This is a Manager role with enterprise reach - partnering across HR, Operations, and senior leadership to deliver programs that reinforce who AutoNation is as an employer and how it treats its people every day.
This role is fully onsite out of our HQ in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
What You Own
Culture Programming & Events
Design and execute AutoNation’s enterprise culture and engagement event calendar-including associate appreciation events, company milestones, national observances, and DRIVE culture activations across the organization
Own eventlogisticsend-to-end: venue coordination, vendor management, budget tracking, communications, run-of-show, and post-event wrap-up-delivering experiences that are polished, on-brand, and on budget
Partner with senior leadership, including the CHRO and CEO, on enterprise-wide culture moments that require executive visibility and tight coordination
Build a culture programming calendar in advance of each year, ensuring events are planned with enough lead time to execute well and are distributed equitably across markets and populations
Capture event feedback and participation data to inform future programming-continuously raising the bar on what associate-facing moments look and feel like at AutoNation
Partner with HRBPs and Talent Advisors to ensure culture programming reaches field associates, not just corporate-designing events and activations that work at the store level
Recognition Programs
Own the design, administration, and continuous improvement of AutoNation’s enterprise recognition programs-including peer recognition, leadership recognition, spot awards, and any recognition platform powered by a third-party vendor
Serve as the primary platform administrator for AutoNation’s recognition technology-managing user access, program configuration, reporting, and the vendor relationship
Develop recognition guidelines, toolkits, and communications that help people leaders recognize their teams consistently, authentically, and in alignment with DRIVE values
Track recognition program participation, adoption, and sentiment across the organization-reporting insights to the Director and recommending adjustments to keep programs fresh and meaningful
Identifyopportunities to close recognition gaps-ensuring all associate populations, including field and hourly, have access to and visibility in recognition programs
Stay current on recognition best practices andemergingtrends, bringing forward ideas that keep AutoNation’s approach competitive and culturally resonant
Service Awards
Own the full administration of AutoNation’s Service Awards program-ensuring every associate milestone is acknowledged accurately, on time, and with an experience that reflects the significance of the occasion
Manage award fulfillmentlogisticsin partnership with vendors-overseeing catalog maintenance, order accuracy, delivery tracking, and issue resolution
Maintainaccuratemilestone data in partnership with HRIS-ensuring anniversary triggers are firing correctly and no associate is missed
Develop Service Awards communications and manager guides that help people leaders personalize the milestone experience for their teams rather than letting it pass without acknowledgment
Track program health metrics including fulfillment accuracy, on-time delivery, and associatesatisfaction -surfacing issues proactively and driving continuous improvement
DRIVE Culture Activation
Serve as a culture champion and practitioner-embedding DRIVE values into every program, event, and recognition touchpoint this role owns
Partner with the Director andHR leadershiptoidentifycultural moments thatwarrantenterprise-level programming-whether in response to engagement data, business change, or deliberate culture-building investment
Support the rollout of culture-related initiatives from the Talent Strategy team by developing associate-facing content, events, and activation plans that bring the message to life
Maintain a pulse on cultural health across the organization-partnering with the Associate Experience Specialist on Signal data toidentifywhere culture programming can have the most impact
People Leadership
Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, and development support for the Associate Experience Specialist — ensuring Signal execution, lifecycle surveys, and engagement action planning are prioritized and running well
Conduct regular 1:1s and ongoing feedback conversations that helpthe associategrow in the role and deepentheirexpertisein listening and engagement
Partner with the Director ongoal-setting, performance reviews, and development planning for the Associate Experience Specialist
Serve as the first point of escalation forplatform issues, stakeholder questions, and workload prioritization within the listening and engagement function
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
5+ years of experience in HR, culture, employee engagement, recognition, or event management
Demonstrated experience planning and executing large-scale or multi-site associate-facing events end-to-end
Experience managing recognition programs or vendor platforms, including administrative and reporting responsibilities
Exceptional organizational and project management skills-able to manage multiple events and programs simultaneously without details falling through the cracks
Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to produce polished associate-facing content, executive communications, and program materials
High attention to detail and a low tolerance for a milestone being missed or an experience falling flat
Collaborative and relationship-driven-this role requires trust and coordination across many stakeholders simultaneously
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with a third-party recognition platform (Workhuman, Achievers, Reward Gateway, or equivalent)
Background in culture activation, employer brand, or internal communications
Experience in a large, multi-site, or operationally complex organization with distributed associate populations
Familiarity with engagement data and how to connect recognition and culture programming to listening outcomes
Event planning certification or equivalent professional experience in hospitality or corporate events
Success Looks Like
In Year 1, a successful Culture & RecognitionManagerwill:
Have delivered a full enterprise culture event calendar-with events that receive positive associate feedback and feel distinctly AutoNation
Have the Service Awards program running cleanly-zero missed milestones, on-time fulfillment, and managers equipped to make each moment personal
Have a recognition platform live and adopted-with participation data showing broad and growing engagement across associate populations
Be the person the CHRO calls when a culture moment needs to be handled well-because this person has already proven they deliver
Haveestablisheda rhythm with the Associate Experience Specialist to connect Signal data to culture programming decisions
Exciting Benefits and Perks Await You:
Competitive compensation and 401k matching
Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with insurance plans (health, dental, vision) and maternity benefits.
Associate purchase and discount programs for new and pre-owned vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear
Access amazing deals and discounts through YouDecide, a website with offers from top providers and retailers
Join our DRVPNK mission to raise and donate millions of dollars to cancer research and treatment, partnering with cancer charities nationwide
AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering innovative products, exceptional services, and comprehensive solutions, empowering our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. With a network of dealerships nationwide strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.
AutoNation is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in our workplace and the services we provide. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help us foster a culture of belonging while contributing to our revolutionary work in the automotive industry. We value innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.