Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Strategy Director to lead integrated strategic planning for our Tier 1 (National/Brand), Tier 2 (Regional), and Tier 3 (Dealership/Retail) automotive client portfolio.

The automotive retail ecosystem is undergoing a massive transformation—driven by EV adoption, direct-to-consumer models, digital retailing platforms, and evolving mobility habits. In this role, you will lead the strategic vision that connects high-impact brand campaigns to retail point-of-sale environments (both digital and in-dealership). You will partner closely with creative, digital, media, and technology leadership to create seamless, high-converting customer journeys from upper-funnel brand consideration down to showroom visits and vehicle delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Automotive Retail & OmnichannelStrategy

• Architect end-to-end customer journey strategies across Tier 1 (Brand Awareness), Tier 2 (Regional Associations), and Tier 3 (Retail/Dealership) touchpoints.

• Deeply understand the automotive path-to-purchase—from online research, configuration, and digital financing to test drives, showroom activations, and post-purchase loyalty/service.

• Develop innovative strategies for digital automotive retailing, virtual showrooms, EV conversion journeys, connected car experiences, and dealer network enablement.

• Translate complex automotive sales data, local market nuances, and Tier 3 promotional requirements into actionable strategic frameworks.

Integrated Campaign Architecture

• Lead integrated campaign planning, ensuring brand storytelling, digital product experiences, performance marketing, CRM, and dealership activations work in complete alignment.

• Craft inspiring creative briefs and strategic platforms that elevate creative output across mass media, social, digital, experiential, and point-of-sale channels.

• Uncover deep consumer, owner, and shopper insights using quantitative data, qualitative research, and automotive research tools (e.g., Cox Automotive, J.D. Power, IHS Markit/S&P Global).

Client Partnership & Industry Thought Leadership

• Serve as the senior strategic lead and trusted advisor to C-suite, CMO, and retail marketing leads on key automotive accounts.

• Deliver persuasive, highly articulate presentations that map creative concepts directly to commercial performance metrics (e.g., leads, configuration completes, test drives, dealer foot traffic, sales volume).

• Track emerging automotive trends—EV transitions, subscription models, connected vehicles, and changing mobility preferences—to keep clients ahead of industry shifts.

Measurement, Growth & Team Leadership

• Establish holistic attribution and measurement frameworks linking creative performance and media mix to sales conversions and dealer leads.

• Lead strategic efforts on new business pitches within the mobility, automotive, and retail technology sectors.

• Mentor and manage junior to mid-level strategists, building team capability in retail data analysis, brief writing, and consumer insight generation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: 8–12+ years of strategic planning experience within an agency or brand strategy setting, with direct experience leading automotive accounts

• Automotive Retail Knowledge: Proven track record with automotive client strategy across Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 campaigns, including deep familiarity with dealership networks, dealer co-op programs, and automotive e-commerce tools.

• Integrated Expertise: Extensive experience designing 360° integrated campaigns encompassing TV/OOH, performance digital, social media, CRM, trade/retail environments, and experiential events.

• Data & Research Proficiency: Experience with automotive syndicated tools (e.g., J.D. Power, Cox Automotive, Kantar, GWI, Google Analytics) and market segmentation research.

• Storytelling & Pitching: Exceptional presentation and storytelling abilities with a proven track record in high-stakes client environments and major agency pitches.

Key Attributes & Competencies

• Tier 1-to-Tier 3 Mastery: Ability to seamlessly bridge high-level brand storytelling with hard-working retail and promotional sales drivers.

• Commercial Mindset: Strong understanding of automotive business mechanics, inventory cycles, trim-level positioning, and promotional financing structures.

• Collaborative Leadership: Ability to foster deep trust across cross-functional teams including creative, digital build teams, performance media planners, and field client leads.