DCD; Distribution Channel Development Manager

Home/Field Based – Must be able to visit the office when required - Birmingham, West Midlands Fulltime

The DCD Manager is part of the Management Team of Cluster Atlantic (UK and Ireland). Clusters represent Lely on sales and service of chosen propositions in a specific region. Clusters collaborate with both local Lely Centers (Franchises) and Lely International located in Maassluis, The Netherlands (Head Office). Lely considers service to be an integral part of any proposition. Lely Atlantic supports the Lely Centers as part of their Franchise fee to Lely International.

Lely International operates a matrix organisational chart headed up by Business Leads (Manager Proposition) of the product ranges.

The DCD Manager reports directly to the Cluster Manager, leads the Account Manager in their team, and collaborates with Service Support, Marketing and Business Team Leads. They serve as a key member of the Company Management Team. The role is critical for safeguarding the medium to long term growth of Lely’s distribution channel.

As the driving force behind channel development, the DCD Manager determines the ‘How’ and ‘Who’ of Lely Center development, ensuring structural growth and the successful execution of Business Team goals within the territory. They execute strategies for network development created by the DCD department at International Head Office, including focus on the Lely Way of Working (LWOW), distribution partners, audits, Quarterly Performance Review of our Centers (QPR) and other strategic frameworks.

This position combines strategic planning, operational oversight and collaboration to create a high performing distribution network that aligns with organisational standards and goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop, oversee and implement Lely Center five-year plans ensuring annual updates with improved professionalism.
• Monitor and address legal aspects of Lely distribution agreements (e.g., Assessment and LWOW).
• Create and maintain an active list of potential investors to strengthen channel development.

Channel Development and Co-ordination:

• Execute the annual Channel Development Business Cycle in partnership with Prop managers, Channel Support and the Marketing Manager.
• Follow guidance from the Lely Center Development Manager (Global Markets team) to align with broader organisational goals.
• Support the continuous improvement of the Lely Premium Channel by optimising territories and onboarding new partners.
• Ensure Lely Centers adhere to the Lely Global Manual and implement future conceptual developments.
• Conduct regular assessments of the Lely Center processes and performance, identifying areas for improvement.
• Guide resource development within Lely Centers to drive long term growth.

Collaboration and Support:

• Facilitate communication between the Cluster organisation and Lely Centers, ensuring the Key Account team delivers a cohesive narrative across proposition.
• Lead the Account Manager to establish readiness in Lely Centers for achieving channel development goals.
• Use KPI’s to steer Lely Centers toward targets set by the Business Teams in Sales and Service, such as potential numbers in the Lely Centers.

People and Team Development:

• Responsible for complying with and executing the HR cycle, including performance reviews, development and coaching for their team.

You are a driven and strategic professional who thrives in a dynamic, international environment. With a strong commercial and technical background, you understand how to translate complex market needs into successful propositions. You are a natural leader who knows how to motivate a team, build partnerships, and deliver results.

You bring the following:

• Proven experience in commercial management, business development or proposition leadership within an international B2B environment.
• Strong analytical and business acumen, with a track record of achieving commercial goals.
• Ability to lead and coach multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Affinity with the dairy farming or agricultural technology sector is highly valued.

Skills and Experience

• Strategic…