Network Director

Lotus Cars builds world-class, high-performance and lightweight sports cars that are sold all around the world. 

Lotus Cars Europe B.V. is responsible for the Marketing, Sales and After Sales of the Lotus Cars products in the European region. To bring the company to the level we want it to be, we are looking for a Network Director  in the  Network & Retail Training Department to join us in our Office in Munich.

Summary:

What you'll do:

Strategic Retail Network Development

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive retail network strategy across Europe, aligning with corporate goals and market needs.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for expanding and optimizing the retail network, including site selection, dealership expansion, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with regional and local teams to ensure consistency and effectiveness in network development plans.
• Transfer the sales and after sales organization from D2C environment to a classic General Distributor and Dealer Model.
• Lead the development and implementation of General Distributor and Dealer steering tools across Europe (performance-oriented margin system, business management, dealer standards, retail consulting, auditing, etc.)
• Create a positive Manufacturer and Dealer relationship that will impact the positively the cooperation

Training and Development

• Design and implement a robust training program for retail staff, focusing on sales, customer service, product knowledge, and operational excellence.
• Oversee the creation of training materials and curricula that are aligned with corporate standards and tailored to the Lotus requirements.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of training programs, making adjustments as necessary to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with business objectives.
• Transfer of the current D2C training concept and model to a dealer training model

Performance Monitoring and Improvement

• Establish and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the success of the retail network and training initiatives.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments of dealership operations to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the retail network, ensuring best practices are shared and adopted.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Work closely with the President and CEO of Europe, as well as other senior leaders, to ensure that retail network development and training strategies are fully integrated with overall business plans.
• Lead and mentor a team of professionals responsible for retail network development and training, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including dealership owners, regional managers, and external partners.

Market Analysis and Adaptation

• Stay informed of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscape to anticipate changes and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Ensure that the retail network is responsive to evolving customer preferences, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements.

What you'll bring:

Essentials:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Automotive Management, or a related field
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in automotive retail network development, training, or a related field, with a strong track record of success in a leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of the automotive market and retail landscape.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans at a regional or national level.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and drive high performance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Fluency in English is required; additional European languages are a plus.

Desirable:

• Strategic Vision
• Leadership and Influence
• Operational Excellence
• Customer Focus
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement
• Collaboration and Teamwork

What we offer:

• We provide a company car to make your commute smoother than a freshly waxed sports car.
• Enjoy your 30 holiday days , giving you ample opportunity to unwind, explore, or binge-watch your favorite shows.
• We work hybrid , meaning you will be in the office when necessary and you can work from home when you're needed there.
• We believe in taking care of ourselves, both inside and out. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and our 250,- wellness allowance , you can invest in activities that make you feel good.
• Work with an international crew and experience a delightful blend of cultures, languages, and perspectives.

Additional Information:

• This role will be working from our Munich office within our flexible working policy
• Frequent travel will be required to visit different entities and the Customer Care Center based in Europe. Applicants must therefore possess the ability to travel freely without restrictions
• Candidates must be eligible to work in Germany without VISA sponsorship.

Our Company:

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. In Lotus Cars Europe we form a diverse and international team working from our European HQ based in Amsterdam.

We're not just a car company; we're a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organization. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments during the interview process. If you require any special assistance or adjustments, please let us know in advance so we can ensure a fair and accessible interview experience. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Do you want to know what Sophisticated, Rebellious and Pioneering mean for Lotus Cars Europe? Come and take a look at our career site and join the incredible adventure: