Network Development Manager
Overview
Working for leading automotive OEM responsible for strategic planning and dealer performance across your territory.
Location: Field base
Reporting to: Director of Network Development
Role Summary
The Network Development Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, expansion, and optimization of the dealer network across the UK market. This role ensures that network coverage, dealer capability, and investment standards are aligned with the companys long-term commercial objectives.
The position requires a strong balance of strategic thinking, commercial analysis, investor management, and project execution, acting as a key bridge between corporate strategy and market implementation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Network Strategy & Market Planning
Develop and implement a mid- to long-term dealer network strategy (35 years) for the UK market
Conduct detailed market analysis, including:
Market potential (volume and segment opportunity)
Car parc analysis
Competitor network benchmarking (e.g. BMW Group, Audi, Tesla)
Identify:
Open points (white space opportunities)
Over-networked or underperforming areas
Define optimal network size, location, and dealer throughput
Deliverables:
UK Network Strategy Plan
Dealer Coverage & Mapping Analysis
Network Gap Assessment
2. Dealer Appointment & Investor Management
Build and maintain a robust investor pipeline (dealer groups and private investors)
Lead end-to-end dealer appointment process:
Initial screening (financial strength, experience, governance)
Business plan evaluation
Executive-level interviews and approvals
Lead commercial negotiations, including:
Dealer Agreement terms
Investment commitments (facility, CI, staffing)
Sales and performance targets
Deliverables:
Investor Evaluation Reports
Dealer Business Case (including ROI modelling)
Signed Dealer Agreements
3. Network Performance & Optimization
Design and implement a dealer performance evaluation framework, including:
Sales performance
Profitability
Customer satisfaction (NPS)
Conduct regular network performance reviews (quarterly/annual)
Drive network optimization actions:
Dealer improvement plans
Consolidation or restructuring
Dealer termination where necessary
Deliverables:
Dealer Scorecards
Network Performance Dashboard
Corrective Action Plans
4. Brand Standards & Facility Development (CI)
Ensure dealer compliance with Corporate Identity (CI) and brand standards
Oversee new dealership development and refurbishment projects
Approve investment proposals and monitor project execution
Track and evaluate investment returns (ROI, payback period)
Deliverables:
CI Compliance Reports
Facility Development Tracker
Investment Approval Documentation
5. Business Transformation Support (EV / Agency / Digital)
Support network readiness for electric vehicle (EV) transition, including:
Charging infrastructure capability
Technical readiness and training
Contribute to agency or direct-to-consumer model transformation
Align dealer network with digital and e-commerce sales channels
6. Cross-functional Collaboration & Project Management
Collaborate with internal stakeholders:
Sales (regional performance alignment)
Marketing (brand positioning & campaigns)
Aftersales (service capability)
Finance (dealer funding & retail finance models)
Legal (contracts and regulatory compliance)
Support new product launches with network readiness planning
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Network Coverage (%)
Open Point Conversion Rate
Dealer Profitability (average & distribution)
Time to Dealer Appointment
CI Compliance Rate
Network ROI and throughput per dealer
Requirements
Experience
510 years of experience in the automotive industry
Minimum 3 years in:
Dealer network development, or
Dealer performance / regional management roles
Experience within OEM environments preferred
Core Competencies
Commercial & Analytical Skills
Strong ability to assess market potential and build business cases
Experience with dealer ROI modelling and investment analysis
Negotiation & Stakeholder Management
Proven ability to negotiate with senior-level investors and dealer principals
Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
Strategic Thinking
Ability to design network structures at a national level
Long-term planning mindset
Project Management
Ability to manage multiple dealer projects simultaneously
Strong execution and follow-through
Technical Skills
Advanced Excel (financial modelling, scenario analysis)
PowerPoint (executive-level presentations)
Experience with mapping/GIS tools is a plus
Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce
Industry Knowledge
Strong understanding of the UK automotive retail model (franchise system)
Familiarity with dealer agreements and commercial structures
Awareness of FCA regulatory environment (especially finance-related sales)
Ideal Candidate Profile
A high-impact, commercially driven professional who combines:
Strategic mindset with hands-on execution capability
Strong analytical thinking with real-world business judgment
Ability to engage both corporate stakeholders and entrepreneurial dealer investors
Typical successful backgrounds include:
OEM regional or dealer performance managers transitioning into network roles
Senior professionals from large dealer groups
Consultants with automotive retail network strategy experience
Market Context & Challenges
Ongoing shift from franchise to agency sales models
Increasing pressure on dealer profitability and consolidation
EV transition requiring significant dealer investment
Competition from direct-to-consumer brands such as Tesla
Compensation (UK Market Reference)
Base Salary: £60,000.00
Bonus: 10%
Employer Value Proposition
Play a key role in shaping the future retail network of a forward-thinking automotive brand in the UK.
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