Company

Cox Automotive - USA

Job Family Group

Strategy & Corporate Development

Job Profile

Director, Strategic Planning

Management Level

Director

Flexible Work Option

Hybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the week

Travel %

Yes, 5% of the time

Work Shift

Day

Compensation

Compensation includes a base salary of $159,400.00 - $265,600.00. 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

Cox Automotive is looking for a Director of Strategic Planning – Enterprise Data Strategy to play a critical role in shaping and executing enterprise-wide data strategies. This leader will drive high-impact initiatives that align with our corporate objectives and enable smarter, more strategic data utilization across the organization.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in management consulting, business strategy, AI strategy and data-driven decision-making. As the Director, you will lead the development of enterprise-level data strategies, guide execution across cross-functional teams, and influence key stakeholders to advance Cox Automotive’s data maturity. This position demands a strategic thinker with strong execution skills, analytical depth, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, fast-moving environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategy Development

Collaborate with the Senior Director of Enterprise Data Strategy to define, develop, and drive a centralized, forward-looking data strategy.

Evaluate enterprise data opportunities to enhance growth, efficiency, and innovation (e.g., AI enablement, data monetization, analytics maturity).

Develop business-unit-level data models, assess maturity, identify gaps, and recommend strategic improvements.

Monitor and analyze industry trends to keep the strategy aligned with market dynamics and emerging technologies.

2. Strategic Execution

Lead cross-functional initiatives that bring the enterprise data strategy to life, ensuring alignment with Cox Automotive’s overarching business objectives.

Manage project timelines, deliverables, and outcomes to drive value creation.

Develop successful metrics and reporting frameworks to track progress and communicate impact to executive stakeholders.

3. Tactical Implementation

Convert strategic visions into actionable plans with clear roadmaps, milestones, and accountability.

Partner with teams across data governance, analytics, product, engineering, and business units to ensure successful implementation.

Proactively identify and mitigate execution risks; adjust plans based on changing priorities or feedback.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

Engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, from individual contributors to executives.

Deliver data-driven recommendations and compelling presentations to influence decisions and gain alignment.

Build strong relationships to foster cross-functional collaboration and shared ownership of data initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 10 years’ experience in a related field. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master's degree and 8years’ experience; a Ph.D. and 5 years’ experience in a related field; or 14 years’ experience in a related field.

5+ years in a leadership role, with demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams in complex environments.

Deep analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear business insights.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of delivering presentations to executive audiences.

Ability to challenge the status quo respectfully and thoughtfully, using data and sound judgment.

Strong critical thinking skills; capable of navigating ambiguity and identifying opportunities in evolving contexts.

Experience influencing senior leaders and working collaboratively across organizational boundaries.

Strong project management and execution capabilities; able to lead initiatives from strategy through delivery.

Preferred Qualifications:

Extensive experience in management consulting is highly preferred, particularly in the areas of enterprise data strategy, digital transformation, or business model innovation.

Background in high-growth, fast-paced, or disruptive industries.

Passion for storytelling, translating data and insights into clear, persuasive narratives.

Familiarity with enterprise data governance, data architecture, and data strategy frameworks. Past experience running AI strategy is a plus

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

This is a unique opportunity to be a strategic leader in Cox Automotive’s enterprise data journey. If you’re passionate about turning data into a competitive advantage and leading initiatives that deliver real business impact, we’d love to hear from you.

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.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.