*This position is Hybrid and will report into the Atlanta office.
The Senior Manager, Thought Leadership – B2B Retail is responsible for leading the editorial content strategy and thought leadership program for Cox Automotive's retail software business. This role serves as the primary content strategist and editorial voice for the business — developing the ideas, narratives, and content platforms that establish Cox Automotive's retail portfolio as the authoritative, trusted voice in automotive retail transformation.
Critically, this role functions as a key partner to the SVP of the assigned business unit, capturing and amplifying their voice and point of view across executive communications, industry content, and thought leadership platforms. The Senior Manager works at the intersection of business strategy and editorial craft — translating market trends, data insights, and product narratives into compelling content that drives industry awareness, dealer engagement, and commercial credibility.
This is a senior individual contributor and people leader role, managing one Thought Leadership Specialist and a portfolio of agency and freelance contributors. AI fluency is a baseline expectation — this leader is expected to actively use AI tools to accelerate research, ideation, drafting, and content distribution, and to help establish AI-forward content practices across the team.
What You’ll Do
- Own the B2B editorial content strategy for the assigned business unit, developing a content calendar and publishing cadence aligned to business priorities, key moments (NADA, industry events), and audience needs
- Serve as the primary content partner to the SVP of the assigned business — capturing their voice, point of view, and expertise in executive thought leadership content including bylined articles, LinkedIn content, speaking abstracts, and industry commentary
- Develop and produce high-quality thought leadership content including white papers, research reports, industry guides, blog posts, and executive POVs that position Cox Automotive as a leader in automotive retail
- Partner with Product Marketing Directors to ensure thought leadership content connects to and supports product narratives, GTM moments, and commercial priorities.
- Collaborate with the Communications team to align editorial content with PR strategy, executive visibility programs, and media opportunities
- Develop and maintain the editorial voice and standards for the assigned business unit, ensuring content is consistent, on-brand, and differentiated in the market
- Manage the Content Specialist II, providing clear direction, feedback, and professional development support
- Manage freelance writers, content agencies, and subject matter expert contributors to scale content production without sacrificing quality
- Actively use AI tools to accelerate content research, ideation, drafting, and optimization — and to help the team work more efficiently across a high-volume content calendar
- Define and build repeatable AI workflows to scale and increase speed to market
- Establish metrics and reporting frameworks to track content performance — including engagement, reach, lead contribution, and share of voice
- Support major industry events (NADA, industry conferences) with content strategy, executive prep materials, and post-event amplification plans
What’s in It for You?
Here’s a sneak peek at the benefits you could experience as a Cox employee:
- A competitive salary and top-notch bonus/incentive plans.
- Exceptional work-life balance, flexible time-off policies and accommodating work schedules.
- Comprehensive healthcare, with multiple options for individuals and families.
- Generous 401(k) retirement plans with company match.
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
- Inclusive parental leave policies, plus comprehensive fertility coverage and adoption assistance.
- Extra perks like pet insurance, employee discounts and much more.
Who You Are
Minimum:
- Bachelor’s degree in related discipline and 8 years in content marketing, editorial strategy, B2B communications, or related field. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master’s degree and 6 years’ experience; a Ph.D. and 3 years of experience; or 12 years’ experience in a related field.
- 3+ years in a senior content or editorial role, with demonstrated experience developing thought leadership programs for B2B audiences
- Exceptional writing and editing skills — ability to produce and shape executive-level content across multiple formats and voices
- Experience serving as an editorial partner to senior executives, capturing and amplifying leadership voice across written and digital channels
- Strong understanding of B2B content strategy — including audience development, editorial planning, SEO fundamentals, and content performance measurement
- Experience managing freelance contributors, content agencies, or editorial networks
- Active and strategic user of AI writing and research tools — including generative AI for drafting, research synthesis, and content ideation
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills; comfortable working across marketing, communications, product, and executive stakeholders
- Travel: Up to 25%
Preferred:
- Degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or related field; graduate degree preferred
- Automotive industry knowledge preferred but not required; ability to quickly develop subject matter expertise in a complex industry is essential
- People management experience; track record of developing content talent
Join the Cox family of businesses and make your mark today!
Drug Testing:
To be employed in this role, you'll need to clear a pre-employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre-employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug-free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.
Compensation:
Compensation includes a base salary in the range of $101,500.00 - $169,100.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.
Benefits:
The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company’s needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.
EOE, including disability/vets
