Job Opportunities - Internal

Key duties and responsibilities

• Manage APAC regional network development team
• Set a strategic direction for network transformation to support the retail transformation plan across the region based on market data & demographics, location of HNW households, drive times, optimal dealer locations considering presence of competition, other luxury brands
• Research the current APAC market representation plus current open point locations within the strategic framework and identify potential candidates and commercial opportunities.
• Manage the APAC regional network development and dealer headcount developing, terminating and where necessary recruiting dealers who in turn invest in the infrastructure in line with our Retail Design Guidelines and our Dealer Operating Standards.
• Challenge constantly the “status quo” of modern forward thinking retailing ensuring Aston Martin remains in a position ahead of the curve incl. research and understand the competition retail strategy for today and the future competitor products.
• Research and prospecting of the local market to identify a shortlist of suitable candidates who meet key criteria from both an operational and liquidity viewpoint.
• Interview and assess suitable candidates, creating a recommendation that is supported by relevant data for further consideration.
• Prepare formal recommendations to the Executive committee for approval regarding appointment and termination of dealers in the APAC region.
• Preparation of all legal documentation with company appointed Attorneys and OGC – Letters of Intent, Dealer Agreements, Breach Notices and Termination Notices. Ensure that the network’s legal Agreements adhere to local legislation and Aston Martin guidelines.
• Project management of dealer appointment process to include development of facility plan, execution of facility development, staff recruitment, training, initial stock order, logistics, Dealer Operating Standards review, budgets, marketing plan and suitable launch activity. Ensure smooth handover to Regional Management team.
• Conduct commercial reviews and business analysis of the APAC network using strong business acumen and a thorough understanding of the retail automotive business across many facets: operational process management for sales and aftersales, dealer operating standards, facility planning and an understanding of dealership financials, (P&L & balance sheet). Identifying Strategic and Operational concerns, formulate plans and work with the regional management team to develop the network as appropriate.
• Regular meetings with AML management with a view to creating a feedback mechanism across multiple identified issues in the network that will assist with training, development, AML business communication across the full spectrum of retail operations sales, service, parts, body shop, marketing and financial development.

Expected experience

• Ability to interact and communicate from Boardroom level is essential as is the ability to communicate at all levels within a retail dealership showing high levels of operational understanding.
• High attention to detail
• Self-motivated
• Excellent coaching skills
• Ability to prioritise effectively and multi-task
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use IT to a high level of competence
• Ability to think strategically and to communicate a vision
• Experience of successfully managing and coaching teams - growing a customer focused, “can-do” culture of teamwork
• Experience of successfully managing and influencing organisational change
• Previous experience of working at a management level Manufacturer / Importer
• Current knowledge of key issues effecting the Automotive sector
• A thorough understanding of Automotive Retail operations and training
• A strong track record of building productive partnerships
• An ability to think laterally and solve problems in a creative fashion
• Team player with an innovative approach to problem solving

Required skills and behaviours

• Demonstrates behaviours of our core values: Unity, Trust, Openness, Ownership & Courage
• Organized, proactive & able to work with high levels of autonomy
• A team player able to build relationships and communicate at all levels with excellent interpersonal skills
• Creative and lateral thinking approach to problem solving
• Data manipulation and presentation skills
• PC literate with experience in proprietary BI/ERP/DMS systems
• Excellent knowledge of Excel & PowerPoint
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent writing and analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage complex business relationships
• An interest in luxury industry trends and the transformation of automotive
• Proactive and flexible approach to a constantly developing environment – flexible with personal time management

GRADE: SM 

Belong at Aston Martin

We understand that the incredible beauty, craft, and art that defines an Aston Martin comes from the inclusion of our amazing people.

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.  We celebrate diversity and are seeking applicants who can bring something different. 

Please speak to us if there is anything you need to support making an application with us.

The post holder will be required to comply with all policies and procedures issued by and on behalf of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd