Area Sales Manager

The role will be responsible for the successful delivery of the new car Retailer Business Objective and Accessory Sales within the UK North Region. You will work closely with the Retailers in the assigned area to develop a strong Manufacturer/Retailer partnership whilst offering the necessary consultation and support to Retailers, in the delivery of our mutual objectives.  The role requires full support and engagement of our Retailers with our Future Sales Programme, (launched as a pilot in April 2024), with full Retailer integration planned in June 2025.

This is a geographical role which requires the candidate to have knowledge and understanding of the local market including competitor activities. The role will also require a day to day working relationship with your Honda Area Customer Manager (ACM), Honda Finance Area Operations Manager, whilst proactively supporting the pace and dynamic required within the UK North team. 

The role is also responsible for helping to achieve our Customer Satisfaction objectives in Retailer.

This role is field based and requires a full driving license, the ability to travel within the UK North Region and will require flexibility for overnight stays as needed. Main Responsibilities:

• Maintain business relationships at all levels, business owner / management in each Retailer.
• Integration of yourself within the Retailer sales team, as a point of training, support and contact.
• Accountable for the achievement of the sales objectives on new vehicles (Retail, Corporate & Motability) and the Accessories target, including the implementation of countermeasures.
• ‘Future Sales’ ambassador which includes supporting/advocating our strategy at all Retailer levels as well as day to day support on training, process and reporting insights with Future Sales.
• Supporting the ‘Ready To Do Business’ (RTDB) programme including:
• Analysis and actions related to sales channel, model mix and stock.
• Evaluation of Retailer sales funnel and sales process
• Driving Retailer activity including marketing at a local level.
• Clarity of HME-UK communications and related Retailer actions.
• Retailer staff training up to date.
• Retailer premises clean, tidy and relevant to existing new car campaign.
• Analysis and action related to Customer experience in Retailer, via Sales CSi metrics.
• Setting, monitoring and evaluating Retailer specific action plans.
• Support of wider Retailer meetings including BDR, FDR, Area and Regional Retailer meetings.
• Present/agreement of Retailer Business Objectives in line with HME-UK requirements.
• Share of best practice (e.g. activity and promotions) to help boost sales pace.
• Ensure Retailer marketing is integrated to UK advertising and meets our code of conduct.
• Timely and accurate submission of a bi-monthly / quarter sales forecast to your RSSM.
• In depth review of reporting and data systems including HVP, MCDS, Market/Financial View.

Qualifications, skills and experience: Required

• Experience of selling and achieving commercial targets. 
• Good communication and relationship skills – with internal and external contacts. 
• Proven analytical skills to review data and provide quality information and actions to others.
• Broad knowledge of the sector including competitor activity. 
• Able to both work alone and work in a team within your assigned geographical area. 
• Driving licence and flexibility for overnight stays as required. 

Desirable

• Relevant experience to provide expertise and to ensure role credibility with Retailers.
• Understanding and support of the current Ki Auto Business Plan and related ASM activities.