Program Manager, Corporate Real Estate

AutoNation; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k matching

Health/dental/vision insurance

Maternity benefits

Vehicle purchase/discount programs

YouDecide deals

DRVPNK cancer charity initiative

Job summary

AutoNation is seeking an experienced program manager for Corporate Real Estate Services to lead project milestones, CER preparation, and cross‑functional coordination across Design, Construction, Facilities and IT. This role maintains and improves databases, supports CER approvals, and ensures on‑time delivery of facility programs.

You will collaborate with internal teams and external A&E vendors, drive standardization, and manage complex rollouts while supporting the CRES Development and

Qualifications

• 5–7 years minimum project management/administration in corporate real estate or facilities.
• Proven ability to manage complex rollouts, timelines and cross-functional logs.
• Strong understanding of design and construction processes.
• Excellent verbal, written and graphic communication skills.
• Proficiency with project management software and document workflows.

Responsibilities

• 40% Project Management & Milestone Tracking: oversee workloads and track facility milestones.
• Cross-Functional Liaison: coordinate with CRES Development Team to monitor health and align timelines.
• Action Log Management: maintain logs and reports; follow up on items with the team.
• 25% Design Standards & OEM Compliance: support rollout initiatives and maintain standards/materials.
• 20% CER Management & Administration: prepare CERs, gather documentation, manage approval workflow.
• 15% CRES Database Management: ensure database accuracy and coordinate with external architect.

Skills

Project management

Organization

Design & construction

Communication skills

PM software

Tools

Project management software

Document management systems

Financial workflows systems

Job description

Serves and the central subject matter expert on project workloads, timelines, and milestone commitments. This role provides daily management of all Corporate Real Estate Services (CRES) facility project milestones and acts as a critical liaison across internal departments – including Design, Construction, Facilities, and IT – as well as external A&E vendors. Maintains and constantly improves database and document standards. Supports the CRES Development & Facilities teams in preparing Capital Expenditure Requests (CERs) for projects, including compiling submitted information, populating standard templates, and assembling supporting documentation needed for approval. Follows and tracks each CER through the approval cycle including logging and uploading documents into the CRES project management system.

Key Responsibilities:

40% Project Management & Milestone Tracking:

Milestone Oversight: Serve as the subject matter expert on CRES project workloads, managing daily commitments and tracking facility project milestones to ensure on-time project delivery. Cross-Functional Liaison: Coordinate with the entire CRES Development Team to monitor project health, resolve bottlenecks, and maintain strict alignment with required timelines. Action Log Management: Manage, continuously develop and improve project action logs and milestone tracking; ensure reporting is accurate, up to date, and diligently follow up on outstanding items with the CRES Development Team.

25% Design Standards & OEM Compliance

Roll-out Implementation: Support the Senior Director of Design in executing strategic roll-out initiatives for both OEM and AN facility programs. Reference Material/Standards Stewardship: Ensure manufacturer reference materials contain the most current information regarding design standards, facility requirements, and required OEM-specific vendors.

20% CER Management & Administration:

CER Preparation: Support the CRES and Facility Maintenance departments in preparing project CERs by compiling submitted data, populating standardized templates, gathering essential supporting documentation, and ensuring accuracy. CER Approvals: Process the approved CERs within the project management system, executing the full approval cycle workflow including logging, cataloging, scanning, and document upload.

15% CRES Database Management:

Lead efforts for ensuring facility database documentation is accurate and up to date by leading project reviews with the CRES Development Team at the conclusion of each project and reconciling facility datasheets against architectural drawings. Manage and direct AN’s contracted database architect to identify and resolve discrepancies within the database.

Interacts with:

CRES members (development & facilities maintenance), A&E teams, inter-company departments (Operations, Customer Care, M&A, Marketing, etc.), external vendors.

Qualifications (Mandatory):

• 5 – 7 years minimum practical project management/administration experience preferably with a focus on corporate real estate, architecture, development/construction coordination or facilities management.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a proven track record of managing complex project roll outs, timelines and cross-functional action logs.
• Strong understanding of design and construction processes.
• Strong verbal, written, and graphic communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management software, document management systems, and financial workflows.

Qualifications (Preferred):

Retail program management or program roll out experience as an owner’s representative, real estate development or construction scheduling experience. Familiarity with OEM/automotive facility programs and design standards.

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.