Director, Managed Services

Cox Enterprises•Atlanta, GA

3d•$148,500 - $247,500•Hybrid

About The Position

Cox Automotive is seeking a Director to lead a significant part of its Managed Services organization, which supports dealer clients with products like Dealer.com and Xtime. This leadership role focuses on shaping the future of the team through AI and automation, with a mandate to influence the operating model. The position is hybrid, based in Burlington, VT; Atlanta, GA; or Kansas City, with up to 15% travel. The Director will own multiple service lines, operate across the full Managed Services portfolio and potentially multiple Cox Automotive products, and is expected to drive strategy, execution, and performance while prioritizing dealer needs and fostering a culture of accountability and growth. The role involves embracing AI and automation to drive efficiency and scale, managing budgets, and collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 10 years' experience in operations, digital services, or marketing services leadership (alternative: Master's plus 8 years, Ph.D. plus 5 years, or 14 years relevant experience)
5+ years in a people leadership role, including direct experience leading and developing other people leaders.
Experience owning outcomes across multiple functions or service lines.
Track record of taking initiative and driving outcomes.
Proven ability to hold teams accountable while building a culture people want to be part of.
Experience managing competing stakeholder priorities with limited resources.
Direct ownership of an operating budget or OPEX line, including resourcing decisions and cost management.
Hands-on experience with workflow automation, AI tools, or digital transformation initiatives.
Must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience within a managed services or marketing agency model.
Experience applying AI and automation to improve service delivery, including workflow efficiency, quality, and governance at scale.
Background in automotive.
Experience managing large-scale operations serving hundreds or thousands of client accounts simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Own multiple service lines within Managed Services, operating across the full portfolio rather than staying within individual service-line boundaries.
Lead strategy, execution, and performance for assigned service lines.
Translate organizational strategy into operating plans with clear milestones and hold teams accountable.
Identify problems early, make decisions, and drive outcomes.
Continuously assess market demand, client needs, and competitive dynamics to evolve offerings.
Ensure every service line delivers measurable value to dealers.
Lead resolution of complex dealer escalations.
Drive a culture where the team prioritizes dealer outcomes.
Use dealer feedback and performance data to shape service evolution.
Set clear expectations for every team and leader.
Build and maintain operational rigor across internal workflows.
Create transparency around performance.
Address underperformance directly and coach through it.
Partner with Performance Management, Sales, Product, Marketing, HR, and other Managed Services teams.
Serve as a trusted operational partner for Enterprise and OEM stakeholders.
Collaborate with Sales and dealer-facing account teams on new business, expansions, renewals, and strategic accounts.
Navigate competing priorities across stakeholders.
Lead multiple people leaders and individual contributors across Managed Services.
Build, coach, and retain high-performing teams.
Create clarity around roles and decision rights.
Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, and growth.
Drive efficiency and scale through AI enablement, workflow automation, and process refinement.
Lead experimentation and adoption of new tools and operating models.
Identify opportunities to reduce manual effort, increase throughput, and improve quality through automation and process improvement.
Support revenue retention and growth by ensuring services deliver clear, demonstrable value.
Manage team capacity, resourcing models, and operating expenses.
Partner with Finance on demand forecasting, headcount planning, and investment justification.
Contribute to pricing, packaging, and service model evolution.
Manage strategic vendor relationships supporting service delivery.
Evaluate emerging platforms, tools, and partners.
Partner with Procurement and Legal on selection, renewals, and negotiations.

Benefits

Competitive salary and top-notch bonus/incentive plans.
Exceptional work-life balance, flexible time-off policies and accommodating work schedules.
Comprehensive healthcare, with multiple options for individuals and families.
Generous 401(k) retirement plans with company match.
Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
Inclusive parental leave policies, plus comprehensive fertility coverage and adoption assistance.
Extra perks like pet insurance, employee discounts and much more.
Flexible vacation with pay.
Seven paid holidays.
Up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually.
Bereavement leave.
Time off to vote.
Jury duty leave.
Volunteer time off.
Military leave.
Parental leave.
Health care insurance (medical, dental, vision).
Retirement planning (401(k)).
Paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO).