Network Development Manager Ireland

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Business degree or equivalent qualification
• Previous experience in network development on a national scale
• Strong background in contract management, including experience in dealer termination

• Extremely organised, ability to work with parallel work streams, and manage pressure

• 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…