Head of Business – Automobile Manufacturing

Altron; Dubai; On-site; AED 440,000 - 551,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automobile brand's establishers seek a Head of Business to drive the launch of a new automotive brand in the UAE, GCC, and MENA markets. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in automotive roles, strong relationships with Chinese manufacturers, and a strategic mindset for brand building. Responsibilities include market research, establishing brand identity, and overseeing the entire manufacturing and sales process to ensure profitability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years in automotive manufacturing or business leadership roles.
• Strong experience with Chinese car manufacturers or agencies, UAE experience preferred.
• Proven track record in launching and expanding an automotive brand.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment of a new automobile brand in partnership with a Chinese manufacturer.
• Conduct deep market studies for UAE, GCC, MENA, and Asian markets.
• Develop a comprehensive after-sales plan including service centers and warranty strategy.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure alignment from manufacturing to launch.

Skills

Engineering background

Market intelligence

Strategic foresight

Relationship-building

Leadership

Education

Degree in Automotive, Mechanical, Industrial or related discipline

Job description

JD - Head of Business – Automobile Manufacturing

(China–UAE Market)

Confidential | NDA Required Prior to Engagement

Position Summary

We are establishing a new automobile brand in partnership with a leading manufacturer in China. This role requires a visionary and hands‑on Head of Business who brings deep expertise in the Chinese automotive ecosystem, strong commercial instincts, and the ability to transform a manufacturing opportunity into a full‑scale, profitable brand expansion across UAE, GCC, MENA, and selected Asian markets.

The ideal candidate is someone who naturally blends engineering understanding, market intelligence, strategic foresight, and relationship‑building—a leader who can build a brand from the ground up with credibility, passion, and long‑term stability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Brand Creation

• Lead the end‑to‑end establishment of a new automobile brand manufactured in China under a confidential partnership.
• Translate market insights into a strong, competitive brand identity that resonates with UAE, GCC, MENA, and Asian customers.
• Build a sustainable business roadmap covering manufacturing, positioning, pricing, after‑sales, and long‑term profitability.
• Ensure profit margins consistently achieve 20% minimum across all markets.

2. China Manufacturing & Partnership Management

• Serve as the principal liaison with the Chinese manufacturer and related suppliers.
• Leverage existing networks in China to strengthen manufacturing opportunities, resource access, supplier terms, and production flexibility.
• Conduct regular travel to China to oversee production, build trust, and enhance operational flow.

3. Market Research & Commercial Strategy

• Conduct deep and data‑driven market studies for UAE, GCC, MENA, and Asian markets.
• Identify models, specifications, and features that will be most sellable and competitive in each region.
• Analyse trends, pricing, competitor offerings, and consumer preferences.
• Recommend car types that are easy to sell, profitable, and aligned with current market demand.

4. Sales, Distribution & Channel Development

• Evaluate and appoint main agents, followed by subagents, for target markets.
• Define commercial policies, sales frameworks, performance expectations, and incentive models for distributors.
• Work closely with UAE‑based Chinese automobile agencies and networks to build strong early market access.

5. After‑Sales & Spare Parts Ecosystem

• Develop a comprehensive after‑sales plan including service centers, spare parts availability, warranty strategy, and customer satisfaction processes.
• Ensure spare parts supply chains are robust, cost‑effective, and well‑planned before product launch.
• Oversee quality assurance and customer support models to build long‑term brand loyalty.

6. Cross‑Functional Management

• Work closely with internal teams (finance, operations, logistics, branding, legal) to ensure complete alignment from manufacturing to market launch.
• Drive performance reviews, timelines, KPIs, budgets, and financial feasibility studies.
• Report regularly to senior leadership on progress, challenges, and recommendations.

Candidate Profile

Technical & Professional Background

• Engineering background (Automotive, Mechanical, Industrial, or related discipline).
• Minimum 10+ years in automotive manufacturing, sales, or business leadership roles.
• Strong experience with Chinese car manufacturers or Chinese automobile agencies (UAE experience is highly preferred).
• Proven track record in launching, managing, or expanding an automotive brand.

Market & Commercial Expertise

• Deep knowledge of automotive trends in UAE, GCC, MENA, and Asian regions.
• Strong understanding of what car types are sellable and profitable in each market.
• Ability to design a commercial model achieving minimum 20% profit margins.

China‑Specific Expertise

• Strong professional network within China’s automobile manufacturing industry.
• Understanding of Chinese automotive resources, suppliers, and manufacturing practices.
• Comfortable with frequent travel to China.

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial instincts.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross‑cultural communication skills.
• Hands‑on, entrepreneurial, and driven by results.
• High integrity, confidentiality, and willingness to sign an NDA prior to engagement.
• Strong brand‑building awareness and capability to create a lasting market presence.