Head of Business in London

Head of Business in London

London Full-Time 84000 - 96000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Lookers

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the launch and success of our new JAECOO site in Battersea.
  • Company: Top automotive retailer in the UK with a focus on people and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health benefits, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team that values diversity and celebrates success.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting new brand and shape its future in the UK market.
  • Qualifications: Experience in running a dealership and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 84000 - 96000 € per year.

About Us: We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing 32 manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from over 150 dealerships across the UK and Ireland. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to recognising the valuable contribution each person makes. That’s why we continue to invest in a leading rewards and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, and life outside of work.

We’re launching JAECOO in Battersea — and we need a Head of Business who’s ready to build something extraordinary. JAECOO is expanding fast, and our brand‑new Battersea site will set the benchmark for what modern automotive retail can be. As Head of Business, you’ll take full ownership of launching, shaping, and driving the success of this flagship location. This isn’t stepping into someone else’s shoes — it’s creating the footprint, culture, and performance standards from the ground up. You’ll lead a talented team, deliver an unforgettable customer experience, and represent one of the most exciting new automotive brands entering the UK.

What You’ll Do

  • Drive performance across sales and aftersales
  • Lead and inspire a team that reflects JAECOO’s ambition
  • Represent the brand across the Battersea community and beyond
  • Develop a customer‑service‑driven culture through communication, coaching, and team development
  • Maintain customer service standards aligned with JAECOO’s brand expectations
  • Provide clear leadership by communicating the vision and objectives for the site
  • Set objectives and review performance with department managers
  • Develop and monitor business plans for all sales areas to achieve profit, growth, and market penetration

What You Bring

  • Experience running a dealership or automotive site
  • Builder’s mindset — proactive, strategic, and hands‑on
  • Confidence launching new initiatives and leading change
  • Strong leadership capability with a focus on people development
  • Commercial acumen and the ability to drive performance across departments

Enjoy access to a brand‑new vehicle through our Car Benefit Solutions scheme, offering a cost‑effective, fully maintained car as part of your employment package (available after 6 months of employment).

Core Benefits

  • Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the business
  • Generous annual leave that increases with your length of service
  • Enhanced family leave, including 6 months’ full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks’ full pay for paternity leave
  • Access to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible payments
  • Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needs
  • Smart Health – 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeing
  • Dental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatments
  • Optional critical illness cover for peace of mind during life's most challenging moments

Financial Wellbeing

  • MyView PayNow – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user‑friendly app
  • Free will writing services to help plan for the future
  • Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protection
  • Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyle
  • Travel insurance to help you explore with confidence
  • Access to home and technology vouchers
  • bYond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts

We strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities. We have a great bunch of people, and we like to celebrate and encourage success at all levels. Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential.

Head of Business in London employer: Lookers

As one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our people, offering a comprehensive rewards and benefits package that supports both career growth and personal wellbeing. Joining us as the Head of Business at our new JAECOO site in Battersea means you will have the unique opportunity to shape a flagship location from the ground up, lead a talented team, and create an exceptional customer experience in a vibrant community. With a focus on professional development and a culture that celebrates success, we are dedicated to empowering our employees to thrive in their roles.

Lookers

Contact Detail:

Lookers Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Business in London

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 colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Show your passion for the brand! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to express your enthusiasm for JAECOO and what it stands for. Let them see that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you want to be part of something extraordinary.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the unexpected! In interviews, be ready for scenario-based questions that test your leadership and problem-solving skills. Think about how you would handle challenges specific to launching a new site and driving performance across sales and aftersales.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, including the Head of Business role at our new Battersea site. Don’t miss out on being part of this exciting journey!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business in London

Leadership Skills
Team Development
Customer Service Orientation
Strategic Thinking
Performance Management
Commercial Acumen
Change Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the automotive industry shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to lead a new site and create something extraordinary!

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Business role. Highlight your experience in running a dealership or automotive site, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for JAECOO. Share your vision for the Battersea site and how you plan to drive performance and inspire your team. Keep it engaging and personal!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at JAECOO!

How to prepare for a job interview at Lookers

Know the Brand Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into JAECOO's values, mission, and recent developments. Understanding what makes this brand unique will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs, especially as you’ll be shaping the culture and performance standards from scratch.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team through change or launched new initiatives. This is crucial for a role that requires building a talented team and driving performance across departments.

Demonstrate Commercial Acumen

Be ready to talk about your experience in driving sales and aftersales performance. Bring data or examples that showcase your ability to develop business plans that achieve profit and growth. This will highlight your strategic mindset and hands-on approach, which are key for this position.

Prepare Questions That Matter

Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the challenges the new site might face or how success will be measured in the first year. This shows your proactive attitude and genuine interest in contributing to the brand’s success right from the start.