Network Development Lead

At Honda we embrace inclusion in our various policies, so whilst our contracts state that the hours are as required to fulfil the role with a minimum of 35 hours per week, we offer flexibility for when you work. The regular office hours are 08:00 – 16:00 Monday to Thursday with a half hour lunch break & 08:00 – 13:00 on a Friday. However, we offer flexibility of when you work with our daily flex‑time start of between 07:00 and 11:00 providing that there is no business requirement.

The Network Development Lead – Automobile will be responsible for developing and implementation of the network strategy for Automobile and for managing and maintaining business processes to support day‑to‑day network development activity and network strategy implementation for HME‑UK Automobile. Development and implementation of a viable and sustainable network strategy is a key component to supporting Honda Motor Europe UK (HME‑UK) profitability. The role is field based involving weekly travel and over‑night stays across the UK. An astute appreciation of changing customer purchase behaviour, the changing industry trends and distribution models, changing retailer business models and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels (both internally and externally), will be essential.

Main Responsibilities

• Primary point of contact and specialist for Automobile network development.
• Contribute to the development of the Automobile retail network strategy.
• Accountable for the implementation, through network investors, of the Honda Large Market Area strategy for Automobile.
• Developing quality, profitable routes to market that meets the needs of the modern consumer.
• Gain investor commitment to develop Large Honda Market Areas (LMA) within specific regional market opportunities.
• Initiate and manage acquisitions, closures, and reconfigurations of retail formats to complete implementation of investor LMA plans.
• Work closely with the Network Development Department Manager on the development of the Honda Automobile Network Plan and new network strategies.
• Accountable for the termination process and run‑out of exiting dealerships.
• Accountable for the new preferred partner process and new appointment process.
• Working with suppliers to co‑ordinate implementation of retail environment schemes on designated projects.
• Influence and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders at various levels of the Automobile business both internal and external.
• Co‑ordinate and manage the process for Automobile network changes including – New retailer set‑ups, retailer terminations, retailer closures, changes in ownership, internal network updates and customer communications.
• Network Planning – Completion and evaluation of (AOR) territory feasibility studies to support development and implementation of network strategies.
• Completion of National post code territory review process when required.
• Key HME‑UK system operator for a number of internal Honda Systems (SAP, NTIC, DCIW, SNOW, COUPA).
• Maintenance of Automobile retailer files.
• Dealer Agreements – Issue and termination and update of dealer agreements and maintenance of DCMS database and GDPR corporate audit adherence.
• Maintain relationship and effective communication with key external agencies – Urban Science, Paragon, Mersons.

Qualifications, skills and experience Required

• Excellent interpersonal skills and credibility to work with external investors and colleagues at all levels to deliver business objectives.
• Natural communicator with strong negotiation skills, able to build and maintain good relationships at a senior level.
• Capable of presenting to a range of audiences including internal stakeholder meetings and investors, with presence and style.
• A strong ability to construct logical approaches and present them with conviction.
• Willingness to work as part of a flexible team and support colleagues in wider aspects of the business.
• Ability to provide innovative and considered solutions to business projects, considering evolving markets, consumer behaviour and Honda’s commercial strategy.
• Ability to think long term and implement solutions consistent with network strategies.
• Strong organisational skills with the capability to balance differing requirements and prioritise workload.
• Franchising / Network Development experience.
• Automotive or other relatable sectors.
• Strong commercial acumen gained through field experience working in Automotive sectors.
• A strong understanding of finance including Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss (P&L) and Composite.
• Network planning.
• Experience in developing network plans and utilising network planning applications.
• Experienced in HME‑UK Systems – DCMS, DM, DWA, NTIC, SAP, DCIW, extranet UAT/production mode, SNOW, COUPA, RUMBA.
• Experience of working with Network Planning and Market Reporting tools.

Honda is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in the workplace for all employees, temporary workers, contractors, applicants and visitors. Honda also encourages respect for the individual differences and talents of others while making full use of one's own abilities, based on Honda's philosophy of respect for the individual. At Honda, we value and celebrate diversity and are committed to being a fair, non‑discriminatory company that promotes and welcomes the uniqueness and differences of people around the world. We recognise that a diverse workforce allows for different ideas and perspectives, and we encourage everyone to share them. We strive to foster a culture of belonging that is consistent with Honda's core values and lived out in the way we work and respect each other.