Network Development/Facilities Manager – Americas 

Austin, Texas or Livonia, Michigan (Remote) 

About the role:

We are looking for a strategic and results-driven individual to deliver the retail partner network strategy for the Lotus brand in the Americas. This role is instrumental in ensuring alignment with the broader Lotus Cars Retail and Product Strategies, including the management of the CI/VI program.

Working closely with departments including Sales, Aftersales, Marketing, and Training, the successful candidate will lead the appointment of high-performing retail partners and support ongoing performance improvement across the network.

Key responsibilities:

Market Analysis:

• Develop a process and structure to assess the North American Lotus retail partner network in existing and prospective territories. Identifying markets with potential and opportunity with assessment of risks and further review. Considering competitive data, economic, demographic and other relevant information such as legislation variables.
  

Network Development:

• Deliver the level of network expansion in the region required to drive profitability and growth for Lotus Cars in accordance with the company’s business aspirations and volume targets.
• Manage the entire process from initial approach through to showroom opening. This includes agreement on contractual and facility requirements and overseeing the implementation of the agreed business plan in conjunction with the relevant Lotus Regional Staff. Continually review & improve the process for on-boarding new retail partners. The role is the subject matter expert for all things related to the Lotus Corporate and Visual Identity Program, and is the primary liaison between Head Office, Lotus Cars USA, and its Retailers.
• Manage the internal candidate approval process, including creating proposals for Board-level approval and preparation of contracts. Support the appointment of retail partners with the collection and creation of such information as an overview presentation, application pack, business plan, marketing plan templates (with input from other Lotus departments), and collection of other financial, facility, licenses, & relevant documentation as required.
• Liaise directly with the appropriate teams at the Lotus North American Office in Austin, Texas, as well as Lotus Head Office in UK and throughout the global business to ensure compliance to proposed new facility guidelines.
• Review and implement the Lotus Corporate Identity and Lotus Retailer Standards across all markets to ensure compliance.
• Manage dealer correspondence, department communications, and creation of presentations and field materials as required.
• Ability to manage dealer agreements & amendments, as well as managing different types of network actions such as buy/sells, relocations, ownership changes, terminations, etc.

Retailer Review:

• Manage the system within which new and existing partners are regularly reviewed, with key stakeholders, in order to assess whether they are appropriate for new and ongoing representation of Lotus. This will include, but not limited to financial reports, business structure, capability, and historic performance.

Essential Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or equivalent qualification.
  
• 2-5 years experience in the development of dealer/distributor networks within the automotive industry.  
  
• Previous experience in automotive network development and sales, with a preference specialising in network development in the United States.
  
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
  
• Proven ability to negotiate, build relationships, and lead cross-functional initiatives to successful outcomes.
  
  

Desirable:

• Degree in Finance or Accounting.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Spanish is an advantage.

What we offer:

• We believe in compensating all our talented employees fairly. Ask us, and we can tell you upfront what our salary package would look like.
• We provide a company car scheme to make your commute smoother than a freshly waxed sports car. 
• Enjoy your 25 vacation days, giving you ample opportunity to unwind, explore, or binge-watch your favourite shows.
• We work hybrid, meaning you will be in the office when necessary and you can work from home when you're needed there.
• Dental care
• Life insurance
• Medical savings plan
• Accident insurance
• Disability & vision