Sr. Manager Dealer Group Mgmt. & Strategy

Job Description

Job Description

LHH is actively seeking a Sr. Strategy Manager for one of our top Automotive clients! This will be a contract / consulting opportunity with our client and will report to their corporate office in Fountain Valley.

Senior Group Manager, Dealer Group Management & Strategy

Position Summary

The Senior Group Manager, Dealer Group Management & Strategy serves as a strategic leader responsible for cultivating and managing relationships with key public and private automotive dealer groups across a national retail network. This role drives dealer network performance, supports long-term growth initiatives, and advances strategic objectives aligned with the organization's long-range business plan.

The ideal candidate combines strong business acumen, executive-level relationship management, strategic negotiation skills, and data-driven decision-making to strengthen dealer partnerships, optimize network development, and enhance market competitiveness. This position works closely with senior corporate leadership, dealer executives, and cross-functional teams to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence across the retail network.

Key Responsibilities

Dealer Group Strategy & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior executives and ownership groups across assigned dealer organizations.
• Partner with dealer group leadership to develop and implement growth strategies across sales, service, customer experience, and finance operations.
• Lead negotiations for dealer agreements and strategic initiatives that support network development objectives and strengthen market presence.
• Facilitate executive-level meetings and business reviews to align dealer group strategies with corporate priorities and performance goals.
• Identify and attract high-performing dealer organizations to expand and strengthen the dealer network.

Network Development & Investor Relations

• Develop and execute investor engagement strategies designed to attract qualified retail operators and support ownership growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Strategy, and Regional teams to structure and manage dealer agreements, ownership transitions, and strategic transactions.
• Support network optimization efforts through market analysis, dealer succession planning, and retail network development.
• Evaluate network opportunities that improve market coverage, brand representation, and long-term sales performance.

Performance Management & Business Analytics

• Monitor dealer group performance through financial analysis, operational metrics, and market intelligence.
• Develop executive-level reporting, dashboards, and business reviews to support strategic decision-making.
• Lead performance discussions with dealer executives, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop action plans that drive sustainable growth.
• Assess compliance with dealer agreements and performance standards while providing recommendations to leadership.

Strategic Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead cross-functional projects and initiatives supporting dealer network development and corporate growth objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership by providing market insights, strategic recommendations, and competitive intelligence.
• Support executive committees and leadership teams through strategic reporting, presentations, and special projects.
• Influence key stakeholders across multiple business functions to achieve organizational priorities.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop team members to maximize performance, engagement, and career growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Provide clear direction, performance feedback, and development opportunities for direct reports.
• Effectively communicate and influence senior executives, both internally and externally.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field required.
• MBA or advanced business degree preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of automotive industry experience, including wholesale operations, dealer network development, market representation, retail strategy, or related disciplines.
• 5+ years of automotive field experience working directly with dealerships, dealer principals, or dealer groups.
• Demonstrated experience in dealer network strategy, market analysis, ownership transitions, and dealer performance management.
• Prior people leadership experience with direct supervisory responsibility.
• Proven track record of managing executive-level relationships and influencing strategic business outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of automotive retail operations, dealership financial performance, and network development strategies.
• Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to assess dealership investment opportunities, operational effectiveness, and organizational capabilities.
• Excellent analytical, financial, and strategic planning capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting to executive leadership and governance committees.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational environments and lead cross-functional initiatives.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Executive Presence
• Business Acumen
• Relationship Building
• Decision Making & Accountability
• Team Development & Coaching
• Customer Focus
• Collaboration & Influence

Additional Information

• Travel required: Approximately 50%.
• Work environment: Professional office environment with frequent travel to dealer locations, industry events, and executive meetings.

Pay Details: $75.00 to $85.00 per hour

Search managed by: Kaitlynne Hope

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.