Dealer Network Development Manager - UK

Norton Motorcycles; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday (incl. Bank Hols)

Generous pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Life insurance (4x salary)

On-site free parking

Job summary

Norton Motorcycles is expanding its premium dealer network across the UK and internationally. The role focuses on identifying partners, negotiating agreements, and guiding new showrooms from recruitment through launch and early performance.

To excel you should bring deep experience in dealer network development within automotive or premium mobility, strong negotiation and program management skills, and willingness to travel extensively. Join a British heritage brand entering a new era.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in dealer network development, business development or retail network expansion.
• Experience within automotive, motorcycle, premium mobility or a similar franchise environment.
• Strong commercial negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Experience managing dealer appointments, retail launches or operational implementation.
• Strong project management and analytical capability.
• Ability to coach and influence dealer principals and dealership teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a highly field-based role.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel extensively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver dealer network expansion plans across assigned territories.
• Identify new market opportunities and prospective dealer partners.
• Lead dealer recruitment, assessment, negotiation and appointment through to contract.
• Evaluate dealer business cases, commercial potential and operational capability.
• Coordinate dealership preparation, onboarding and launch activities.
• Train and support dealer principals and dealership teams on Norton standards, sales processes and customer experience.
• Provide hands-on coaching and commercial support during the first three months following dealer opening.
• Monitor launch performance, KPIs and agreed action plans to support rapid business development.
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Aftersales, Training, Operations and Finance.
• Support international dealer development projects as required.
• Represent Norton professionally while protecting the brand's premium positioning.

Skills

Dealer network

Business development

Retail expansion

Negotiation

Project management

Relationship management

Coaching & mentoring

Tools

CRM software

Dealer management system

Job description

We’re not just another bike brand - we're an iconic, British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history behind us. Our new state-of-the-art facilities in Solihull, West Midlands are home to a tight-knit, but ever-expanding team that's passionate about delivering exquisite riding experiences to our customers.

Under new ownership and proud to be part of the TVS Motor family, we're entering a new era of global success. And we want you to be a part of it!

At Norton, we value respect, trust, and responsibility. We trust our employees to execute their roles exceptionally and professionally, and we value personal development, teaching, and learning. When you join our team, you'll have the opportunity to grow and learn alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people in the business.

So if you're passionate about motorcycles and looking to join a team that's shaping the future of this legendary brand, we'd love to hear from you!

Location: Solihull or London | Travel: Extensive UK travel, with occasional international travel

Reporting to

Global Head of Network Development

The Role

Norton Motorcycles is looking for an experienced Dealer Network Development Manager to support the expansion of our premium retail network across the UK and, where required, internationally.

This is a highly commercial, field-based role with responsibility for the full dealer development lifecycle - from identifying and assessing potential partners through negotiation, appointment, showroom preparation, launch and initial post-opening performance.

You will identify priority markets, source and recruit high-quality dealer partners, lead commercial negotiations and coordinate the successful opening of new Norton dealerships. Following launch, you will work closely with dealer principals and their teams to embed Norton standards, develop sales and aftersales operations and build sustainable commercial performance.

The role will suit an individual with strong experience in automotive, motorcycle, premium mobility or franchise/dealer network development, who combines commercial acumen with excellent relationship-building and project management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver dealer network expansion plans across assigned territories
• Identify new market opportunities and prospective dealer partners
• Lead dealer recruitment, assessment, negotiation and appointment through to contract
• Evaluate dealer business cases, commercial potential and operational capability
• Coordinate dealership preparation, onboarding and launch activities
• Train and support dealer principals and dealership teams on Norton standards, sales processes and customer experience
• Provide hands-on coaching and commercial support during the first three months following dealer opening
• Monitor launch performance, KPIs and agreed action plans to support rapid business development
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Aftersales, Training, Operations and Finance
• Support international dealer development projects as required
• Represent Norton professionally while protecting the brand's premium positioning

About You

Essential

• Proven experience in dealer network development, business development or retail network expansion.
• Experience within automotive, motorcycle, premium mobility or a similar franchise environment
• Strong commercial negotiation and relationship management skills
• Experience managing dealer appointments, retail launches or operational implementation
• Strong project management and analytical capability
• Ability to coach and influence dealer principals and dealership teams
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a highly field-based role
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel extensively

Desirable

• Experience developing premium or luxury automotive/motorcycle dealer networks
• International dealer development experience
• Experience with CRM, dealer management systems and retail performance reporting
• Motorcycle industry experience

Rewards Of Working For Norton

• Competitive salary package that recognises your skills and experience
• 33 days of holiday (inc. Bank Hols) to relax and recharge
• Generous pension scheme that sets you up for the future, with access to personalised advice.
• Private Medical Insurance and a Cash Back Programme to keep you feeling your best
• Life insurance (4x salary) because we've got your back no matter what
• FREE fruit, got to have your five-a-day!
• WeCare Employee Assistance Programme, which includes access to online GP services, dietary advice, mental health support, bereavement counselling, and a fitness programme
• Experience the thrill of an entrepreneurial environment within a larger, well-funded company with ambitious long-term goals.
• Elevate your career with our Ideas for Excellence scheme, where every brilliant idea is not just valued, but also rewarded!
• A diverse and international team that brings together different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Join the fun with our twice-yearly employee events, payday socials, and loads of exciting activities in between!
• Want to go green? You can enjoy free electric bicycle hire
• Plus, no need to stress about finding a parking spot - we've got on-site free parking covered and FREE electric charge points.

We know how important it is to take care of our team, and we're committed to continually improving our reward offering in line with the business growth plan.

Join us and see for yourself!