Head of Network Development - Zeekr UK

Head of Network Development - Zeekr UK Lead Zeekr UK's premium network: recruit and develop partners to deliver outstanding electric mobility with trust, care, and measurable growth. Apply for this role We usually respond within three days About Zeekr We are Zeekr, built on a decade of European experience. We are a premium electric vehicle and technology solutions brand from Geely Holding Group, one of the world's largest automotive companies. Our vision is to accelerate the shift to fully electrified mobility through cutting-edge technology, innovative retail solutions, and exceptional customer experiences. Success at Zeekr To thrive at Zeekr, we believe you have the courage to lead with trust and care while embracing innovation and change. You will play a key role in shaping the future of our UK retail network and helping accelerate the transition to electric mobility. We offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic, international environment where entrepreneurial thinking, diversity of thought, and customer-centricity are highly valued Job purpose: The Head of Network Development is a strategically critical leadership position responsible for designing, expanding, and optimising Zeekr's retail and service network across the UK market. This role will lead the development and execution of the company's network growth strategy, ensuring that retail representation, service coverage, customer experience, and partner performance align with Zeekr's ambitious growth objectives. The successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with deep automotive retail expertise and will be responsible for identifying, recruiting, onboarding, and developing high-performing retail and service partners. Working cross-functionally with Sales, Aftersales, Marketing, Customer Experience, Finance, Operations and European headquarters, the Head of Network Development will ensure a sustainable and profitable network capable of delivering a premium customer experience consistent with the Zeekr brand. The role is responsible for both owned retail and dealer distribution channels, ensuirng allphysical and digital customer touchpoints are aligned to Zeekr’s premium standards.The position will play a key role in supporting market expansion, network scalability, operational excellence, and long-term Main responsibilities: Network Strategy & Growth – Develop and execute the UK network strategy, identifying opportunities for retail expansion, service coverage, market representation, and long-term business growth. Network Planning & Partner Recruitment – Lead network expansion through market analysis, site selection, partner recruitment, retailer appointments, and commercial agreement negotiations. Retail Standards & Network Excellence – Establish and maintain premium retail standards, showroom requirements, operational excellence, and compliance with brand guidelines. Dealer & Partner Performance – Monitor retailer performance, implement KPIs, governance frameworks, corrective action plans, and continuous improvement initiatives. Customer Experience & Network Operations – Ensure a consistent, premium customer journey across retail, aftersales, digital channels, and overall network operations. Stakeholder Management & Cross-functional Collaboration – Build strong relationships with retailer principals, investors, and internal stakeholders to support network readiness and strategic objectives. Leadership & Team Development – Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Network Development team while driving capability, accountability, and best practices across the network. Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis – Analyse market trends, competitor activity, consumer behaviour, and network performance to identify opportunities and support strategic decision-making Education, Skills and Personal characteristics required: Bachelor's degree in Business, Automotive Management, Commercial Management, or a related discipline. Ideally, you'll bring at least 10 years' experience in the automotive industry, with expertise in network development, dealer operations, or franchise management. Proven experience within a premium or luxury automotive OEM. Network Expansion & Retailer Recruitment. Dealer Performance & Franchise Management. Knowledge of Automotive Retail, Agency & Franchise Models. Leadership of High-performing, Geographically Dispersed Teams. To thrive at Zeekr we believe that you have the courage to lead with trust and care and you don’t mind getting your hands dirty. You are highly innovative and have a great ability to adapt and perform in a constantly changing, fast-paced, highly demanding work environment. Like us, you believe it’s important to have a passion to work in an international and multicultural environment with the desire and ability to embrace the diversity of people, perspectives, and styles. We are an equal opportunities employer: At Zeekr UK, we value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all candidates. We are committed to fair recruitment and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. If you believe you are right for this role, we warmly welcome your application. Department Zeekr Locations Coventry Remote status Hybrid About Geely Auto UK To thrive at Zeekr we believe that you have the courage to lead with trust and care and you don’t mind getting your hands dirty. You are highly innovative and have a great ability to adapt and perform in a constantly changing, fast-paced, highly demanding work environment. Like us, you believe it’s important to have a passion to work in an international and multicultural environment with the desire and ability to embrace the diversity of people, perspectives, and styles. Please note that due to GDPR regulations we can only accept applications sent through the recruitment system, not via email or other channels. We do not accept applications submitted by external recruitment companies.