Configuration Optimization Manager

The Configuration Optimization Manager leads the first analytical workstream delivering margin improvement across the CDJR portfolio, identifying opportunities with immediate effect. 

This role is responsible for assessing market/segment sales/price distribution, competitive content application, as well as internal content configuration mix and price positioning. The team evaluates current sales performance based on overall volume/share, days to sell, incentive spend/efficiency, gross and net margin contribution. They identify configurations to eliminate and/or create, to streamline dealer ordering and optimize stock with best-fit vehicles, proven to sell faster and make the right vehicle, at the right price available to more customers. 

This role manages a team of 4 analysts, specializing in product, competitive benchmarking, market intelligence and dealer ordering. They are the primary VCO liaison to Brand Operations, Product Planning, Dealer Network and Brand Finance. They present recommendations to senior stakeholders, articulate and defend the methodology under pressure and drive proposed changes into action. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITI 

Lead Configuration Optimization gameplan:  

• Scale optimization framework model across CDJR portfolio 

• Create and maintain program timing schedule to enable feasible timing of configuration recommendations to be executed 

• Partner with Brand Operations stakeholders to vet and action recommendations 
  

Build and manage the Configuration Optimization team:

• Directly manage 4 analysts across product, competitive benchmarking, market intelligence and dealer ordering, incentive-content interaction. Define workstreams, set output standards, review all analytical work before it leaves the team, and develop analyst capability over time. 
  

Drive DMA-level performance diagnosis:  

• Lead the local market performance diagnostic capability — sales volume, mix, days to sell, and incentive spend analyzed by configuration at the DMA level 

• Identify market-specific patterns that national averages mask 

• Establish the repeating monthly cadence that makes this a permanent operating discipline rather than a one-off project 
  

Incentive Efficiency:

• Quantify excess incentive spend driven by longer days to sell due to least-fit configurations 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

 Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree Required
• Minimum 8 years in commercial analytics, product management analytics, pricing strategy, or automotive product planning 
• Deep understanding of vehicle configuration economics — trim structure, order guide design, configuration profitability, and the relationship between content decisions and incentive requirements 
• Demonstrated ability to present analytical recommendations to VP-level and above stakeholders and defend methodology under scrutiny 
• Strong proficiency in Excel and SQL; comfort working with large transaction-level datasets 
• Experience managing a team of analysts and developing analytical talent 
• Ability to work across product, brand, finance, and commercial functions simultaneously 
• Track record of translating complex analytical output into commercial decisions that get implemented 

Preferred Qualifications:

PREFERRE QUALIFICAT:IONS 

• Direct experience in automotive OEM product planning, commercial strategy, or brand analytics 
• Familiarity with trim structure design, order guide development, and vehicle lifecycle management 
• Experience with DMA-level market analysis and dealer network performance 
• Exposure to incentive optimization or the analytical connection between content and incentive decisions 
• Familiarity with JDP, Helix, or competitive benchmarking data sources