Head of Retail Automotive Operations in a Multi-Brand Automotive Distribution Business across Laos

Job Description

Head of Retail Automotive Operations

• Responsible for leading overall commercial operations, P&L performance, and end-to-end business management of a multi-site automotive retail and distribution portfolio, driving sustainable growth and operational excellence
• Salary up to 10,000 USD plus expat package 

The Role

This is a senior leadership position designed for a commercially driven and operationally strong automotive professional. The role oversees a diversified portfolio covering commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and electric vehicles (EVs), with full responsibility across sales, aftersales, operations, and business performance.
The successful candidate will act as the country-level business leader, driving profitable growth, strengthening operational efficiency, and building a high-performance organization while ensuring compliance, governance, and customer excellence. The position will be based in Laos Market and also flexibility for travelling within Southeast Asia. 

About the Company

Our client is a growing and well-established automotive distribution and retail business, managing a multi-brand portfolio across emerging markets with a strong focus on operational scalability and long-term growth.

Description

1. Strategy, Growth & Market Development

• Develop and execute short- and long-term business strategies across vehicle segments including EVs
• Drive market share growth through retail, fleet, and enterprise channel expansion
• Identify new business opportunities including new-energy mobility, service-led growth, and partnerships
• Establish strong performance management frameworks including pipeline tracking and business reviews

2. Sales Leadership (Retail, Fleet & Key Accounts)

• Lead nationwide sales performance across retail, SME, contractor, corporate, and fleet segments
• Define and execute commercial strategy including pricing, volume planning, and go-to-market execution
• Build senior relationships with key accounts such as logistics companies, contractors, utilities, and institutional buyers
• Strengthening financing partnerships (banks, leasing companies) to drive commercial growth

3. Aftersales, Service & Customer Experience

• Oversee high-performing aftersales operations across workshops and field service
• Build EV readiness including technician capability, tools, and safety standards
• Ensure parts availability and optimize lifecycle and inventory management
• Drive improvements in customer experience including service quality, uptime, and retention

4. Operations, Supply Chain & Working Capital

• Lead end-to-end operational performance across forecasting, inventory, logistics, and facilities
• Optimize working capital through improved inventory turnover and stock management
• Ensure operational readiness of all outlets and workshops, including EV infrastructure compliance

5. Financial Leadership, Governance & Compliance

• Take full ownership of P&L performance across all business lines
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes
• Ensure strong governance, internal controls, and regulatory compliance
• Oversee product regulatory processes including vehicle homologation and EV requirements

6. Leadership, Culture & Safety

• Build and develop a strong leadership team with clear succession pipelines
• Foster a performance-driven, customer-centric culture across the organization
• Champion Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) standards across all operations
• Ensure compliance with local labor regulations and HR policies

7. Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Manage key relationships with OEMs, principals, equipment manufacturers, and partners
• Represent the organization externally while strengthening brand reputation and trust

8. Success Measures (KPIs)

• Revenue growth and margin improvement across all product categories
• Profitability vs budget and cash flow performance
• Inventory turnover and reduction in aged stock
• After sales performance, uptime, and service absorption
• Customer satisfaction (NPS/CSI) and repeat business growth
• Leadership capability and retention
• Safety and compliance performance

Requirements

• Minimum 12+ years in automotive, heavy equipment, or related distribution industries
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role (Head of Retail / GM / Country Manager / Business Unit Head)
• Strong English communication skills; Chinese Proficiency desired.
• Proven P&L ownership and multi-functional leadership experience
• Strong understanding of dealership or distribution business models
• Experience in fleet, enterprise, and commercial sales management
• Exposure to EVs, new-energy mobility, or power solutions is highly preferred
• Experience operating in Southeast Asia or emerging markets is advantageous
• Strong skills in pricing governance, inventory control, and service-driven growth

Technical & Commercial Strengths

• Deep understanding of multi-brand dealership economics
• Strong commercial capability across retail and fleet segments
• Experience managing OEM partnerships and multiple principals

Leadership Profile

• Commercially sharp, hands-on, and results-oriented
• Strong governance mindset with high integrity
• Effective cross-cultural leader with ability to develop local talent
• Balanced approach between aggressive growth and operational discipline

Career Growth Opportunities

This role offers a clear pathway into regional leadership positions, with the opportunity to expand business operations across multiple markets and play a key role in shaping long-term commercial strategy within the automotive sector.

For more information, contact Derek Aung on Telegram at @Derek9000