Network Development Director

Reed Talent Solutions; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Talent Solutions seeks an experienced automotive network development leader to drive the design, expansion and performance of a national dealer network in the UK. The role reports to the UK executive leadership and focuses on network strategy, recruitment and performance improvement across the country.

The position is permanent with a salary up to £120,000 plus executive benefits including a company car and bonus.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in dealer network development within automotive OEMs, importers, distributors or major dealer groups.
• Proven track record of appointing and launching retail partners in the UK automotive market.
• Strong relationships with leading dealer groups and automotive investors.
• In-depth knowledge of network planning, dealer agreements, retailer profitability and franchise operations.
• Outstanding commercial and negotiation skills with board/executive-level influence.
• Strong financial/analytical capability with business case/investment proposal experience.
• Experience in fast-paced, growth-focused environments.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout the UK.
• Experience launching a new automotive brand in the UK.
• Exposure to EV retail operations and infrastructure development.
• Experience with agency or alternative retail distribution models.
• International or multi-market network development experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the UK dealer network strategy, ensuring optimal market coverage and representation.
• Identify, evaluate and appoint new retail partners across key territories.
• Lead all dealer recruitment, selection, negotiation and appointment activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with dealer principals, group CEOs and key stakeholders.
• Manage dealer agreements, standards, compliance and investment programmes.
• Monitor network performance, profitability and retailer health using data-led insights.
• Drive continuous improvement across customer experience, sales performance and aftersales capability.
• Partner with sales, marketing, aftersales, finance and legal teams to ensure successful network implementation and growth.
• Provide strategic recommendations on evolving retail models, including agency, digital and urban formats.
• Lead and develop a high-performing network development function.

Skills

Dealer network development

Automotive industry knowledge

Negotiation

Leadership

Travel readiness

Strategic planning

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced automotive network development leader to join a fast-growing organisation at a pivotal stage of its UK growth journey.

The organisation is seeking an exceptional Network Development Director to lead the design, expansion and performance of its retail network.

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in establishing and growing a nationwide dealer network for an emerging automotive brand, working closely with senior leadership to deliver ambitious commercial objectives.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the UK executive leadership team, you will take ownership of network strategy, dealer recruitment and network performance across the UK.

You will be responsible for identifying and securing the right retail partners, ensuring strong market coverage, building long-term commercial relationships and creating a high-performing network capable of delivering exceptional customer experiences and sustainable profitability.

This is a permanent position with a salary up to £120,000 + executive benefits (including company car and bonus).

Offices are based in London however the business operates a flexible working model, with office attendance driven by business need rather than a prescribed schedule. Given the nature of the position, the majority of time will be spent engaging with retailer partners and stakeholders across the UK.

Candidates should be comfortable travelling nationally on a regular basis and building relationships face-to-face throughout the network.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the UK dealer network strategy, ensuring optimal market coverage and representation.
• Identify, evaluate and appoint new retail partners across key territories.
• Lead all dealer recruitment, selection, negotiation and appointment activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with dealer principals, group CEOs and key stakeholders.
• Manage dealer agreements, standards, compliance and investment programmes.
• Monitor network performance, profitability and retailer health using data-led insights.
• Drive continuous improvement across customer experience, sales performance and aftersales capability.
• Partner closely with sales, marketing, aftersales, finance and legal teams to ensure successful network implementation and growth.
• Provide strategic recommendations on evolving retail models, including agency, digital and urban formats.
• Lead and develop a high-performing network development function.

About You

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• Significant experience in dealer network development within an automotive OEM, importer, distributor or major dealer group.
• A proven track record of appointing and launching retail partners within the UK automotive market.
• Strong relationships with leading dealer groups and automotive investors.
• In-depth knowledge of network planning, dealer agreements, retailer profitability and franchise operations.
• Outstanding commercial and negotiation skills with the ability to influence at board and executive level.
• Strong financial and analytical capability with experience building business cases and investment proposals.
• Experience operating within a fast-paced, growth-focused environment.
• The ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout the UK.
• Experience supporting the launch of a new automotive brand in the UK market.
• Exposure to electric vehicle retail operations and infrastructure development.
• Experience working with agency or alternative retail distribution models.
• International or multi-market network development experience.