Overview

Motability Operations are recruiting for a Manufacturer and Network Partnerships Director to join our team based in London, Bristol or Edinburgh on a full-time, permanent basis. Leading a team of c.20 OEM and dealer partnership managers, this role forms an integral part of the Commercial senior leadership team and the wider business strategic leadership team.

The role will be responsible for the ongoing OEM relationships driving the strategy associated with acquisition, delivery, and distribution of vehicles through the UK’s franchise dealer network. It will also set the long-term strategic direction of Motability Operations sourcing and distribution, including OEM commercial management, network development, performance, and future modelling of the industry approach. The customer needs to remain front and centre and you’ll work closely with our Customer Services team to balance commercial vehicle acquisition with meeting customer needs.

To be successful you will develop close working relationships with OEMs and dealership groups at UK board level, influence key stakeholders internally and externally, and deliver a compelling vision of how Motability Operations can lead in an increasingly complex automotive landscape.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning – Lead strategic planning for OEM and dealer partnerships considering agency model challenges, supply constraints, new market entrants and EV transition
• Market Leadership – Manage and lead relationships with board-level leaders at key OEMs and dealer groups; drive thought leadership within Motability Operations
• Leadership – Lead, develop and motivate the OEM and Dealer account management teams; foster a culture of continuous improvement and propose recommendations to drive performance
• Commercial Acumen – Focus on long-term commercial improvement in stakeholder relationships; deliver innovative thinking to achieve customer outcomes while maintaining partner engagement
• Operational Management – Use KPI reporting to support OEM and dealer operations; shape operational requirements and implement new KPIs where appropriate

About You

• Able to operate and influence across different business types at C-suite level
• Motivated and able to work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong personal maturity with ability to prioritise and delegate
• Strong all-round capability with high emotional intelligence and a desire to develop the team
• Driven, resilient, and able to work at pace; able to balance immediate commercial needs with long-term priorities
• Agility to switch between immediate requirements and strategic priorities
• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills to gain buy-in across the organisation

Minimum Criteria

• Considerable experience at Board level with OEMs and dealership groups
• Proven networker and relationship builder
• Strong operator with delivery experience in demanding environments
• Strong commercial and financial acumen

About The Company

Motability Operations is a unique organisation that provides worry-free mobility solutions to over 700,000 customers in the UK, leasing a range of vehicles with insurance, maintenance and breakdown assistance included. We are the largest car fleet operator in the UK, purchasing around 10% of all new cars sold and working with ~5,000 car dealers and major manufacturers. We are committed to outstanding customer service and have an independently verified customer satisfaction rating of 9.8 out of 10.

Our Values Are At The Heart Of Everything We Do. They Represent Ambition, And We Look For Our People To Live And Breathe Them Every Day

• We find solutions
• We drive change
• We care

Working Pattern and Benefits

We operate hybrid working across the organisation, combining on-site office work with remote work within the UK. Hybrid working allows up to 2 days remote work per week.

• An annual discretionary bonus
• 15% non-contributory pension (9% during probation)
• Life assurance at 4 times base salary
• Employee Discount Scheme with access to a wide range of retailers
• Discounted Electric/Hybrid Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme access (showers, changing rooms, bike sheds on site)

Additionally, we offer health and well-being benefits including 28 days annual leave (with purchase/sell options), funded private medical insurance, critical illness insurance, healthcare apps, health screening for over 50s, volunteering day, and access to our company allotment and prayer spaces.

We also offer voluntary benefits such as dental insurance, health and cancer screenings, discounted gym memberships, and charitable giving options.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Please note: Motability Operations reserves the right to close applications early if a sufficient number of quality applications are received.