Head of Global Retailer Representation Planning

Who are we?
Volvo Cars is a company on a mission; to bring traditional car manufacturing into a connected, sustainable and smart future.
Since 1927, we have been a brand known for our commitment to safety, creating innovative cars that make life less complicated for our consumers. In 2010, we decided to transform our business, resulting in a totally new generation of cars and technologies, as well as steady growth and record sales. Today, we’re expanding our global footprint in Europe, China and the US, and we’re on the lookout for new talent.
We are constantly pushing our own skills and abilities to drive change in the automobile industry like never before. We are looking for innovative, committed people to join us in this endeavour and create safe, sustainable and connected cars. We believe in the power of people and will challenge and support you to reach your full potential. Join us and be part of Volvo Cars’ journey into the future.

Fuelled by our purpose, Freedom to Move, Volvo Cars is redefining the automotive industry and the car experience. To do this, we rely on the drive, commitment and expertise of people who want to make the world a better place. On people who care.

Volvo Car Group commercial growth strategy is based on ambitious electrification and direct business and online targets. Together with digitalization as well as changing consumer expectations and competitive landscape, the commercial system will change in the next couple of years directly impacting the retailer network. The introduction of new business models has an impact on the business structure, business size and complexity. The role of retailers and the current retail networks – physical structure, business operations and customer handling as well as future revenue pools – thus has to be carefully prepared for and transformed into the future structure and operational needs on market level. 
Retailer Representation Planning and Implementation is a core driver in preparing, adapting and taking our existing retailer networks into a profitable and professional future based on a viable business outlook. 

We are not looking for a traditional retailer network planner, …
… we are looking for a new and modern approach to automotive retailer representation planning and implementation. An expert and manager, who 
•    guides and develops markets (especially of the EMEA Region) towards coherent and modern representation planning concerning necessary business coverage, respective infrastructure, format and layout needs (capacity, experience, formats, partners) and thus prepare for transition into a direct business scenario
•    brings expertise in modern online/offline automotive retail as well as in business transition and thus becomes a competent guide to markets on the overall direction, approach to representation plan and utilization of modern evaluation parameters 
•    together with selected priority markets, will develop and deliver on strategic representation plans with respective transformation and implementation roadmap (steps and time to take; necessary support schemes; business case; etc)
•    will take ownership in driving markets to transformation
•    combines managing quantitative and qualitative input parameters as well as conceptional guidance to markets
•    is a partner to markets, but challenges throughout of the box or other industry transformation expertise and thinking
•    is a creative thinker and business driven doer
The candidate will work closely with the Head of Global Business and Retailer Development, Management and Market Development Teams in core development markets. Coordination of and interaction with all necessary interfaces and stakeholders of commercial and planning areas in HQ, Commercial regions and markets will be of the essence.

Do you fit the profile?
We seek a courageous and experienced (5+ years) expert and leader ideally with strong experience in retail business transformation. A team player is requested to connect and drive the many stakeholders. 
In addition, you have/are capable to
•    combine analytical / system with project management skills
•    the capability to develop modern network plans and planning tools, develop coherent concept and plan as well as give markets competent consultancy (“buy-in”)
•    seniority, thorough insight into retailer business and related financial and operational viability terms
•    insight into a modern retail business 
•    organize analytical support (network planning programs, tools and related experts)