Network Development Manager - Automotive

Job Role: To own the end-to-end development of new business sites and market locations across the Group's automotive, industrial machinery, and value-added services portfolio — from site scoping and feasibility through design, contracting, construction oversight, and cross-functional launch readiness — ensuring consistent, brand-compliant, on-time delivery across Syria today and new African markets as the Group expands. Key Accountabilities: - Scope and evaluate candidate sites/locations and lead development of the supporting business plan - Drive feasibility studies through to approval with relevant internal stakeholders - Coordinate design development and sign-off for each site - Lead contract negotiation and execution with landlords, contractors, and other third parties - Select and manage contractors through to construction completion, overseeing progress from a business/commercial perspective rather than technical project management - Coordinate IT, marketing, and operations teams to ensure full readiness ahead of site launch - Own post-launch monitoring of OEM/brand standards compliance at each live site - For Africa, take ownership of the full development lifecycle once Business Development has confirmed the partner and location - Contribute to the Group's broader network expansion strategy and market prioritization - Build and maintain relationships with local authorities, landlords, and contractor networks in each market - Standardize processes and lessons learned across sites to improve delivery speed and consistency Knowledge / Skill Area: - Business case and feasibility development for new sites/locations - Multi-project coordination across parallel, interdependent workstreams - Site/location evaluation from a commercial and operational perspective - Non-technical oversight of design and construction processes - OEM/principal brand standards and compliance requirements - Regulatory and approval processes across Syria and target African markets - IT infrastructure and marketing readiness requirements for site launch - Contract and commercial-legal fundamentals - Financial acumen sufficient to evaluate and present business cases Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA preferred - 8-12 years of experience in network/market expansion, project development, or business development - Background in automotive, industrial equipment, or multi-site retail/distribution preferred, not mandatory - Prior experience in emerging or frontier markets (Africa, MENA) strongly preferred - Strong stakeholder management, project coordination, and commercial acumen - Willingness and ability to travel extensively across current and prospective markets - Preferably Arabic speaker who can comfortably visit tough markets