Business Development Manager in Southampton

Business Development Manager - Automotive Salary: Up to £40,000 + £5,000 OTE Are you an experienced automotive sales professional who knows how to drive performance across a franchised dealer network? We're looking for a Business Development Manager to take ownership of a portfolio of approximately 80-100 franchised and non-franchised dealerships, building strong relationships, developing sales opportunities and delivering sustainable growth across the network. This is a hands-on, field-based role for someone who is confident working with Sales Executives, Sales Managers, Group F&I Managers and dealership leadership teams - and who can combine commercial sales ability with excellent coaching and training skills. The Role As Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for: Managing and developing relationships across a network of 80-100 franchised and non-franchised dealerships. Taking responsibility for day-to-day account management and achieving agreed sales growth expectations. Delivering confident, engaging sales coaching to Sales Executives and sales leadership teams. Preparing data, insights and performance information for Quarterly Business Reviews with Group F&I Managers and dealership leadership teams. Delivering on-site product knowledge training, as well as engaging online training sessions via Microsoft Teams. Introducing and successfully launching new products across the dealer network. Identifying opportunities to increase product penetration, revenue and dealership performance. Building trusted relationships at dealership and group level. Monitoring sales performance, identifying areas for improvement and putting effective action plans in place. Working independently to manage a busy territory while maintaining excellent communication and organisation.About You We're looking for someone who: Has a proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets. Is highly confident delivering sales coaching and training to both sales executives and senior dealership teams. Has experience working within franchised car dealerships or the automotive sector. Is commercially minded, target-driven and comfortable being accountable for sales growth. Can confidently present data and performance results to senior stakeholders. Is an excellent communicator with the confidence to engage with people at all levels. Is organised and comfortable managing a large portfolio of dealerships and competing priorities. Is confident delivering both face-to-face and online training. Has experience supporting or introducing new product launches across a dealer network. Lives in or around the A3 / M3 / M4 corridors, with the ability to travel extensively throughout the territory. Automotive Experience - Highly Desirable Experience within vehicle detailing, vehicle protection products or dealership aftersales/F&I would be highly beneficial. In particular, if you have previously sold products such as Autoglym LifeShine, GardX or Diamondbrite into franchised dealerships, your experience would be especially relevant to this role. What's on Offer Salary up to £40,000 £5,000 OTE per year Mileage paid at 55p per mile for the first 10,000 miles, then 20p per mile thereafter Business expenses covered A highly autonomous, field-based role with significant responsibility and opportunity to make a real impact on sales growth. Interested? If you're an automotive sales professional who can coach, influence, build relationships and deliver results, we'd love to hear from you. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who understands the dynamics of franchised dealerships and is ready to take ownership of a substantial dealer network and its growth