Network Development Manager – Americas

Job Description

This role will report to the Lotus Head of Network Development in the Americas, and will involve close liaison with the Network Development, Sales, Aftersales, Marketing, & Training Departments to achieve retail partner & performance targets. You will deliver the retail partner network strategy for the growth of the Lotus Brand, supporting the Lotus Cars Retail and Product Strategies.

The role will involve extensive consulting with retail partners & candidates, the creation & management of dealer agreement packages, and implementing initiatives to improve the performance of the Lotus retail network.

Key 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, assess 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 the region 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 and including store opening. This includes agreement on contractual and facility requirements and overseeing the implementation of the agreed business plan in conjunction with the relevant Lotus Regional Staff. Continually review & improve the process for on-boarding new retail partners.

Manage the internal candidate approval process, including creating proposals for Board-level approval and preparation of contracts. Support the appointment of retail partners with the collection and creation of such information as an overview presentation, application pack, business plan, marketing plan templates (with input from other Lotus departments), and collection of other financial, facility, licenses, & relevant documentation as required.

Liaise directly with the appropriate teams at the Lotus North American Offices in Austin, Texas as well as Livonia, Michigan, and throughout the global business to ensure compliance to proposed new facility guidelines.

Review and implement the Lotus Corporate Identity and Lotus Retailer Standards across all markets to ensure compliance.

Manage dealer correspondence, department communications, and creation of presentations and field materials as required.

Ability to manage dealer agreements & amendments, as well as managing different types of network actions such as buy/sells, relocations, ownership changes, terminations, etc.

• Retailer 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.

Knowledge, skills and experience: 

• Vocational/Academic Qualifications Business degree or equivalent qualification
• Professional/Specialised/ Technical Knowledge and Experience Previous experience in automotive network development and sales, with a preference specializing in network development in the United States.
• Skills and Aptitudes Exceptional analytical, organizational, communication, and presentation skills
• Previous Related Experience/Background 5+ years of automotive industry experience in the development of dealer/distributor networks
• Personal Attributes Skilled negotiator, networker and proven leader who has the ability to influence, develop and achieve objectives, while creating win/win outcomes.
• Other Requirements Fluent in English and conversational Spanish is a plus
• Degree in Finance or Accounting is desirable

Other factors: 

• Based in the United States with the ability to work from home, although frequent travel to the main office in Austin, Texas and travel to relevant markets will be required.
• Frequent travel across the United States & Canada will be expected.