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- Tasks: Lead the development of AION's UK retail network and secure strong partnerships.
- Company: Join an exciting venture between Jameel Motors and GAC, launching intelligent electric vehicles.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health cover, life assurance, and hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Be part of a defining moment in sustainable mobility and shape the future of transport.
- Qualifications: Extensive automotive experience and strong stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic start-up environment with significant growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
This role sits at the heart of an exciting new venture between Jameel Motors and GAC, established to introduce the AION range of intelligent electric vehicles to the UK market. As part of the team, you will help establish and grow AION Auto UK combining GAC’s cutting-edge EV innovation with Jameel Motors’ deep automotive expertise to deliver a new benchmark in electric mobility. This is more than a position in a new company; it’s an opportunity to be part of a defining moment in the UK’s transition to intelligent, sustainable mobility.
About the Role
As Head of Network Development, you’ll play a pivotal role in building AION’s UK retail network during its early-stage growth phase. You’ll join with a strategic foundation already in place, but with the autonomy to shape and evolve it as the network grows, helping take the business from early market entry to a scalable national footprint. You’ll lead the development of strong, sustainable partnerships that form the backbone of AION’s UK retail presence.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and deliver the UK retail partner representation plan to support network expansion.
- Identify, engage, and secure strong retail partners to join AION’s network.
- Lead negotiations of franchise agreements and ensure all regulatory and compliance standards are met.
- Oversee the full appointment and onboarding lifecycle for new partners, from approval through to turn-key launch.
- Maintain and enhance partner standards, documentation, and network governance frameworks.
- Work closely with Network Operations to monitor partner performance and drive continuous improvement.
- Create robust, commercially aligned plans for both new and existing retail partners.
- Lead quarterly representation reviews to track progress against network development objectives.
- Act as a senior connector between retail partners and internal leadership teams.
Skills & Experience
- Extensive automotive experience, ideally in Network Planning and Development, Channel Development, or a senior Regional/National Manager role.
- An existing strong and influential network within automotive retail, with the ability to open doors, accelerate partnership conversations, and build trust quickly at senior levels.
- Deep understanding of franchising, retailer standards, and OEM/distributor requirements.
- Excellent stakeholder management, with the ability to influence at senior and board level.
- Proven experience managing complex onboarding, development, or site-launch projects.
- It would be advantageous to have direct experience in franchising within an OEM, importer, or distributor environment.
- Desirable to have worked in a start-up or fast-scaling organisation.
What We Offer
- Join the launch of a major new automotive brand in the UK.
- Help shape the future of sustainable mobility in the UK.
- Competitive compensation package, including life assurance, health cover and a salary sacrifice pension scheme.
- Hybrid working model.
- Health and wellbeing support through our partnership with the automotive charity BEN.
Head of Network Development in Slough employer: AION Auto UK
Contact Detail:
AION Auto UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Network Development in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Head of Network Development role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or industry leaders, make sure to highlight your experience in network planning and development. Share specific examples of how you've successfully built partnerships in the past – it’ll set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies like AION Auto UK directly through our website. Express your interest in their mission and how your skills can help them grow their retail network. It shows initiative and could lead to opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s vision. Research AION Auto UK and its competitors, and think about how you can contribute to their goals in sustainable mobility. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Network Development in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Network Development role. Highlight your automotive experience and any relevant network planning skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at AION Auto UK!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about electric vehicles and how you can contribute to our growth. Let us know what excites you about joining AION Auto UK.
Showcase Your Network: Since this role involves building partnerships, don’t forget to mention your existing connections in the automotive industry. We’re keen to see how you can leverage your network to help us grow!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at AION Auto UK
✨Know Your EV Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in electric vehicles and the AION range specifically. Being able to discuss GAC’s innovations and how they fit into the UK market will show your passion and knowledge, which is crucial for a role like Head of Network Development.
✨Showcase Your Network
Since this role involves building partnerships, be ready to talk about your existing connections in the automotive industry. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with retail partners in the past, as this will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect questions around negotiation tactics and franchise agreements. Think of past experiences where you’ve navigated complex negotiations and be prepared to share those stories. This will help illustrate your expertise in managing relationships and compliance standards.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This position requires a strategic mindset, so come prepared with ideas on how to expand AION’s retail network. Discuss potential partner profiles and how you would approach them, showing that you can think ahead and align with the company’s growth objectives.