Job title: Commercial Manager, Passenger Cars
Department: International Motors UK & Ireland – Passenger Cars
Reporting to: Sales Director, Passenger Cars
Location: Solihull, B90 4WA – office based role
Job Summary:
The Commercial Manager / Sales Operations Manager will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive sales strategy across all channels (retail, fleet, commercial, and – where appropriate – export), driving revenue growth, expanding market share, and supporting long-term customer and dealer relationships. This is a pivotal role that requires strong commercial acumen, team leadership, and deep knowledge of the UK automotive market.
Key Responsibilities:
* Support the Sales Director in developing and implementing sales strategies and plans which are aligned to corporate objectives for the Subaru (UK & Ireland) & XPENG (UK) brands.
* Working closely with the National Sales Managers and Finance Business Partner, manage the planning and support implementation of quarterly sales programmes and tactical incentives for retailer partners – across all channels (retail, fleet, business, daily rental and Motability, where appropriate).
* Analyse customer data, market trends, and competitor performance to inform pricing, promotions, and product positioning decisions.
* Provide departmental management reporting, becoming an expert in each respective brand’s data, monitoring performance against KPIs.
* Support the Sales Director in delivering content for senior leadership & OEM presentations.
* Collaborate with the PR, Marketing and Product Management teams to ensure customer needs are reflected in their campaigns and future product design.
* Work closely with the OEM, finance, marketing, and aftersales to ensure effective demand planning, customer satisfaction and service excellence.
* Support the Sales Director with management of the sales budget for the UK and Ireland.
* Support the Sales Director to promote culture focused on results, collaboration, and customer service excellence.
Experience Required:
* 4+ years experience as a manager in an automotive sales or sales operations role – ideally with a vehicle manufacturer or dealership.
* Strong understanding of the UK automotive industry – including EV, retail and corporate sales channels, and dealership operations.
* Excellent commercial acumen with experience of creating business cases and managing sales campaigns, budgets and tactical activations.
* Experience of Microsoft Power BI or similar business analytics platforms.
* Respected brand representative with excellent presentation and negotiation skills.
* Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Ideally, experience leading and growing a high performing team.
* Knowledge of demand planning and CRM systems and supporting tools.
* Occasional national and international travel.
Desirable Skills:
* Strong work ethic and willing to go the extra mile – but also a great team player.
* Highly agile, confident, persistent, energetic and enthusiastic.
* Experience of niche or EV brands.
* Strong cultural awareness – prior experience of working with overseas manufacturers or markets desirable.
* Attention to detail combined with the ability to also see the wider business picture.
* Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic workplace; must be able to manage multiple projects at one time.