiency, CPO, CPS, and return on media investment.
• Support forecasting, budget stewardship, and performance investment recommendations.

Demand Generation & Customer Acquisition

• Develop strategies designed to drive vehicle sales, service appointments, lead generation, and customer acquisition.
• Partner with CRM, Analytics, and Media Operations teams to maximize audience activation and performance outcomes.
• Evaluate consumer behavior, audience signals, and platform insights to improve campaign effectiveness.
• Ensure performance media strategies support inventory priorities, business objectives, and market-level opportunities.

Measurement & Optimization

• Establish KPIs and success metrics across performance media channels.
• Partner with Analytics teams on attribution, MMM, MTA, conversion measurement, incrementality testing, and business outcome reporting.
• Develop testing roadmaps focused on audiences, bidding strategies, creative, landing pages, and conversion optimization.
• Translate performance insights into actionable optimization recommendations.
• Drive continuous improvement of lead quality, close rates, and downstream business performance.

Agency & Partner Leadership

• Serve as strategic lead for agency and performance media partner relationships.
• Evaluate platform opportunities, beta programs, vendor partnerships, and emerging technologies.
• Ensure recommendations align with business objectives, financial goals, and performance targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Business, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in performance marketing, paid media, digital marketing, or advertising; agency experience strongly preferred.
• Deep experience managing performance-focused channels including Paid Search, Performance Max, Paid Social, Retargeting, Vehicle Listing Ads, and lead generation programs.
• Strong understanding of attribution, conversion measurement, audience activation, bidding strategies, and optimization methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage large media investments and develop data-driven investment recommendations.
• Experience evaluating media effectiveness through attribution frameworks, incrementality testing, MMM, MTA, and conversion measurement solutions.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate data into actionable business recommendations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Automotive, retail, franchise, or multi-location marketing experience preferred. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate data and insights into actionable business recommendations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting recommendations and performance insights to senior leadership.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with experience partnering across Creative, Brand, Analytics, CRM, Product, and Agency teams.
• Automotive, retail, franchise, or multi-location marketing experience preferred.

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Exciting Benefits and Perks Await You:

• Competitive compensation and 401k matching

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

• Associate purchase and discount programs for new and pre-owned vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear

• Access amazing deals and discounts through YouDecide, a website with offers from top providers and retailers

• Join our DRVPNK mission to raise and donate millions of dollars to cancer research and treatment, partnering with cancer charities nationwide

AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering innovative products, exceptional services, and comprehensive solutions, empowering our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. With a network of dealerships nationwide strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.
 

AutoNation is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in our workplace and the services we provide. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help us foster a culture of belonging while contributing to our revolutionary work in the automotive industry. We value innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.