Network Development Manager - UK & Ireland

Lotus UK; Daimler Green; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer in the UK is seeking a strategic individual to define and develop their retail network and aftersales strategies. Responsibilities include analyzing the market and managing dealer relationships to drive profitability and growth. Ideal candidates will have a business degree, strong contract management background, and senior experience in automotive networks. This position involves frequent travel and requires the ability to work under pressure while managing multiple projects.

Benefits

25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

6% pension contribution

Discretionary annual bonus scheme

Private Healthcare

Access to Employee Car Ownership Scheme

Paid time off for medical appointments

Qualifications

• Previous experience in national network development is required.
• Must have senior automotive experience in dealer/distributor networks.
• Experience in dealer termination is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop retail network and aftersales strategies.
• Support in recruiting strategic network partners.
• Monitor and maintain retailer P&L for profitability.

Skills

Strong background in contract management

Excellent communication skills

Skilled negotiator

Proven leadership abilities

Ability to travel freely

Education

Business degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Define and develop retail network and complete aftersales strategies for UK in line the Lotus Cars sales and service strategy (retail & fleet sales, retail partners, traditional dealers, service points & contracts in place). The role includes decision on strategy by market area, dealer appointments, terminations, replacements, and improvement process. The role will involve close liaison with the Head of Sales for agreed requirements and targets.

Responsibilities

• Market Analysis and Priorities: Develop a process and structure to assess the UK & I Lotus existing network; Identify the most efficient representation in all areas ensuring coverage that releases the potential for Lotus Cars existing and future products and programmes.
• Utilise competitive data, economic, demographic and other relevant information such as legislation variables to adjust and confirm go to market strategies.
• Build an optimised setup and timeline for transition to target in each area.
• Review of vehicle parc and network optimisation for after service.
• Network Development: Deliver the level of network expansion in UK & I required to drive profitability and growth for Lotus Cars.
• Monitor and maintain retailer P&L with a view to return on investment including cost reduction and profit maximisation.
• Support in: Identifying and recruiting strategic network retail partners/agents, working closely with the Head of Network Projects to lead & initiate new projects, develop, manage and monitor network performance lifecycle programs related to KPIs/ OKRs, contractual standards, brand requirements, margin expectations, sales & aftersales evaluations and network optimization.
• Establish the governance and process framework to lead the Network Performance Management programme across the network in alignment with the regional framework.
• Liaise directly with the appropriate teams at Lotus Europe and Global and throughout the global business to ensure compliance to proposed new facility guidelines.
• Manage the associated internal approval process, including Board-level approval and preparation of contracts.
• Create a suite of materials to support the appointment of retail partners, commensurate with the Lotus brand and including such information as an overview presentation, application pack, and business plan and marketing plan templates (with input from other Lotus departments).
• Ensure legal compliance of all Network Development actions, programs, and policies.
• Create and manage new retail partners induction classes for formal introduction to Lotus staff, policies and practices.
• Work closely with the training manager to identify training needs with Lotus Global and ensure delivery across the network.

Qualifications

• Business degree or equivalent qualification.
• Previous experience in network development on a national scale.
• Strong background in contract management, including experience in dealer termination; ideally experience in direct sales.
• Extremely organised, ability to work with parallel workstreams, and manage pressure.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Senior automotive experience in the development of dealer/distributor networks.
• Knowledge & understanding of overall retail automotive dealer operations.
• Skilled negotiator.
• Proven leader who has the ability to influence, develop and achieve objectives and create win/win outcomes.
• Frequent travel might be required to visit different entities; applicants must therefore possess the ability to travel freely without restrictions.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK without VISA sponsorship.

About Lotus

Lotus Cars builds world-class, high-performance and lightweight sports cars that are sold all around the world. Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with a 75-year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 we launched the Eletre, the world's first all-electric hyper‑SUV, and in 2023 Emeya, our fully‑electric Hyper‑GT.

As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them. We're not just a car company; we're a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organization. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments during the interview process. If you require any special assistance or adjustments, please let us know in advance so we can ensure a fair and accessible interview experience.

Benefits

• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays.
• 6% pension contribution.
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme, based on your contribution and the performance of the company.
• Private Healthcare.
• Access to the Employee Car Ownership Scheme.
• Group income protection based on length of service.
• Paid time off for medical appointments.
• Exclusive Employee discount, wellbeing and recognition platform (#ForUSLOT).

Other: Based in Coventry although frequent travel will be required.