Business Development Manager (BDM) - Kia South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Kia Importer

Job Description

• The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving vehicle sales performance, dealer network development, and market share growth within their assigned region.
• This role focuses on managing dealer relationships, ensuring sales targets are met, and optimizing the retail and fleet sales strategy in alignment with Kia South Africa's business objectives.
• This is a middle management position that requires a strategic approach to regional sales growth, identifying opportunities for volume and profitability, and ensuring dealer performance meets brand standards.
• The role also involves analysing market trends, implementing regional sales initiatives, and providing actionable insights to improve dealer operations.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Achieve and exceed regional vehicle sales targets across retail, fleet, and pre-owned segments.
• Monitor and analyse dealer sales performance, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Drive execution of Kia campaigns, Variable Margin programs, and retail promotions within the dealer network.
• Review monthly sales performance against targets and implement corrective action where necessary.
• Manage and optimize dealer stock levels, mix, and turnover to maximize sales opportunities.
• Oversee dealer demo fleet profile, ensuring alignment with company policy and sales strategy.
• Evaluate dealer marketing plans, lead management processes, and sales forecasting accuracy.
• Provide dealers with actionable insights and strategies to enhance sales performance and market share.

Process and Governance

• Ensure all dealerships operate in compliance with Kia SA's governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Validate dealer rebate claims and facilitate accurate credit processing.
• Conduct audits on dealer online presence, showroom facilities, and brand representation, ensuring adherence to Kia's corporate identity and operational standards.
• Ensure all relevant dealer staff are listed on Autoline and KDCS for training purposes.
• Identify and resolve operational challenges within the dealer network, escalating unresolved issues where necessary.
• Record and report dealer performance insights to support strategic decision-making.

Client/Customer

• Build and maintain strong relationships with dealer principals and sales teams.
• Champion initiatives that improve dealership profitability and sustainability.
• Support dealers in implementing best practices for lead conversion, customer experience, and aftersales engagement.
• Minimize financial risk by proactively managing at-risk dealers and identifying early warning indicators.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to optimize dealer support structures and enhance overall business performance.

People

• Support dealer teams through training, coaching, and continuous engagement to improve sales effectiveness.
• Actively participate in learning initiatives to enhance industry knowledge and leadership skills.
• Embody and promote Kia SA's core values, driving a high-performance culture.
• Stay informed on industry trends, competitor activity, and market shifts to maintain a competitive edge.

Qualifications and experience required

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field, along with at least five years of experience in sales, marketing or business development, is usually required for this position.
• Relevant tertiary or managerial qualification with at least 5 years' experience as a Customer Service/ Sales Manager
• Experience in the automotive industry in an equivalent role will be advantageous
• Degree/Diploma/Higher Certificate with a minimum of NQF Level 7
• Driver's Licence substantial amount of travel required.
• Intermediate Excel knowledge

Key Skills and Attributes required

• Decision-making and working with numbers
• Experience in collecting and analysing data for delivering optimum business results
• Management, organisation and leadership skills
• Multi-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a complex multi-faceted and fast paced organization
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Process and technology oriented
• Demonstrated leadership skills: Influence, drive for results, effective planning / prioritization, project management & collaboration

Closing Date 29 July 2026