Sales Director, Prairies

At Cars Commerce, we’re fanatical about simplifying everything about car buying and selling. We do right by our customers and consumers to better connect the industry with simplified and tierless technology to enhance, measure and drive local automotive retail. Whether through our No.1 most recognized marketplace, Cars.com, our industry-leading digital experience, Dealer Inspire, our trade and appraisal technology, AccuTrade, our reputation-based digital wholesale auction marketplace, Dealerclub, or our new Cars Commerce Media Network, Cars Commerce is essential for success in the automotive industry.

No one ever travels alone here: at its core, Cars Commerce is collaboration. In fact, it’s built into the very fabric of our shared values. We like to say we Rise Together – putting people at the center of what we do, from consumer to customer to community. Life at Cars Commerce makes it easy when we share the ethos to be Open to All, encouraging open-minded communication because we know diverse thinking yields better outcomes. But critical to our success is Caring to Challengeand Taking Ownership, fueling a competitive spirit in a respectful environment where we think about tomorrow but act today. At our foundation, we have integrity, Doing the Right Thing, even when it’s hard. It’s our shared commitment to these values that makes Cars Commerce a place where growth becomes not only possible, but downright unavoidable.

But don’t take our word for it. As a U.S. News & World Report Best Company to Work For in 2024, we're obsessive about the employee experience. We are among the top 20% being declared “Best” of our industry based on six critical factors that are important to employee wellbeing, like quality of pay, benefits, work life balance and more.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies to meet or exceed sales targets and revenue goals.

• Demonstrate Value and Retain Customers: Master and train dealers and the sales team on the digital car dealership ecosystem and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) that Cars Commerce Canada transparently produces to demonstrate and benchmark the value of its delivered products and services.

• Market Analysis: Conduct thorough market OEM Benchmark and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges within the automotive marketing industry.

• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships. Understand client needs and tailor solutions that meet their objectives.

• Team Management: Lead, motivate, and support a high-performing sales team to achieve exceptional results. Provide coaching and professional development opportunities.

• Collaboration: Work closely with the delivery product development teams: Digital Advertising, Websites, CRM, VBDC and Dealer Support and the executive team to ensure alignment on company goals and seamless customer experience.

• Sales Operations: Oversee the sales process from lead generation to closure. Ensure the sales CRM system is efficiently utilized for optimal performance.

• Reporting: Provide regular sales reports to the executive team, highlighting successes, challenges, and strategies for future growth.

• Innovation: Stay alert of the latest automotive technologies. Recommend new strategies and technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

• The Ideal Candidate will be located in the Greater Calgary or Edmonton Area.

• Minimum of 10 years of sales experience, with at least 5 years in a senior sales leadership role, preferably within the automotive or marketing industries.

• Demonstrated success in developing sales strategies and achieving sales targets.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Deep understanding of the automotive industry, digital solutions, digital leads management and digital advertising trends.

• 5+ years experience with websites and digital advertising.

• Thorough understanding of dealer network in the Prairies.

• Proficient in CRM software and Google Suite.

• Competence in analyzing market trends, sales data, and financial reports to make informed decisions and adjust sales strategies accordingly.

• Ability to travel as needed.

• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions, customer needs, and business priorities.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate ideas, strategies, and value propositions to a variety of audiences.

• Strong networking skills to establish and maintain beneficial partnerships and industry contacts.

• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and ability to prioritize work within a complex, fast-paced environment.

• Understanding of budgeting, forecasting and financial planning to manage sales department budgets effectively.

• Degree in marketing or communications.

• Automotive industry expertise.

• Advanced skills in resolving conflicts, whether within the sales team, across departments, or with clients, to maintain positive relationships and a productive work environment.

• Experience in leading or working closely with cross-functional teams.

• Expert in Google GA4 Analytics, Google Ads and social media.

• Have worked in the car business or at the OEM level.