JD - Head of Business – Automobile Manufacturing
(China–UAE Market)
Confidential | NDA Required Prior to Engagement
Position Summary
We are establishing a new automobile brand in partnership with a leading manufacturer in China. This role requires a visionary and hands-on Head of Business who brings deep expertise in the Chinese automotive ecosystem, strong commercial instincts, and the ability to transform a manufacturing opportunity into a full-scale, profitable brand expansion across UAE, GCC, MENA, and selected Asian markets.
The ideal candidate is someone who naturally blends engineering understanding, market intelligence, strategic foresight, and relationship-building—a leader who can build a brand from the ground up with credibility, passion, and long-term stability.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Brand Creation
- Lead the end-to-end establishment of a new automobile brand manufactured in China under a confidential partnership.
- Translate market insights into a strong, competitive brand identity that resonates with UAE, GCC, MENA, and Asian customers.
- Build a sustainable business roadmap covering manufacturing, positioning, pricing, after-sales, and long-term profitability.
- Ensure profit margins consistently achieve 20% minimum across all markets.
2. China Manufacturing & Partnership Management
- Serve as the principal liaison with the Chinese manufacturer and related suppliers.
- Leverage existing networks in China to strengthen manufacturing opportunities, resource access, supplier terms, and production flexibility.
- Conduct regular travel to China to oversee production, build trust, and enhance operational flow.
3. Market Research & Commercial Strategy
- Conduct deep and data-driven market studies for UAE, GCC, MENA, and Asian markets.
- Identify models, specifications, and features that will be most sellable and competitive in each region.
- Analyse trends, pricing, competitor offerings, and consumer preferences.
- Recommend car types that are easy to sell, profitable, and aligned with current market demand.
4. Sales, Distribution & Channel Development
- Evaluate and appoint main agents, followed by subagents, for target markets.
- Define commercial policies, sales frameworks, performance expectations, and incentive models for distributors.
- Work closely with UAE-based Chinese automobile agencies and networks to build strong early market access.
5. After-Sales & Spare Parts Ecosystem
- Develop a comprehensive after-sales plan including service centers, spare parts availability, warranty strategy, and customer satisfaction processes.
- Ensure spare parts supply chains are robust, cost-effective, and well-planned before product launch.
- Oversee quality assurance and customer support models to build long-term brand loyalty.
6. Cross-Functional Management
- Work closely with internal teams (finance, operations, logistics, branding, legal) to ensure complete alignment from manufacturing to market launch.
- Drive performance reviews, timelines, KPIs, budgets, and financial feasibility studies.
- Report regularly to senior leadership on progress, challenges, and recommendations.
Candidate Profile
Technical & Professional Background
- Engineering background (Automotive, Mechanical, Industrial, or related discipline).
- Minimum 10+ years in automotive manufacturing, sales, or business leadership roles.
- Strong experience with Chinese car manufacturers or Chinese automobile agencies (UAE experience is highly preferred).
- Proven track record in launching, managing, or expanding an automotive brand.
Market & Commercial Expertise
- Deep knowledge of automotive trends in UAE, GCC, MENA, and Asian regions.
- Strong understanding of what car types are sellable and profitable in each market.
- Ability to design a commercial model achieving minimum 20% profit margins.
China-Specific Expertise
- Strong professional network within China’s automobile manufacturing industry.
- Understanding of Chinese automotive resources, suppliers, and manufacturing practices.
- Comfortable with frequent travel to China.
Leadership & Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial instincts.
- Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Hands-on, entrepreneurial, and driven by results.
- High integrity, confidentiality, and willingness to sign an NDA prior to engagement.
- Strong brand-building awareness and capability to create a lasting market presence.
