Client Development Director

About us

You’ve probably heard of Auto Trader, but do you know what we’re all about?  

We’re the UK’s leading automotive marketplace, a heritage brand, and a tech darling of the stock market. We bring together vehicle buyers and sellers to give them real choices. Cars may be what we're best known for but we’re also the place for pretty much everything else on wheels, from e-bikes to caravans. 

In the automotive world, change is a constant, that’s why we take our job of untangling the complex car-buying journey very seriously. 
 
At our core, we’re all about people. We go our own way while embracing diversity and celebrating our differences. We dedicate ourselves to the idea that we work better together. 

Auto Trader is a beautiful, surprising and vibrant place to work. We might not be for everyone, but we could be perfect for you. 

About the job

Our manufacturer team play a huge role in Auto Trader’s future growth ambitions as we aim to “drive change responsibly, together”.

As always success will be underpinned by having brilliant people who are truly passionate about the automotive industry and our ambition to build long term strategic partnerships with car manufacturers.

The Client Development Directors (CDDs) perform a crucial role for Auto Trader in building senior relationships with brands. The role gives the opportunity to take ownership and accountability for progressing commercial and strategic relationships with our OEM partners.

Our CDDs need to be able to inspire and motivate manufacturers by building long lasting relationships with senior Sales and Marketing teams. We’ve got awesome solutions and data to work with and it’s the CDDs who bring this to life by providing consultative support to OEMs and help them solve business challenges. You’ll  craft compelling sorties using data and create innovative business solutions to help them differentiate from the competition.

Over the past 24 months multiple new manufacturers have entered the UK automotive industry (BYD, OMODA etc). Part of this role will be focussed on the business development of relationships with new entrant manufacturers as they assess their entry into the UK market.

This is a field-based role which includes regular nationwide travel to client sites, and our offices in London, Hemel Hempstead and Manchester. 

What we're looking for

• Proven experience in dealing with senior sales or marketing teams within car manufacturers.
• Proven success in retaining and growing revenue within a complex sales environment.
• Strong ability to build customer relationships and differentiate from the competition.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and inspire clients to change through consultative support.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize competing demands.
• Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Knowledge of new entrant manufacturers from China, US etc is a bonus

 

Benefits

We’re offering a salary of up to £75,000 depending on experience plus an additional 10% of your salary awarded to you in shares each year. These awarded shares will become yours in yearly instalments over the next three years, and you can choose to either sell them or keep them as shares. And you'll receive 29 days holiday, plus bank holidays and comprehensive private medical cover. 

That’s not all. We have employee pension contributions up to 7%, enhanced family leave provisions, a car salary sacrifice scheme, share-save options, and much more. 

We always want to give you the support you need and help prioritise your wellbeing, that’s why we provide access to 24/7 online GP and dentist, as well as specialist support for assisted fertility, gender dysphoria, menopause, period care plans and lots more.  

On top of all that, our hybrid model, Connected Working, combines the best of both worlds – office and home working. You’ll have two fixed weekly office days for team collaboration and one more of your choice to suit your work-life balance.  

Additionally, during July and August, along with two weeks in December, we have our remote first periods. During these times, you can work remotely, whether that's from another location in the UK or even from certain locations abroad. 

 

 

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