Interim VP, Consumer Marketing

Be essential at Cars Commerce

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.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Interim Vice President, Consumer Marketing leads the growth and engagement of our consumer audience and the Cars.com brand.  From how Cars.com connects with culture to how we can improve the consumer experience of buying and selling a car via our product and editorial content, this position has a significant impact on one of the most recognized and long-standing brands in digital automotive.  Specific responsibilities include brand positioning, strategy, and execution; integrated marketing planning and execution; full-funnel paid media strategy and investment; consumer product marketing; content partnerships and social media management; lifecycle marketing; SEO and emerging channels like AEO; and the application of our audience data, research, and insights to drive business performance. 

While this position is focused squarely on consumers, this is in service of a two-sided marketplace that monetizes primarily through local automotive retailers.  Therefore, understanding and daily management of marketplace dynamics and KPIs is paramount for the success of this leader and the broader organization.  At the same time, undisputed audience and brand leadership is the key to sustainable growth.  This leader will need to constantly balance three dynamics - short-term network effects, mid-term consumer behavior disruption, and long-term competitive advantage.

A member of Marketing Leadership and highly influential leader within the extended executive team, this role interfaces with Product, Sales, B2B Marketing, Audience Strategy, Communications, Enterprise Analytics, Finance, and Engineering.  In addition to cross-functional leadership, this person will develop and manage relationships with agencies, the media marketplace, and strategic partners.  This executive is also expected to represent Cars.com and Cars Commerce externally at industry events.  

Responsibilities Include:

• Own the Cars.com brand, including our “big idea” and the promises we make, to our values, voice and personality.  In our highly competitive environment, your primary focus is to create distinction and preference that drives traffic and qualified leads in the short-term and builds meaningful preference in the long-term.

• In close partnership with the Product team, ensure that there is a constant feedback loop between consumer satisfaction, brand differentiation measures, consumer behavior, competitive features/benefits/positioning, and product communication to consumers. 

• Partner with research, analytics, audience strategy, and data science to ensure a constant connection between our business KPIs, behavioral data, and our marketing strategy that positions us for sustainable traffic leadership. 

• Oversee connected, audience-led, and full-funnel strategies covering all paid media channels, SEO/AEO, social, lifecycle, and content marketing that create consumer engagement and brand differentiation throughout the car shopping experience and beyond.

• Fiduciary responsibility for the consumer marketing budget.

• Oversee the selection, negotiation, and management of agency relationships.

• Continually monitor the media and technology landscape for new ways to break through with consumers in meaningful and differentiated ways.

• Oversee a team of approximately 20 marketing professionals, including hiring, retention, employee engagement, DEI tracking, and raise/promotion cycles.

• Ensure connectivity between B2C and B2B efforts (including direct to dealer & sales-led) to drive both sides of the marketplace simultaneously whenever possible.

• Build industry expertise and provide strategic thought leadership both internally and in external press/speaking engagements/industry groups. 

Preferred Skills:

• BA in Marketing required; MBA preferred

• Experience working in a B2C2B, digital marketplace, or digital media/technology business; agency experience a plus

• 15+ years of consumer marketing experience for a national brand, spanning all facets of integrated marketing communications

• 10+ years of experience in digital media planning and buying

• 10+ years of experience managing budgets of $100MM+

• 7+ years people management experience

• 7+ years managing agency, partnership, and internal relationships

• Strong sense of accountability and urgency to deliver goals and budgets

• Strong track record of innovation and breathing new life into established brands

• Highly analytical with the ability to direct quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis/modeling; strong understanding of modern marketing measurement approaches

• Collaborative and approachable style

• Excellent, executive-ready communication and presentation skills, both verbally and in writing

#LI-DNI

Our Comprehensive Benefits Package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Healthcare Plans

• New Hire Stipend for Home Office Set-Up

• Generous PTO

• Refuel - a service based recognition program where employees receive additional paid time away to learn grow and reset

• Paid Holidays, Floating Holiday, Volunteer Day, Recharge Day

Learn more about our Benefits, Perks, & Culture on our LinkedIn Life Pages!

For US-based Positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that we are unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.
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