Director (Automotive Aftermarket) - Dubai

About the role

A multinational company is looking for a Director (Automotive Aftermarket) to be based in Dubai. The role covers the automotive aftermarket business strategy, sales, pricing, distribution and team leadership, working closely with the VP of the ISMEA region (India, Middle East and Africa).

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the automotive aftermarket business strategy and sales approach, aligned with revenue and profitability targets.
• Own market turnover and operating profit, and adapt approaches within the area of responsibility.
• Strengthen and expand sales and organizational structures to meet or exceed sales objectives.
• Prepare sales and profitability plans and forecasts, and run monthly performance analysis and reporting.
• Define product pricing strategies with the Regional Pricing Director and implement a multi-brand strategy.
• Set up local distribution and market development strategies, including commercial terms such as rebates and incentives, and lead customer contract negotiations.
• Monitor market trends, customer needs and competitor activity, and oversee contractual elements such as RFQs, pricing, delivery, packaging and payment terms.
• Build relationships with customers, partners and stakeholders, and lead marketing initiatives such as promotions, audits, training, seminars and plant visits.
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of key account managers, sales, pricing and product professionals.
• Oversee logistics operations and track financial KPIs such as receivables and cash flow.
• Ensure business processes are properly established, initiate or request localization programs, and assume functional oversight of Engineering where applicable.
• Ensure EHS compliance within the department and undertake other tasks assigned by management.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• At least 7 years' experience in the automotive and/or industrial independent aftermarket sector, with exposure to the Middle East, Levant and East Africa.
• At least 5 years in general and team management roles.
• Fluent English, written and spoken; knowledge of Arabic and Indian languages is an advantage.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Basic understanding of ERP systems.
• Negotiation, leadership, organizational and problem-solving skills.