📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director Business Communications and Marketing
🔹 Company: PBS Systems
🔹 Location: Calgary, Alberta
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving business growth through customer retention strategies and supporting new sales initiatives
- Coordinating business campaigns and managing customer perceptions to expand market share
- Collaborating with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to achieve corporate objectives
- Mentoring and guiding teams on product and corporate messaging with a deep understanding of dealership processes
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and industry knowledge to drive business growth and maintain customer loyalty.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute business communication initiatives aligned with corporate objectives
✅ Encourage collaboration and maintain ownership of deliverables, negotiating with key decision-makers
✅ Prioritize workload and resource requirements, balancing customer, corporate, and new business marketing
✅ Develop cohesive cross-departmental project or campaign activation plans with clear goals, objectives, milestones, and recurring reporting
✅ Mentor and guide teams and others on product and corporate messaging, leveraging deep understanding of dealership processes and OEM relations
✅ Make informed decisions and develop plans to help PBS cope with challenges
✅ Oversee tech stack (HubSpot CRM, Pipeline Deals, Wrike Project Management, Synthesia, Adobe, and MS365 products)
✅ Manage and mentor multiple sub-teams and directly supervise group managers
✅ Ensure cohesive work across multiple departments and adherence to corporate policies
✅ Maintain responsibility for brand image, promoting corporate identity, and reputation management
✅ Stay aware and engaged in industry trends and support industry and post-secondary partners
✅ Demonstrate fiscal accountability for departmental forecasts and budgets
✅ Collaborate with various teams in product launches, customer education opportunities, and system use/adoption
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of adaptability, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree, MBA preferred
Experience: 10+ years leading high-performance teams, preferably in the automotive industry
Required Skills:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Teams)
- Results-focused, efficient, tech-savvy, organized, and open to new technologies and automation
- Excellent English communication skills; French is a plus
- Available to travel 4 weeks/year (USA/Canada)
- Available to work occasionally on weekends if required
Preferred Skills:
- Automotive Management experience
- Experience with HubSpot CRM, Pipeline Deals, Wrike Project Management, Synthesia, Adobe, and MS365 products
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in the automotive industry and proven leadership experience will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Director-level role in Marketing & Communications with 10+ years of experience in the automotive industry, the estimated salary range is CAD 150,000 - 180,000 per year.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with company matching
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and personal days)
- Employee discounts on PBS Systems products and services
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional weekend work may be required.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: PBS Systems is a leading provider of Dealership Management System (DMS) software to the North American retail automotive industry, with a focus on all-inclusive business solutions.
Company Size: PBS Systems has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: 1988, with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry
Company Description:
- PBS Systems is driven, daring, and ground-breaking, creating premier business solutions for retail automotive dealerships
- The company collaborates with customers to create a platform based on dealership input and continues to evolve its products and services
- PBS Systems' headquarters are located in southeast Calgary, Alberta, with satellite offices in Milton, Ontario; Arlington, Texas; Dubuque, Iowa; and Spanish Fort, Alabama
Company Specialties:
- Dealership Management Software
- Retail Automotive
- Dealership SaaS
Company Website: pbssystems.com
ASSUMPTION: PBS Systems' focus on collaboration with customers and industry partners sets it apart in the automotive software industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Director-level role, reporting directly to the Vice President of Communications
Reporting Structure: This role is responsible for managing multiple sub-teams and directly supervising group managers
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position based in the Calgary Head Office, with occasional travel and weekend work required
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career advancement within the company as PBS Systems continues to grow and expand its offerings
- Opportunities to mentor and develop team members, contributing to the company's overall success
- Chance to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive business growth and customer retention
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a substantial impact on the company's success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: PBS Systems' headquarters is located on a brand-new campus in southeast Calgary, Alberta, with modern facilities and a collaborative work environment
Office Location(s): 4041 128 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 5G6, CA
Geographic Context:
- Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, Canada, with a population of over 1.2 million people
- The city is known for its vibrant culture, diverse industries, and high quality of life
- Calgary experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional weekend work may be required.
ASSUMPTION: Calgary's diverse economy and high quality of life make it an attractive location for professionals in various industries.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
- In-depth interviews with hiring managers and team members to discuss the role, responsibilities, and company culture
- Case study or presentation to demonstrate problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
- Final interview with the Vice President of Communications to discuss career growth and company alignment
Key Assessment Areas:
- Industry knowledge and understanding of dealership processes
- Leadership skills and ability to manage multiple teams
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Communication and interpersonal skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this specific role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the automotive industry and PBS Systems' unique offerings
- Prepare examples of your past accomplishments in customer retention, brand management, and campaign development
ATS Keywords: Business Communications, Marketing, Customer Retention, Brand Management, Project Management, Team Leadership, Collaboration, Mentoring, Automotive Industry Knowledge, Tech Savvy, Communication Skills, Budget Management, Campaign Development, Sales Support, Industry Engagement, Customer Engagement
ASSUMPTION: PBS Systems' hiring process is designed to assess candidates' cultural fit, industry knowledge, and strategic thinking, with a focus on finding the best fit for the company's long-term success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- HubSpot CRM
- Pipeline Deals
- Wrike Project Management
- Synthesia
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Microsoft Office 365
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the listed tools and technologies is preferred, but not required. Candidates should be open to learning and adapting to new platforms as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-centric
- Innovative and adaptable
- Collaborative and inclusive
- Results-driven and accountable
Work Style:
- Strategic and forward-thinking
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-focused and accountable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with PBS Systems' customer-centric approach, and how have you demonstrated this in your past roles?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt to significant changes in your work environment, and how you handled it?
- How do you balance the need for collaboration with maintaining ownership of deliverables, and can you provide an example?
ASSUMPTION: PBS Systems values candidates who are customer-focused, innovative, collaborative, and results-driven, with a strong alignment to the company's core values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple teams and projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and prioritization
- Balancing customer, corporate, and new business marketing initiatives, necessitating adaptability and strategic thinking
- Occasional travel and weekend work, which may impact work-life balance
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that requires continuous learning and adaptation
ASSUMPTION: The right candidate will be able to thrive in a challenging, fast-paced environment and effectively manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional marketing roles, this position requires a deep understanding of dealership processes and OEM relations to drive customer retention and brand management
- This role offers a unique opportunity to work in the automotive industry, with a focus on software and technology solutions
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior leadership positions within the company, as PBS Systems continues to grow and expand its offerings
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of marketing, customer retention, and industry-specific knowledge, setting it apart from other similar positions in the market.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive customer retention campaign, including targeted communications and events, to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to launch a new product or feature, ensuring successful adoption and integration within dealerships
- Conducting market research and analysis to identify trends and opportunities in the automotive industry, informing strategic decision-making
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, collaborative, and customer-focused nature of the role, highlighting the importance of industry knowledge and adaptability.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's long-term vision for growth and expansion, and how this role contributes to that strategy?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
- Can you provide an example of a successful customer retention initiative implemented by the company, and what made it effective?
- How does the company measure the success of its marketing and communications efforts, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are most important for this role?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does this role fit into that framework?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, strategic questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company's long-term success, setting you apart from other candidates.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: PBS Systems Career Portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on the automotive industry, customer retention, and marketing
- Prepare examples of your past accomplishments in customer retention, brand management, and campaign development
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
