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- Tasks: Lead network development and aftersales strategies for Lotus Cars in the UK.
- Company: Join Group Lotus, a legendary sports car manufacturer transforming into a global electric performance brand.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and an employee car ownership scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering team pushing boundaries in the automotive industry with a focus on innovation.
- Qualifications: Business degree or equivalent, with experience in national network development and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: This full-time role is based in Coventry, with frequent travel required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with a 75-year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 we launched the Eletre, the world’s first all-electric hyper-SUV, and in 2023 Emeya, our fully-electric Hyper-GT.
As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them.
Lotus Cars builds world-class, high-performance and lightweight sports cars that are sold all around the world.
To bring the company to the level we want it to be, we are looking for a Network Development Manager in the Group Commercial Sales Department to join us in our Global Commercial site based in Coventry.
Summary
Define and develop retail network and complete aftersales strategies for UK in line the Lotus Cars sales and service strategy (retail & fleet sales, retail partners, traditional dealers, service points & contracts in place). The role includes decision on strategy by market area, dealer appointments, terminations, replacements, and improvement process. The role will involve close liaison with the Head of Sales for agreed requirements and targets.
What you\’ll do
- Market Analysis and Priorities :
- Develop a process and structure to assess the UK & I Lotus existing network
- Identify the most efficient representation in all areas ensuring coverage that releases the potential for Lotus Cars existing and future products and programmes.
- Utilise competitive data, economic, demographic and other relevant information such as legislation variables to adjust and confirm go to market strategies.
- Build an optimised setup and timeline for transition to target in each area.
Review of vehicle parc and network optimisation for after service.
Network Development
- Deliver the level of network expansion in UK & I required to drive profitability and growth for Lotus Cars.
- Monitor and maintain retailer P&L with a view to return on investment including cost reduction and profit maximisation.
Support in
- Identifying and recruiting strategic network retail partners / agents.
- Working closely with the Head of Network Projects to lead & initiate new projects.
- Develop, manage and monitor network performance lifecycle programs related to KPIs / OKRs, contractual standards, brand requirements, margin expectations, sales & aftersales evaluations and network optimization.
- Establish the governance and process framework to lead the Network
- Performance Management programme across the network in alignment with the regional framework.
- Liaise directly with the appropriate teams at Lotus Europe and Global and throughout the global business to ensure compliance to proposed new facility guidelines.
- Manage the associated internal approval process, including Board-level approval and preparation of contracts.
- Create a suite of materials to support the appointment of retail partners, commensurate with the Lotus brand and including such information as an overview presentation, application pack, and business plan and marketing plan templates (with input from other Lotus departments)
- Ensure legal compliance of all Network Development actions, programs, and policies
- Create and manage new retail partners induction classes for formal introduction to Lotus staff, policies and practices.
- Work closely with the training manager to identify training needs with Lotus Global and ensure delivery across the network.
What you\’ll bring
- Business degree or equivalent qualification
- Previous experience in network development on a national scale
- Strong background in contract management, including experience in dealer termination
Ideally experience in direct sales
- Extremely organised, ability to work with parallel workstreams, and manage pressure
Excellent communication skills
- Senior automotive experience in the development of dealer / distributor networks
- Knowledge & understanding of overall retail automotive dealer operations
- Skilled negotiator
- Proven leader who has the ability to influence, develop and achieve objectives and create win / win outcomes.
What we offer
In addition to a competitive salary, you will have access to the following benefits :
- 25 days\’ holiday plus bank holidays
- 6% pension contribution
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme, based on your contribution and the performance of the company
- Private Healthcare
- Access to the Employee Car Ownership Scheme
- Group income protection based on length of service
- Paid time off for medical appointments
- Exclusive Employee discount, wellbeing and recognition platform #ForUSLOT
Based in Coventry although frequent travel will be required.
This role will be based full-time from Coventry, apart from when you are required to be on the road for business travel.
Additional Information
- This role will be working from our Coventry office. This role will be working on-
- Frequent travel might be required to visit different entities. Applicants must therefore possess the ability to travel freely without restrictions.
- Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK without VISA sponsorship.
Do you want to know what Sophisticated, Rebellious and Pioneering mean for Lotus? Come and take a look at our career site and join the incredible adventure :
STEP OUTSIDE THE ORDINARY – Lotus Cars
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Network Development Manager – UK & Ireland employer: Lotus UK
Contact Detail:
Lotus UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Development Manager – UK & Ireland
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lotus Cars' history and their recent innovations, especially the Eletre and Emeya. Understanding their brand ethos and future direction will help you align your vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the automotive industry, particularly those involved in network development and dealer management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies for network expansion and optimisation. Think about how you would approach market analysis and dealer recruitment, as these are key aspects of the role that will likely come up in conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your negotiation skills by preparing examples of past successes in contract management or dealer relationships. Being able to demonstrate your ability to create win/win outcomes will be crucial in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Development Manager – UK & Ireland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in network development and contract management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive profitability and growth, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the automotive industry and how your background aligns with Lotus Cars' vision. Mention your understanding of their recent developments, like the Eletre and Emeya, to show you’re genuinely interested in the company.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your organisational skills, ability to manage multiple workstreams, and excellent communication abilities. These traits are crucial for the Network Development Manager role, so provide examples of how you've successfully used them in past positions.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since the role requires a proven leader who can influence and achieve objectives, include instances where you've led teams or projects. Highlight any successful negotiations or partnerships you've developed in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lotus UK
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, make sure to dive deep into Lotus Cars' history, values, and recent developments, especially their shift towards electric vehicles. Understanding their mission will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Network Development Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in network development, particularly on a national scale. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully expanded networks or improved performance metrics.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to dealer management or network optimisation. Think of scenarios where you've had to negotiate or make tough decisions, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As this role requires liaising with various teams and stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past roles to illustrate how effective communication has led to successful outcomes.
