Dealer Network Operations Manager

Dealer Network Operations Manager

Are YOU an experienced Dealer Network Operations Manager with a deep understanding of automotive retail networks? Do you thrive in field-based roles where you can influence, optimise, and elevate dealer performance at scale? This is a standout opportunity for a Dealer Network Operations Manager to step into a high-impact role within a fast-growing automotive challenger that is pushing hard for market share in the UK.

This Dealer Network Operations Manager role sits at the centre of a business moving at speed. With bold ambitions, strong technical foundations, and a clear plan to scale aggressively through 2026, the organisation is investing heavily in its UK dealer network. Growth in the market is fierce, expectations are high, and the Dealer Network Operations Manager will be instrumental in ensuring the network operates at peak effectiveness as volumes grow and standards rise.

Please ensure your CV clearly highlights any automotive, OEM, or dealer-network experience, as this will be a key focus during the screening and interview process.

The Client

My client has entered the UK automotive market with serious intent. Innovation is not a buzzword here - it is embedded into how the business operates, how decisions are made, and how quickly the organisation adapts. With ambitious expansion plans and a rapidly growing dealer footprint, this is a brand that rewards pace, accountability, and results. For the right Dealer Network Operations Manager, this offers visibility, influence, and the chance to help shape a network during a critical growth phase.

The Role

The Dealer Network Operations Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence and commercial performance across the UK dealer network. Working closely with senior sales and network leadership, the Dealer Network Operations Manager will help define network strategy, set clear objectives, and ensure KPIs are embedded, monitored, and continuously improved.

A key component of the Dealer Network Operations Manager position is ownership of the sales training and capability agenda. You will lead a small team of sales trainers, ensuring that training programmes, incentives, and operational initiatives directly support network performance and strategic goals.

This role is well suited to a Dealer Network Operations Manager who is comfortable managing multiple priorities, operating autonomously in the field, and taking initiative in a fast-evolving, high-growth environment.

Salary: £65,000 - £80,000 (depending on experience) + benefits
Work Style: Field-based
Start Date: ASAP
Location: Nationwide UK travel with occasional trips to HQ in London

Key Responsibilities

Take ownership of core dealer performance levers, including margin structures, scorecards, and escalation processes
Translate network and sales strategy into clear, actionable guidance for retailers via digital communication, webinars, and in-person engagement
Analyse dealer performance reports to identify gaps, opportunities, and financial upside, converting insight into structured improvement plans
Deliver accurate and timely performance reporting for senior stakeholders across the UK business
Produce monthly network updates tracking progress against key objectives and operational priorities
Regularly review KPIs to ensure they remain relevant as the network scales
Act as the main point of contact for key suppliers, overseeing tenders and contract renewals
Lead and develop a team of three sales trainers, setting objectives, reviewing performance, and reporting outcomes to senior management
Visit key dealer partners to reinforce strategy, assess operational standards, and gather feedback from the network
Support additional projects and initiatives as required by senior leadershipCandidate Profile

Minimum 5 years' experience within an automotive OEM environment, ideally in a dealer-facing or network operations role
Strong understanding of franchised dealer operations and performance drivers
Proven ability to build effective relationships across dealer groups and internal stakeholders
Experience managing external suppliers and third-party partners
Demonstrated people leadership skills with experience leading and developing teams
Agile and adaptable, comfortable shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment
Highly analytical, with strong capability in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
Resilient under pressure, proactive, and confident taking ownership without close supervision
English required as a working language
Willingness to travel extensively across the UK