Role Overview
Porter Ford is one of Connacht's leading Ford franchised dealerships, with a strong reputation for customer service and a growing digital presence. We are seeking a talented, commercially minded Marketing Executive to take full ownership of our marketing function — spanning digital, traditional, and in-dealership channels.
This is a dynamic, hands-on role suited to someone with a passion for automotive marketing, proven creative ability, and the technical skills to manage a broad remit independently. You will work closely with the Dealer Principal and sales team to drive enquiries, support stock turn, and strengthen the Porter Ford brand across all touchpoints.
Key Responsibilities
Content Creation
- Produce compelling written content, search optimisation, produce all company wide advertising and PR copy with strong persuasive language.
- Create engaging visual and video content for social media, including branded reels, model highlights, and promotional campaigns.
- Develop all dealership marketing collateral including promotional materials, email campaigns, physical and digital assets in line with Ford brand guidelines.
- Maintain a consistent Porter Ford tone of voice and visual identity across all content outputs and help build and manage other brands as they may develop.
CRM Management
- Manage and develop the dealership CRM system to ensure accurate, up-to-date customer records and lead tracking.
- Build and execute targeted CRM campaigns — including service reminders, finance renewal prompts, new model announcements and sales period promotion — to drive repeat business and customer retention.
- Monitor CRM performance metrics and provide regular reporting on lead conversion, customer lifecycle activity, and campaign ROI.
- Work closely with sales and aftersales teams to ensure CRM data integrity and effective lead handover processes.
Online Advertising
- Plan, execute, and optimise paid digital advertising campaigns across Google Ads, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Linked-In, Tik-Tok and relevant automotive platforms.
- Manage advertising budgets efficiently, with a focus on cost-per-lead and conversion performance.
- Analyse campaign data and provide actionable insights to continuously improve digital ad performance.
- Ensure all new and used vehicle stock is correctly and attractively listed across all relevant online platforms including DoneDeal, Cars Ireland, and our own company website.
Social Media Management
- Own and manage all Porter Ford social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
- Develop and maintain a content calendar aligned with sales objectives, seasonal campaigns, and Ford national activity.
- Grow the dealership's online following and engagement through creative, consistent, and on-brand content.
- Monitor social channels, respond to enquiries, manage lead generation and comments in a timely and professional manner, and manage the dealership's online reputation.
Traditional Media Analysis & Management
- Plan and manage traditional advertising activity including local radio, press, and outdoor advertising in the Sligo and wider Connacht region.
- Analyse the effectiveness of traditional media spend and provide recommendations to optimise budget allocation across channels.
- Liaise with media agencies and publishers to negotiate rates, manage bookings, and ensure timely delivery of creative materials.
- Maintain awareness of competitor traditional media activity and regional market conditions.
Event Management
- Plan, organise, and execute dealership events including new model launches, test drive days, customer evenings, and community sponsorship activity.
- Coordinate with Ford Ireland on national campaign events and ensure local activation aligns with national timelines.
- Manage event logistics, supplier relationships, and on-the-day execution to deliver a premium customer experience.
- Evaluate event performance and report on footfall, lead generation, and brand impact outcomes.
Used Vehicle Marketing & Inventory
- Take responsibility for the marketing of the used vehicle stock, ensuring every car on the forecourt is presented to its highest potential online and in-dealership.
- Ensure vehicle photography is on point to ensure consistent, high-quality imagery for all stock.
- Write optimised, specification-accurate used vehicle listings with persuasive copy tailored to each model's key selling angle.
- Work with the Sales Manager to promote the right stock, at the right time and in the right way. Be responsible for the idea generation around the promotion of this stock.
- Maintain accuracy and freshness across all used stock listings on the dealership website and third-party platforms.
Website Management
- Liaise with the third party that maintain the Porter Ford dealership website, ensuring all vehicle listings, promotions, and dealer information are accurate and up to date.
- Work with the web platform provider and Ford Ireland's digital team to implement updates, landing pages, and campaign activity.
- Monitor website analytics (Google Analytics / Search Console) and use data insights to improve traffic, engagement, and lead conversion.
- Ensure the website reflects current stock, offers, and brand messaging at all times, with a consistent and professional user experience.
Candidate Profile
Essential
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a marketing role, ideally within automotive retail or a related sector.
- Proven ability to create high-quality written and visual content independently.
- Hands-on experience managing paid social and/or Google Ads campaigns.
- Proficiency with social media management tools and content scheduling platforms.
- Working knowledge of CRM systems and email marketing tools.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Full clean driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience in automotive retail marketing or familiarity with Ford's product range.
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent design tools (Canva Pro, Figma, etc.).
- Familiarity with website CMS platforms and basic SEO principles.
- Experience managing or coordinating events.
- Knowledge of Irish traditional media landscape, particularly in the northwest region.
What We Offer
- A key, visible role with genuine autonomy and the opportunity to shape the dealership's marketing strategy.
- Competitive salary, reviewed annually in line with performance.
- Staff vehicle scheme and manufacturer training opportunities.
- A supportive, progressive working environment within a well-established family dealership.
- Direct access to Ford Ireland marketing support, co-op funding, and national campaign resources.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter — including examples of marketing content or campaigns you have delivered — to:
[email protected]
Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person