Network Development Manager - Automotive

Ghassan Aboud Holding; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 460,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghassan Aboud Holding is seeking an executive to own end-to-end development of new business sites across the Group's automotive, industrial equipment, and value-added services portfolio.

From site scoping and feasibility through design, contracting, construction oversight, and cross-functional launch readiness, ensuring brand-compliant, on-time delivery across Syria today and new African markets as the Group expands.

Qualifications

• Development of business cases for new sites/locations.
• Evaluation of sites from commercial/operational perspectives.
• Non-technical oversight of design/construction processes.
• Compliance with OEM/principal brand standards.

Responsibilities

• Scope candidate sites and lead development of the business plan.
• Drive feasibility through approval with stakeholders.
• Coordinate design development and sign-off for each site.
• Lead contract negotiations with landlords and contractors.
• Oversee contractors and site launch readiness from a business perspective.
• Coordinate IT, marketing, and operations for launch readiness.
• Monitor brand standards compliance post-launch.
• Travel across Africa, MENA regions as needed.

Skills

Feasibility studies

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Contract negotiations

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Engineering

MBA preferred

Job description

To own the end-to-end development of new business sites and market locations across the Group's automotive, industrial machinery, and value-added services portfolio - from site scoping and feasibility through design, contracting, construction oversight, and cross-functional launch readiness - ensuring consistent, brand-compliant, on-time delivery across Syria today and new African markets as the Group expands.

Key Accountabilities:

• Scope and evaluate candidate sites/locations and lead development of the supporting business plan
• Drive feasibility studies through to approval with relevant internal stakeholders
• Coordinate design development and sign-off for each site
• Lead contract negotiation and execution with landlords, contractors, and other third parties
• Select and manage contractors through to construction completion, overseeing progress from a business/commercial perspective rather than technical project management
• Coordinate IT, marketing, and operations teams to ensure full readiness ahead of site launch
• Own post-launch monitoring of OEM/brand standards compliance at each live site
• For Africa, take ownership of the full development lifecycle once Business Development has confirmed the partner and location
• Contribute to the Group's broader network expansion strategy and market prioritization
• Build and maintain relationships with local authorities, landlords, and contractor networks in each market
• Standardize processes and lessons learned across sites to improve delivery speed and consistency

Knowledge / Skill Area:

• Business case and feasibility development for new sites/locations
• Site/location evaluation from a commercial and operational perspective
• Non-technical oversight of design and construction processes
• OEM/principal brand standards and compliance requirements
• Regulatory and approval processes across Syria and target African markets
• IT infrastructure and marketing readiness requirements for site launch
• Contract and commercial-legal fundamentals
• Financial acumen sufficient to evaluate and present business cases

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA preferred
• 8-12 years of experience in network/market expansion, project development, or business development
• Background in automotive, industrial equipment, or multi-site retail/distribution preferred, not mandatory
• Prior experience in emerging or frontier markets (Africa, MENA) strongly preferred
• Strong stakeholder management, project coordination, and commercial acumen
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively across current and prospective markets
• Preferably Arabic speaker who can comfortably visit tough markets