Client Partner, OEM Advertising

About the Company

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 Challenge and 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.

We are proud to be named one of Built In's 2026 Best Places to Work in Chicago and across the U.S.

About the Role

We're looking for a Client Partner to join our team, focusing on expanding our existing relationships with major automotive manufacturers and their respective agencies. This isn’t just a sales role; it’s a consultative position where you’ll act as a strategic advisor, helping the client navigate their business challenges and grow their market share. You will be responsible for driving revenue growth by deepening relationships and expanding their investment across our diverse suite of products—from media and data to enterprise software and professional consultation. You will manage multiple key accounts, each with multiple lines of business and revenue. Your success will be measured by your ability to increase media sales, expand enterprise software adoption, and drive meaningful engagement with key decision-makers across the client’s organization.

Responsibilities

• Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for an established portfolio of high-value automotive accounts, fostering and expanding relationships with senior leaders across various departments, including Marketing, Product, and Finance.
• Strategic Growth: Develop and execute account plans focused on identifying and securing new opportunities for our full range of solutions, including media investments, paid content partnerships, data and business intelligence, and enterprise software integrations.
• Client Consultation: Act as a trusted advisor, understanding the client’s business challenges and recommending solutions that deliver tangible value and help them achieve their market share goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work in partnership with an internal Client Solutions Manager to ensure seamless day-to-day operations and a high level of client satisfaction. Collaborate with internal product and marketing teams to align our offerings with client needs.
• Travel: Be prepared to travel each quarter for in-person meetings at the client’s office, their media agencies, and our company headquarters. Maintain a strong cadence of monthly virtual and/or face-to-face check-ins with clients and frequent engagement with their day-to-day operational teams.

Requirements

• Proven Experience: 7+ years of experience with a strong background in media sales, relationship development, and selling complex enterprise software solutions. Be a revenue driver. Expand beyond upfront commitments, overcome business challenges due to inevitable market changes, and exceed revenue targets.
• Complex Navigation: The ability to effectively navigate large, complex organizational structures and build strong relationships at all levels.
• Strategic Acumen: Excellent analytical skills with the ability to understand a client’s business needs and translate them into a compelling solution.
• Exceptional Communicator: Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. You must be able to articulate value and ROI to a diverse audience of stakeholders.
• Account Leadership: You must be able to manage multiple initiatives and priorities simultaneously, shifting focus as needed to drive various projects forward across different stages of development.

Pay

The total target compensation range for this role is $175,800.00–$219,750.00 (base salary + variable). Your total target compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills and/or experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Healthcare Plans
• New Hire Stipend for Home Office Set-Up
• Generous PTO
• Paid Holidays, Floating Holiday, Volunteer Day, Recharge Day

Learn more about our Benefits, Perks, & Culture on our LinkedIn Life Pages.