Title:  Network Development Manager West - California/Arizona

Network Development Manager South – California/Arizona

Permanent 

Remote

About the role:

The 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 appointment targets & retailer performance targets. 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. You will deliver the retail partner network strategy for the growth of the Lotus Brand in the Americas in line with Vision 80, the Lotus Cars Retail Strategy and Product Strategy.

Key responsibilities include: 

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 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 to showroom 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 Office in Plymouth, Michigan, as well as Lotus Head Office in UK 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, in order 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

Essential 

• Undergraduate Business degree or equivalent qualification
• Previous experience in automotive network development and sales, with a preference specialising in network development in the United States.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational,  communication, and presentation skills 
• 2-5 years of Automotive experience in the development of dealer/distributor networks
• Skilled negotiator, networker and proven leader who has the ability to influence, develop and achieve objectives and create win/win outcomes.
• Fluent in English and conversational Spanish is a plus

Desirable

• Degree in Finance or Accounting

Other

Based in the United States with the ability to work from home, although frequent travel to the main office in Plymouth, Michigan and travel to relevant markets will be required.