Commercial Manager in Solihull

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.