Sr Lead Project / Program Manager - Cox Automotive Inventory Solutions

Cox Enterprises • Atlanta, GA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Program Management is a people-first delivery leader responsible for building, developing, and retaining high-performing Program Manager(s) while owning the execution of the most complex, cross-functional programs at Manheim. This role is a portfolio-level integrator and trusted thought partner to executive sponsors, shaping how the PMO delivers measurable business value. As a direct people manager, this leader helps set team direction, owns performance and career development, and holds direct reports accountable to delivery standards and professional growth. They establish the delivery approach, embed AI-powered and responsible program management practices, and elevate the storytelling quality of the team so the right decisions get made faster. The Senior Manager brings executive presence, deep program management craft, and the ability to influence without authority across all levels of the organization. They are sought out by senior leaders for their judgment, not just their process rigor — and they build teams that reflect that same standard.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 8 years or more experience in a related field. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master’s degree and 6 years or more experience; a Ph.D. and up to 3 years of experience; or 12 years or experience, or more, in a related field.
• 8+ years of program management experience in leading and delivering large, complex enterprise programs and projects to successful execution.
• 2+ years of direct people management experience, including hiring, performance management, coaching, and career development; experience managing individual contributors in a matrixed environment preferred.
• Proven track record managing programs with significant budget and organizational complexity.
• Strong executive presence with demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and navigate organizational dynamics with credibility.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to translate complex program status into clear executive narratives.
• Strong presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal skills; comfortable leading SteerCo-level conversations and cross-functional workshops.
• Demonstrated data literacy; ability to define, track, and communicate metrics that connect delivery to business outcomes.
• Familiarity with AI productivity tools and a genuine curiosity for learning and adopting emerging technology to improve team performance.
• Proficiency with modern delivery and collaboration platforms (Smartsheet, Microsoft 365, Teams); experience with portfolio-level tools preferred.
• Fluency in Agile, hybrid, and traditional delivery methodologies; ability to apply the right approach based on program context.

Nice To Haves

• PMP and/or PgMP certification are a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, Develop & Retain the Team
• Prepare, Manage & Lead Programs
• Embed AI-Powered Delivery Practices
• Provide Leadership & Direction Across the Organization

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.
• 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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees