At Geely, our story began in 1986 with a simple but powerful idea, an idea that has driven us to become one of the world’s most forward-thinking automotive groups. For nearly three decades, we’ve been redefining mobility through our iconic global brands, including Geely Auto, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr, Lynk & Co, the London Electric Vehicle Company, Farizon, and more. We are Geely Auto UK, the UK arm of Geely Auto Group. Having entered the market in 2025 with our first electric SUV, the Geely EX5, we’re continuing to grow rapidly as we build a nationwide dealer and service network.

Job purpose:

The Head of Network Development– Ireland will be responsible for leading the development, establishment and ongoing optimisation of the Geely Auto retailer network across the Irish market.

As a key member of the Ireland leadership team, the role will oversee retailer network planning, investor engagement, retailer appointment, operational readiness and network performance activities aligned with Geely Auto Ireland’s long-term commercial growth strategy.

Working closely with Ireland leadership, UK and regional network development functions, retailer partners and external stakeholders, the successful candidate will play a critical role in establishing a high-performing retailer network capable of delivering strong commercial performance, excellent customer experience and sustainable long-term growth.

This is a strategically important and highly visible leadership role requiring strong commercial judgement, relationship management capability and operational execution within a fast-paced startup environment.

Main responsibilities:

Network Strategy & Market Development

• Lead development and implementation of Geely Auto Ireland’s retailer network development strategy aligned with wider business objectives and market growth plans.

• Define retailer network coverage, market representation and future expansion priorities across the Irish market.

• Conduct market analysis, retailer benchmarking and network planning activities to support long-term business growth.

• Support development of annual network development plans, retailer rollout schedules and operational readiness programmes.

• Monitor market trends, customer behaviour and competitor network activity to support strategic planning and decision-making.

Retailer Partner Identification & Appointment

• Lead identification, evaluation and appointment of retailer partners aligned with Geely Auto Ireland’s long-term business objectives.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with dealer group leadership teams and key automotive retail stakeholders.

• Lead retailer discussions, negotiations and evaluation activities in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

• Support retailer approval, onboarding and contractual processes where required.

• Ensure retailer partners are aligned with Geely Auto operational standards, customer experience expectations and long-term brand objectives.

Retailer Launch & Operational Readiness

• Oversee retailer onboarding, launch readiness and operational mobilisation activities across the Ireland network.

• Support retailer facility development, CI implementation and operational readiness activities in collaboration with retailer partners and suppliers.

• Coordinate cross-functional support across Sales, Aftersales, Marketing, Operations and Finance teams during retailer launch activities.

• Monitor retailer implementation progress, launch milestones and operational readiness standards.

• Support implementation of scalable retailer standards, operational processes and governance frameworks suitable for long-term market growth.

Retailer Performance & Network Governance

• Support implementation and monitoring of retailer operational standards, KPIs and customer experience expectations.

• Conduct retailer business reviews, operational evaluations and performance discussions where appropriate.

• Support development of retailer incentive structures, operational standards and performance improvement initiatives.

• Identify operational risks, retailer support requirements and improvement opportunities across the network.

• Support implementation of retailer governance processes and network performance management frameworks.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, support and develop the Ireland network development team.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performance and entrepreneurial team culture.

• Provide direction, coaching and development support to direct reports.

• Support development of scalable network development processes and operational frameworks suitable for long-term business growth.

• Coordinate effectively with UK and regional network development functions to support alignment and knowledge sharing.

Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Sales, Aftersales, Marketing, Operations, Finance and Legal teams to support wider business objectives.

• Coordinate closely with UK and regional network development functions to support retailer strategy alignment and operational consistency.

• Collaborate with external consultants, suppliers, contractors and operational partners where required.

• Represent Geely Auto Ireland within selected industry, retailer and stakeholder engagement activities.

Education, Skills and Personal characteristics required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.

• Significant experience within automotive dealer development, retail operations, network management or related commercial leadership functions.

• Strong understanding of automotive retailer operations, franchise structures and dealer network development activities.

• Experience working with retailer groups, investor evaluation and network expansion programmes advantageous.

• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of automotive retail business operations.

• Proven experience managing complex stakeholder relationships and commercial negotiations.

• Existing relationships within the Irish automotive retail sector advantageous.

• Experience leading teams within fast-paced and evolving business environments beneficial.

• Comfortable operating within startup and growth-phase business structures.

What can we offer you beyond the salary:

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Company pension scheme

• Geely ECOS scheme

• Car allowance

• Private Medical Insurance

• x6 Life assurance

• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay

• Medicash

• Bike2work scheme

We are an equal opportunities employer:

At Geely Auto UK, we value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all candidates. We are committed to fair recruitment and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. If you believe you are right for this role, we warmly welcome your application.