Dealer Network Manager

SUMMARY:
The Dealer Network Manager role for our client in the Automotive Industry will be based in Sandton.
The role involves managing strategic activities in the Dealer Network Department to ensure profitable dealer representation, a strong brand image, adherence to dealer standards, and effective implementation of corporate identity and visual identity programs.

POSITION INFO:
Possible tasks:

• Develop and manage the Dealer Network Strategy for the SSA region, ensuring alignment with market trends and identifying suitable investors.
• Conduct dealer and market studies, manage representation research, and handle dealer applications, appointments, and terminations.
• Coordinate the dealer start-up program, including cross-functional activities for new dealers and ownership changes.
• Plan and facilitate dealer mergers and acquisitions using relevant market analysis and strategic insights.
• Oversee dealer activities according to agreements, including trade practices, site development, refurbishments, and corporate identity compliance.
• Facilitate workshops to align the Dealer Standards Programme with company goals and maintain competitive advantages.
• Ensure dealer network adherence to corporate identity standards, including signage, stationery, clothing, and facility designs.
• Analyze dealer standards compliance, propose corrective actions, and oversee implementation.
• Source, appoint, and manage preferred suppliers for corporate identity elements, coordinating supplier agreements with legal departments.
• Benchmark dealer networks locally and internationally to align with Group standards and oversee architectural and capacity planning compliance.
• Manage relationships with corporate identity suppliers, handle department budgets, and ensure audit readiness for sales compliance processes (e.g., FICA, due diligence).

• Postgraduate qualification in Commerce, preferably Business Management, Economics, or Marketing.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the marketing division of a motor company at staff level.
• Experience in project management.
• Dealer operations and development experience.

• Strategic and forward-thinking abilities.
• Solid understanding of legal concepts related to dealer agreements.
• Initiative, independence, and problem-solving capabilities, including conflict resolution.
• In-depth knowledge of marketing operations.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build trust and confidence with top management and dealer organizations.
• Proficiency in interpreting dealer financials and projections.
• Excellent negotiation and analytical skills.
• Ability to interact effectively at both dealer management and senior management levels.
• Supplier management expertise.
• Advanced computer literacy (MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).