Dealer Development Manager (Automotive)

Reporting to the Head of Channel, this role is critical in identifying new dealer opportunities, engaging with dealer investors and owners, and supporting the end-to-end process of opening new dealerships. You will act as the key connector between internal stakeholders and external dealer partners, ensuring sustainable network growth aligned with the brand’s long-term strategy.

What you’ll do

• Support the Head of Channel in executing dealer network expansion plans across targeted regions

• Identify, approach, and engage potential dealer investors and dealership owners

• Conduct market and location analysis to assess feasibility for new dealer openings

• Lead initial discussions with prospective dealers, including business model explanation and commercial alignment

• Coordinate internal processes related to dealer onboarding, approvals, and dealership setup

• Work closely with cross-functional teams (sales, finance, legal, operations) to ensure smooth dealer establishment

• Maintain strong relationships with existing dealer principals to support network stability and growth

• Monitor dealer performance readiness and flag risks or gaps during pre-opening stages

• Prepare reports, proposals, and recommendations for management on dealer development progress

What you bring

• Proven experience in dealer development, channel development, or network expansion within automotive or related industries

• Strong exposure to working with dealer owners, investors, or principal stakeholders

• Solid understanding of automotive retail and dealership business models

• Commercial mindset with the ability to evaluate investment viability and market potential

• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, able to influence senior external stakeholders

• Comfortable working cross-functionally and managing multiple dealer projects simultaneously

• Good analytical skills for market assessment and business case preparation

• Willingness to travel as required to meet dealer prospects

Why this role

This role offers the opportunity to play a front-line role in shaping the future dealer footprint of a leading automotive brand. You will gain direct exposure to senior management, dealer principals, and investors, while building a strong career path in channel and network leadership.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.