Head of Network Development – Austin, Texas USA

About the role

Define, develop, and deliver the retail partner network strategy for the growth of the Lotus Brand in North America in line with Vision 80, the Lotus retail strategy and Lotus Cars Product Strategy. The role will involve close liaison with the President for North American and the Regional Sales Teams, in order to achieve the retail partner appointment targets in line with agreed requirements and targets.

Role Responsibilities

Market Analysis:

• Develop a process and structure to assess the North American Lotus retail partner network in existing and prospective territories.
• Identifying markets with potential and opportunity with assessment of risks and further review.
• Considering competitive data, economic, demographic, and other relevant information such as legislation variables.

Network Development:

• Deliver the level of network expansion in North America required to drive profitability and growth for Lotus Cars in accordance with the company’s business aspirations and volume targets.
• Identify and recruit strategic network retail partners, managing the entire process from initial approach through to showroom opening.
• To include agreement on contractual and facility requirements, overseeing the implementation of the agreed business plan in conjunction with the relevant Lotus Business Development Manager.
• Continually reviewing the process for on-boarding new retail partners.

• Liaise directly with the appropriate teams at Lotus Head Office in UK 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).
• Review and implement the Lotus CI and Retain Standards across all markets to ensure compliance.

Dealer Review:

• Implement a system within which new and existing partners are regularly reviewed, with key stakeholders, to assess whether they are appropriate for new and ongoing representation of Lotus.
This will include, but not limited to financial reports, business structure, capability, and historic performance. Along with a firm understanding of franchise law and regional variations.

Essential Criteria:

• Business degree or equivalent qualification
• 10 years of experience in sales and business development, with a preference specializing in network development on a national scale
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Senior automotive experience in the development of dealer/distributor networks
• Skilled negotiator and proven leader who can influence, develop, and achieve and create win/win outcomes.

Other

This role is based in the USA although frequent travel will be required. Frequent Global travel will be expected throughout.