Attracting A Diverse Workforce At Manheim/ AutoTrader Group

Manheim and the Autotrader Group are subsidiaries of Cox Enterprises, a leading communications, media, and automotive services company with revenues of nearly $15 billion and more than 50,000 employees. Manheim is a global provider of vehicle remarketing services, connecting buyers and sellers of used vehicles to the wholesale used-vehicle marketplace. The company helps dealer and commercial customers achieve results by providing physical and digital auction channels, data analysis, financing, transportation, and mobile products and solutions.

AutoTrader Group operates a digital automotive marketplace in the U.S., and is also a provider of software solutions to automotive dealers throughout the nation. AutoTrader Group’s mission is to dramatically improve the way people buy and sell new and used cars.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN CAREER WORLD:
What are your responsibilities at AutoTrader Group/Manheim?

ANDREA KANE:

As chief people officer for Manheim and the AutoTrader Group (ATG), I lead all people strategy areas for both companies. This includes oversight of organizational effectiveness, change leadership, communications and corporate affairs, compensation, human resources, talent management, and employee engagement. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim and ATG are leaders in the automotive industry. Our combined companies employ a workforce of more than 23,000 worldwide.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN CAREER WORLD:

What diversity and inclusion initiatives does Auto- Trader Group/Manheim have in place to hire and promote African-Americans?

ANDREA KANE:

At Manheim and ATG, we foster an environment of inclusion that builds on the unique talents of a diverse pool of people and perspectives. We believe this philosophy plays a key role in maintaining our competitive edge. From a hiring perspective, we employ a multifaceted approach to hiring African-Americans. This includes forming strategic and educational partnerships with organizations such as 100 Black Men of America, Inc., Year Up, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to source entry-level African-American talent. We offer corporate internships through our involvement in Year Up, an organization that provides young adults with the skills, experience, and support that empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education. And we encourage our hiring managers to review a variety of diverse candidates, including those involved in our internship programs, for every job opening.

Throughout our HR planning process, we specifically identify diverse talent considered high potential and promotion-ready. This allows us to provide developmental plans to help prepare them for the next level. And, as job candidates rely heavily on the Internet and social media sites to research employers, we conduct extensive online outreach to more than 40 websites that target diverse talent.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN CAREER WORLD:

How does AutoTraderGroup/Manheim interact with professional organizations that foster diversity and inclusion?

ANDREA KANE:

We believe in investing in partnerships with professional organizations that put a strong emphasis on furthering diversity and inclusion in their planning. This includes offering financial as well as business leadership support to broaden education and visibility. One example is ATG’s partnership with the National Sales Network, the premier organization for African-Americans in sales.

We frequently participate on industry, association, and business panels such as Women in Technology, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. and 100 Black Men of America, Inc. These allow us to offer expertise on subjects such as marketing, sustainability, research and technology. In addition, our leaders at these events offer students information about our industry and job opportunities such as co-op assignments, entry-level positions and internships.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN CAREER WORLD:

What advice can you offer to college graduates as they begin their job search; what qualities do you look for in job candidates?

ANDREA KANE:

College graduates beginning their job search should look for ways to stand out. For example, volunteer for a summer internship at a company to learn what it’s like to work in a corporate setting. Seek opportunities on campus or in the community to participate in activities that strengthen leadership skills and build general business knowledge. These outreach efforts will create networking opportunities that may offer future benefits.

In addition to academic requirements and technical skills, I recommend graduates demonstrate competency in communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. In today’s workplace, these skills have become increasingly important to employee and business success.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN CAREER WORLD:

Does AutoTrader Group/Manheim attend diversity job fairs and target specific colleges through on-campus career fairs?

ANDREA KANE:

Manheim and ATG have developed partnerships and relationships with a variety of colleges and universities such as Morehouse College, Georgia State University, and Spelman College, as well as community- related organizations, such as the National Urban League, that serve diverse groups. We participate in local, national, and HBCU college career fairs, including diversity job fairs. For example, we have participated in career fairs at the University of Chicago, the National Sales Network, and the National Hispanic Sales Network.

As a result of our involvement in these programs, we have extended job offers for summer internships, co-ops, and full-time employment. We have found the face-to-face interaction invaluable in selecting future talent.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN CAREER WORLD:

What advice can you offer new workers in their efforts to move ahead in the organization?

ANDREA KANE:

For those just joining an organization, my advice would be to:

•Understand the organization, its culture and how to get things done.

•Seek out a mentor and/or buddy early. This will help accelerate the learning curve and create a valuable career resource.

•When invited to meetings, participate in discussions, and offer ideas and perspectives.

•Be up to date on industry and company trends, competitors, challenges, and opportunities.

•Maintain a professional appearance at all times, even at social events.

•Take advantage of educational resources provided by your employer.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN CAREER WORLD:

What specific jobs are you looking for; what is the future outlook for employment at AutoTrader Group/Manheim?

ANDREA KANE:

We recruit and hire in all areas of our business including accounting, HR, marketing, product development, IT, and sales. As our industry and business continues to evolve and grow, we will always have a need for great talent who bring different experiences and perspectives.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN CAREER WORLD:

How can our readers post their resumes online for career opportunities at AutoTrader Group/Manheim?

ANDREA KANE:

Those interested in career opportunities at Manheim and AutoTrader Group can apply via the Manheim job board www.manheim.jobs and https://careers.autotrader. com/. In addition, positions at both companies are posted on over 43,000 job-related websites.