Performance Manager Training Specialist

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.

About This Role

We're looking for a highly skilled and experienced Performance Manager (PM) Trainer to play a pivotal role in the professional development of our Performance Managers and Associate Performance Managers. In this role, you'll be instrumental in shaping the success of our client services team by designing, delivering, and continuously refining comprehensive training programs. You'll ensure our team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a dynamic digital marketing landscape, specifically within the automotive industry.

As a PM Trainer, You Will:

• Design and Deliver Onboarding Programs: Develop, maintain, and lead a structured onboarding program for new Performance Managers and Associate Performance Managers. 

• Assess and Develop Talent: Evaluate and report on the performance of Performance Managers against their job descriptions and career frameworks throughout their onboarding period. Provide constructive and consistent feedback to facilitate their growth.

• Maintain Training Resources: Continuously update and maintain evergreen training resources, including our Confluence knowledge base, to ensure relevance and accuracy.

• Drive Continuous Improvement: Identify knowledge gaps and proactively enhance onboarding and ongoing training initiatives to align with evolving organizational goals and industry best practices.

• Facilitate Training Sessions: Schedule and host regular training sessions, aligning content with broader company-wide sales initiatives and inter-departmental objectives.

• Collaborate for Team Success: Partner with Regional Directors and Supervisors to develop and implement pod-specific initiatives and facilitate the acquisition of new knowledge for teams.

• Strategic Alignment: Attend departmental and inter-departmental meetings to stay informed on Client Services team goals and key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring training aligns with strategic objectives.

• Manage Training Projects: Oversee training-related projects, ensuring deliverables are met efficiently and in alignment with organizational goals.

• Cultivate Mentorship: Source and manage a robust mentorship program for new hires within the Client Services pods.

• Support Business Development: Assist in the sales and strategy processes for new business development opportunities within Cars Commerce.

• Enhance Training Effectiveness: Provide support to existing training teams and contribute to the continuous improvement of training performance and results.

Desired Skills & Experience

A successful PM Trainer will possess a blend of exceptional communication, analytical, and digital marketing expertise, coupled with a passion for people development and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Digital Marketing Acumen:

  • 3+ years of experience in digital marketing in a client-facing role.

  • Demonstrated real-world experience and strong understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Social Media Marketing, and Digital Analytics.

  • Proficiency in Google Ads and Google Analytics (certifications highly preferred).

  • Strong knowledge of website performance optimization.

  • Familiarity with WordPress basics and inventory management systems (e.g., Dealer Inspire knowledge base certification is a plus).

• Training & Development Expertise:

  • Proven ability to design, develop, and deliver effective training programs.

  • Experience with career framework development based on core competencies.

  • Adept at providing constructive and consistent feedback to foster team member growth.

  • Experience sourcing and maintaining mentorship programs.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills:

  • Outstanding presentation and communication skills, both verbal and written.

  • Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

  • Excellent customer service skills.

• Organizational & Project Management:

  • Highly organized, punctual, and detail-oriented.

  • Strong project management skills with the ability to ensure timely delivery of training initiatives.

  • Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision while maintaining high productivity.

• Problem-Solving & Adaptability:

  • Fast learner with a keen interest in new technologies and industry trends.

  • Ability to remain composed and effective under pressure, managing through conflict constructively.

• Automotive Industry Knowledge:

  • Must have experience within the automotive industry and a deep understanding of its unique needs and challenges.

• Technical Proficiency:

  • Familiarity with Salesforce case management or similar CRM systems.

Additional Requirements:

• This is a remote position.

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!

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. California Applicants: Click here to review our California Privacy Policy for Applicants. For current employees, please click here to review our California Privacy Policy for Employees.