Director, Strategic Partnerships

About Us
CDK Global is a leading provider of cloud-based software to dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) across automotive and related industries. The Company’s cloud-based, software as a service (“SaaS”) platform enables dealerships to manage their end-to-end business operations including the acquisition, sale, financing, insuring, repair, and maintenance of vehicles. By automating and streamlining critical workflows, the integrated platform of modern solutions enables dealers to sell and service more vehicles by creating simple and convenient experiences for customers and improves their financial and operational performance.

The Role

The Director, Strategic Partnerships will help scale CDK’s partner ecosystem by identifying, signing, and—most critically—activating strategic partnerships that become live, revenue-generating integrations and offerings across CDK’s portfolio. Reporting to the VP, Corporate Business Development, this role leads post-deal execution and ongoing partner operations, coordinating cross-functionally with product, sales, marketing, finance, implementation, and customer success to remove blockers, accelerate time-to-value for dealers, and ensure strong lifecycle performance from launch through renewal.

This is an opportunity for an operationally sharp leader who thrives at the intersection of partner management, cross-functional coordination, and go-to-market execution—translating agreements into measurable business impact.

In this role, you will: 

• Support a comprehensive process to identify and evaluate potential opportunities, including rigorous pipeline generation and screening process that will surface quality partnering opportunities 
• Drive post-deal execution that turns partnership agreements into live, revenue-generating integrations and offerings 
• Serve as the operational backbone of CDK’s partner ecosystem, coordinating across teams to keep initiatives moving 
• Build trusted relationships with partners and internal stakeholders that accelerate activation and deepen engagement 
• Own the partner lifecycle from launch through renewal, ensuring consistent performance and proactive management 

Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions 

• Manage ongoing partner relationships through structured cadences and proactive communication, serving as the first point of contact for operational matters including billing, activation, integration, and escalation 
• Align product, sales, marketing, customer success, and implementation teams around partner priorities, resolving blockers and maintaining momentum on joint initiatives 
• Own lifecycle operations, including renewal tracking, performance monitoring, and contract re-evaluation support, ensuring continuity and protecting revenue 
• Build and maintain reporting, pipeline dashboards, and executive-ready materials that give leadership clear visibility into program health and partner performance 

Required Qualifications & Job Requirements 

• 7 to 10 years of experience in partnerships, business development, program management, or SaaS/enterprise software operations, with a demonstrated ability to manage multi-stakeholder initiatives at scale 
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Strategy, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Strong interpersonal skills including communication, relationship building, and stakeholder management, with a natural ability to build trust across internal teams and external partners 
• Comfortable working in dynamic and often ambiguous environments with minimal oversight, while maintaining a high standard of follow-through and accountability 
• Organized and detail-oriented, with project management instincts and a habit of keeping complex initiatives from stalling 
• Data-oriented mindset with proficiency in CRM and project management tools (Salesforce, Jira, or similar) and an ability to translate activity into meaningful reporting 
• Must be able to travel for partner on-sites, industry conferences, and team sessions as needed 

Salary Range: $180,000 - $190,000

CDK Global is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Compensation packages are based on several factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, certifications, and work location.  The total compensation package for this position may also include annual performance bonus, benefits and/or other applicable incentive compensation plans.We offer Medical, dental, and vision benefits in addition to:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 401K Matching Program

• Tuition Reimbursement

At CDK, we believe inclusion and diversity are essential in inspiring meaningful connections to our people, customers and communities. We are open, curious and encourage different views, so that everyone can be their best selves and make an impact.

CDK is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workforce where everyone is valued. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed or religion, age, disability (including pregnancy), results of genetic testing, service in the military, veteran status or any other category protected by law.

Applicants for employment in the US must be authorized to work in the US.  CDK may offer employer visa sponsorship to applicants.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. CDK retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed.