Regional Dealer Development Manager Automotive Oem - Gauteng, Northern Suburbs

Select Motor Recruitment; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive recruitment agency is seeking a Dealer Development Manager to implement a regional network strategy, manage dealer relationships, and ensure compliance with OEM standards. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in automotive field operations and strong project management skills. This role requires excellent stakeholder engagement and the ability to lead multi-stakeholder projects. Candidates with a background in the motor industry are essential.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in automotive OEM field operations.
• Experience managing dealer relationships.
• Ability to lead multi-stakeholder projects.

Responsibilities

• Implement the OEMs national network strategy at a regional level.
• Monitor and assess dealer performance across key metrics.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with dealer principals.

Skills

Relationship Management

Project Management

Commercial Acumen

Analytical Skills

Negotiation Skills

Stakeholder Management

Knowledge of Franchise Law

Education

Automotive Management qualification or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Network Planning & Development
• Implement the OEMs national network strategy at a regional level
• Identify gaps or overlaps in market coverage and make recommendations for dealer appointments, relocations, or terminations
• Analyze regional market trends and future mobility developments (e.g., electrification, digital retail)

Dealer Performance Management

• Monitor and assess dealer performance across key metrics (sales, aftersales, CSI, profitability, facility compliance)
• Work with internal teams and dealers to build and execute performance improvement plans
• Support retail business planning processes with dealer partners

Dealer Relationship Management

• Act as the primary OEM liaison with dealer principals and senior management
• Build strong, trust-based relationships that support mutual growth
• Support dealers in succession planning, ownership changes, and leadership development

Facility and Brand Standards

• Ensure dealers meet or exceed OEM brand standards in facility, CI, and digital presence
• Oversee site upgrades, relocations, and new build projects from approval through to completion
• Work with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., architects, contractors, legal)

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure dealers comply with OEM contractual obligations, performance KPIs, and market representation agreements
• Identify risks related to financial viability, market representation, or legal compliance

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Sales, Aftersales, Marketing, and Finance to support regional goals
• Provide market insights and dealer feedback to inform national strategy

Requirements / Qualifications

• Automotive Management qualification, or related field
• 3-5 years of experience in automotive OEM field operations, network development, or retail operations as a dealer development manager
• Proven experience managing dealer relationships and influencing without direct authority
• Knowledge of franchise law, facility development, and market planning
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
• Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills
• Analytical with the ability to interpret complex data sets
• Project management skills, with ability to lead multi-stakeholder projects
• High levels of self-motivation and initiative
• Proficiency in CRM systems, Excel, PowerPoint, and digital tools
• Ability to travel within assigned region
• Dealer network performance (sales targets, CSI, profitability)
• Network coverage and strategic alignment with market opportunities
• Dealer satisfaction and engagement
• Timely execution of facility upgrade projects

Motor Industry experience Essential!!

Please note only candidates with the required experience will be contacted and considered.

If you are not contacted within 14 days from application, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.

Applications will only be considered from candidates who meet the specified criteria as per the job spec.

If you do not meet the requirements, Select Motor Recruitment reserves the right not to respond to your application.

Applications should be submitted no later than Friday 24 October