Head of Network Development - Zeekr UK

Geely Auto UK; Coventry; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Zeekr UK is seeking a Head of Network Development to design, expand, and optimise its UK retail and service network. You will lead the growth strategy, recruit and onboard high‑performing partners, and ensure premium customer experiences across owned and dealer channels.

Working cross‑functionally with Sales, Aftersales, Marketing, Customer Experience, Finance and European HQ, you will drive market expansion, performance governance, and long‑term profitability while maintaining Zeekr’s luxury

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Automotive Management, Commercial Management, or a related discipline.
• Ideally, you'll bring at least 10 years' experience in the automotive industry, with expertise in network development, dealer operations, or franchise management.
• Proven experience within a premium or luxury automotive OEM.
• Network Expansion & Retailer Recruitment.
• Dealer Performance & Franchise Management.
• Knowledge of Automotive Retail, Agency & Franchise Models.
• Leadership of High-performing, Geographically Dispersed Teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the UK network strategy for retail expansion, service coverage, market representation, and long-term growth.
• Lead network expansion through market analysis, site selection, partner recruitment, retailer appointments, and commercial negotiations.
• Establish and maintain premium retail standards, showroom requirements, and operational excellence aligned with brand guidelines.
• Monitor retailer performance, implement KPIs, governance frameworks, and continuous improvement actions.
• Ensure a consistent, premium customer journey across retail, aftersales, and digital channels.
• Build strong relationships with retailer principals, investors, and internal stakeholders to support readiness and objectives.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Network Development team across the network.
• Analyse market trends and competitor activity to support strategic decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related

Job description

About Zeekr

We are Zeekr, built on a decade of European experience. We are a premium electric vehicle and technology solutions brand from Geely Holding Group, one of the world's largest automotive companies. Our vision is to accelerate the shift to fully electrified mobility through cutting-edge technology, innovative retail solutions, and exceptional customer experiences.

About Zeekr

We are Zeekr, built on a decade of European experience. We are a premium electric vehicle and technology solutions brand from Geely Holding Group, one of the world's largest automotive companies. Our vision is to accelerate the shift to fully electrified mobility through cutting-edge technology, innovative retail solutions, and exceptional customer experiences.

To thrive at Zeekr, we believe you have the courage to lead with trust and care while embracing innovation and change. You will play a key role in shaping the future of our UK retail network and helping accelerate the transition to electric mobility. We offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic, international environment where entrepreneurial thinking, diversity of thought, and customer-centricity are highly valued.

Job Purpose

The Head of Network Development is a strategically critical leadership position responsible for designing, expanding, and optimising Zeekr's retail and service network across the UK market. This role will lead the development and execution of the company's network growth strategy, ensuring that retail representation, service coverage, customer experience, and partner performance align with Zeekr's ambitious growth objectives.

The successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with deep automotive retail expertise and will be responsible for identifying, recruiting, onboarding, and developing high-performing retail and service partners. Working cross-functionally with Sales, Aftersales, Marketing, Customer Experience, Finance, Operations and European headquarters, the Head of Network Development will ensure a sustainable and profitable network capable of delivering a premium customer experience consistent with the Zeekr brand.

The role is responsible for both owned retail and dealer distribution channels, ensuirng allphysical and digital customer touchpoints are aligned to Zeekr’s premium standards. The position will play a key role in supporting market expansion, network scalability, operational excellence, and long-term

Main Responsibilities

• Network Strategy & Growth – Develop and execute the UK network strategy, identifying opportunities for retail expansion, service coverage, market representation, and long-term business growth.
• Network Planning & Partner Recruitment – Lead network expansion through market analysis, site selection, partner recruitment, retailer appointments, and commercial agreement negotiations.
• Retail Standards & Network Excellence – Establish and maintain premium retail standards, showroom requirements, operational excellence, and compliance with brand guidelines.
• Dealer & Partner Performance – Monitor retailer performance, implement KPIs, governance frameworks, corrective action plans, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Customer Experience & Network Operations – Ensure a consistent, premium customer journey across retail, aftersales, digital channels, and overall network operations.
• Stakeholder Management & Cross-functional Collaboration – Build strong relationships with retailer principals, investors, and internal stakeholders to support network readiness and strategic objectives.
• Leadership & Team Development – Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Network Development team while driving capability, accountability, and best practices across the network.
• Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis – Analyse market trends, competitor activity, consumer behaviour, and network performance to identify opportunities and support strategic decision-making

Education, Skills And Personal Characteristics Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Automotive Management, Commercial Management, or a related discipline.
• Ideally, you'll bring at least 10 years' experience in the automotive industry, with expertise in network development, dealer operations, or franchise management.
• Proven experience within a premium or luxury automotive OEM.
• Network Expansion & Retailer Recruitment.
• Dealer Performance & Franchise Management.
• Knowledge of Automotive Retail, Agency & Franchise Models.
• Leadership of High-performing, Geographically Dispersed Teams.

We Are An Equal Opportunities Employer

At Zeekr UK, we value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all candidates. We are committed to fair recruitment and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. If you believe you are right for this role, we warmly welcome your application.

To thrive at Zeekr we believe that you have the courage to lead with trust and care and you don’t mind getting your hands dirty. You are highly innovative and have a great ability to adapt and perform in a constantly changing, fast-paced, highly demanding work environment. Like us, you believe it’s important to have a passion to work in an international and multicultural environment with the desire and ability to embrace the diversity of people, perspectives, and styles.

Please note that due to GDPR regulations we can only accept applications sent through the recruitment system, not via email or other channels. We do not accept applications submitted by external recruitment companies.