Position Summary
The Senior Director, Talent Acquisition is responsible for building and leading a high‑performing Talent Acquisition (TA) organization that supports corporate and retail hiring across AutoNation’s markets.
This leader oversees a team of recruiters, aligned to markets to deliver a consistent, scalable hiring model while maintaining market-level expertise. This role will evaluate and optimize the current TA operating model to make sure AutoNation is implementing best‑in‑class processes and technology, and elevating recruiter capability across corporate, markets, and specific roles (e.g., technician, sales associate, general manager, etc.).
The ideal candidate is a strategic builder, capable of stepping into an evolving environment and putting the right structure, processes, metrics, and change management in place to support current needs and future growth.
Senior Director, Talent Acquisition
Position Summary
The Senior Director, Talent Acquisition is responsible for building and leading a high‑performing Talent Acquisition (TA) organization that supports corporate and retail hiring across AutoNation’s markets.
This leader oversees a team of recruiters, aligned to markets to deliver a consistent, scalable hiring model while maintaining market-level expertise. This role will evaluate and optimize the current TA operating model to make sure AutoNation is implementing best‑in‑class processes and technology, and elevating recruiter capability across corporate, markets, and specific roles (e.g., technician, sales associate, general manager, etc.).
The ideal candidate is a strategic builder, capable of stepping into an evolving environment and putting the right structure, processes, metrics, and change management in place to support current needs and future growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & TA Operating Model
- Own the design and optimization of the full TA lifecycle. Evaluate current TA structure and implement the optimal model for scalability, quality, and business alignment across corporate and store hiring.
- Design and deliver a centralized TA operating model that aligns recruiters to the business while maintaining unified standards, processes, and performance expectations.
- Develop a multi‑year TA roadmap that supports business expansion, new market growth, and evolving workforce needs.
- Lead organizational change as the TA model evolves.
- Build credibility with Market Presidents, General Managers, HRBPs, and Corporate Leaders. Serve as an advisor to senior leaders on hiring strategy, talent market insights and planning.
- Develop specific and effective strategies to source and recruit for challenging roles, specifically around technician talent for our After-Sales business.
Team Leadership & Performance Management:
- Define and lead the TA organizational structure, including team leads / managers for markets and roles (e.g., Sales, After-Sales). Seek to communicate often and transparently to keep stakeholders informed, team members engaged, and alignment to the overall business priorities.
- Implement clear KPIs, SLAs, and recruiter scorecards to drive accountability and performance. Manage team to core KPIs for continuous improvement – put systems and processes in place to equip and empower recruiters to successfully meet their business’ needs.
- Build a culture of collaboration, development, and excellence by providing regular coaching and career development conversations. Model DRIVE behaviors as a leader in the organization and connect the TA team’s priorities, recognition, and results to DRIVE.
Process, Technology & Analytics:
- Lead the strategy and adoption of current systems (i.e. Phenom, Workday), and sourcing platforms.
- Build and/or partner with HR Operations on dashboards that provide visibility into market‑level recruiting performance. Partner with TA leads to identify appropriate levers to accelerate performance and course correct when necessary.
- Introduce automation and standardized workflows. Leverage AI tools as appropriate.
Employer Brand & Candidate Experience
- Drive exceptional candidate experience both internally and externally. Partner with Talent Management team to drive awareness and engagement of internal mobility and the opportunities for career growth within AutoNation.
- Ensure external facing recruitment efforts and communications are consistent, engaging, and reflective of AutoNation as an employer of choice.
- Partner with HR Operations and Total Rewards COEs to share feedback on recruitment processes, candidate feedback and labor market trends to make AutoNation an employer of choice.
- Strengthen employer brand across corporate and local market audiences.
- Continuously improve candidate and hiring manager experience. Measure results, collect feedback and align the team to own the candidate experience from beginning to end.
Qualifications:
Required:
- 10+ years of progressive TA experience including leading large, centralized teams.
- Experience supporting multi-location, geographically dispersed business units.
- Established and exhibited successful building or restructuring of TA functions.
- Experience with corporate and high‑volume retail/field hiring.
- Strong analytics acumen.
- Proven ability to influence senior leaders and work across a highly matrixed organization.
Preferred
- Experience in automotive retail, dealership networks, franchise retail, or multi‑location service industries.
- Experience leveraging AI tools for continuous improvement, process execution and/or efficiency gains. Comfort with piloting new tools to keep up with current and leading-edge recruitment techniques.
- Prior leadership of business unit, market structure, and/or geographically aligned recruiting teams.
- Advanced degree in HR, Business, or Organizational Development.
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.