Head of Business - Automotive

Antal International | Automotive & Mobility DivisionThis is a senior executive appointment with very specific requirements. We ask that you read this section carefully before applying.This role is not suitable for you if:You do not have direct, hands‑on experience working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia automotive marketYou are not Arabic‑speaking — this is an effective prerequisite for success in this environmentYour background is primarily with OEMs or non‑retail automotive businesses — a dealership/distributor retail background is requiredYou have not held a General Manager or Country Director‑level role with full P&L accountabilityYou have fewer than 15 years of experience in the automotive industryIf the above describes you, we respectfully ask that you do not apply.The OpportunityOur client is a respected, diversified automotive group with a growing presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With its KSA entity now established and its initial dealer network in place, the business is entering a critical growth phase.The incoming EVP will operate with full in‑country autonomy within agreed Group parameters and will be the main point of contact between the KSA business, Group leadership based in the United Arab Emirates, and the OEM principal.The sales function is the engine of this business. The right candidate will be sales‑led in their outlook — commercially aggressive, target‑driven, and adept at building and motivating high‑performance sales teams — while carrying strong operational credibility across aftersales.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic & Commercial LeadershipOwn the commercial performance of the KSA business — sales volume, revenue, and margin delivery against agreed budgetsLead OEM relationship management, ensuring brand strategy compliance, corporate identity standards, and target achievementDrive market share growth in a competitive and evolving KSA marketOversee full P&L ownership, including budgeting, financial planning, CAPEX justification, and performance reporting to the GroupDevelop and execute a network expansion strategyOperations & AftersalesEnsure operational excellence across all dealer locations, encompassing new vehicle sales, pre‑owned, parts, and aftersalesMonitor business performance metrics and develop proactive action plans to address shortfalls and capitalise on opportunitiesMaintain customer service standards aligned with Group and brand expectationsEnsure compliance with KSA regulatory requirements and Group SOPsPeople & CultureLead, develop, and hold to account a senior management team with functional heads across Sales, After‑sales, Finance, and HRScale the organisation in line with the growth plan, maintaining a high‑performance culture throughoutSet the tone for behaviour, accountability, and excellence — this individual is the cultural anchor of the business in‑marketWork within the Group’s HR shared services framework while managing a local KSA HR functionCandidate ProfileExperienceMinimum 12 -15 years’ experience in the automotive industry, within a dealership or distributor retail environmentMinimum 10 years at General Manager, Dealer Principal, or Country/Director level with direct P&L accountabilityProven experience operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — candidates without KSA exposure will not be consideredStrong track record in sales‑led businesses; after‑sales competency is expected but secondary to commercial acumenExperience managing or overseeing network growth and multi‑site operations is highly desirableBusiness start‑up, greenfield, or significant turnaround experience is a meaningful advantageExperience with a Chinese brand is an advantageLanguage & Cultural CompetencyArabic language proficiency is required for this role, given the in‑market operating environment and stakeholder landscapeDeep understanding of KSA business culture, government relations, and Saudisation requirementsAbility to navigate a large, structured Group environment whilst maintaining an entrepreneurial pace in‑marketCore CompetenciesCommercial & Sales Leadership — ability to build and drive high‑performing sales operationsOEM Relationship Management — experience managing manufacturer partnerships, target negotiations, and CI complianceFinancial Acumen — strong P&L literacy, budgeting, and commercial decision‑makingPeople Leadership — track record of building, scaling, and retaining high‑performing management teamsStakeholder Communication — confident and credible with Group leadership, OEM principals, government bodies, and banking institutionsEducationDegree in Business Administration, Management, or a related disciplineAutomotive executive programmes or OEM accreditations are advantageousWhat’s on OfferA principal leadership role with genuine autonomy and in‑country ownership of the P&LThe opportunity to shape and scale a growing automotive business at a pivotal stage of its developmentA strong, individually structured executive remuneration packageDirect access to the Group