Dealer Standards & Development Manager at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa

Job Description

• The Dealer Standards & Development Manager will ensure full dealer standards compliance covering Brand corporate identity and linked Global Dealer Engagement (GDE) & Centre of Excellence (COE) initiatives. In addition, this role champions the end-to-end delivery of all Network Development Events, supplier engagement and related scope of work engagements.
• To deliver on the above effectively, the role requires an experienced independent thinker equally adept at operational and strategic thinking, planning and execution. The role affords extensive exposure to senior leadership with the requirement that the successful applicant be comfortable, capable and conversant with engaging with leadership and project leads both locally and globally – often doing so independent of their line manager. 

Responsibilities
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Monitor and manage Dealer Standard audit compliance and continuously explore economically efficient ways of achieving deliverable
• Directly manage and guide third-party suppliers supporting Dealer Standards compliance and ensure strategic direction is championed by Network Operations
• Ensure all Dealer Partners adhere to applicable standards as detailed in the Dealer Sales and Service Agreement (DSSA) whilst ensuring any gaps in the DSSA clauses are flagged and amended in conjunction with OGC. Ensure all addendums and accompanying Ford policies are kept up to date (with the relevant skill teams)
• Directly manage the delivery of key GDE initiatives specifically around the Community Engagement, Awards & Recognition and Governance pillars. This is supported through structured engagements and operational management of the regional (US, Thailand & Chennai) teams
• Champion the Network Development teams audit and procedure compliance in conjunction with the Internal Control team 
• Act as a support to the Dealer network and internal skill teams for any Corporate Identity enquiries, processes and systems guidance and aid the Network Development team with the planning and coordinating of Dealer Engagements and events where necessary.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES/ SUCCESS CRITERIA

• Strategic operator: Sets a clear plan and measures impact
• Trusted champion: Partners confidently with line manager, senior leaders, regional stakeholders and suppliers; brings sound insights
• Crisis‑ready: Decisive, calm, and coordinated under pressure
• Cross‑functional collaborator: Works seamlessly with Marketing Sales & Service partners, regional (US, Thailand and Chennai) leads and Dealer network
• Attention to Detail: Focus on the detail and deliver with consistent excellence
• Prioritizes, sequences, and delivers events on time and on budget. Champions post-event reporting and reconciliation processes
• Champions modern tools, workflows, and ways of working
• Leverages artificial intelligence (AI) tools to increase productivity, whilst reducing complexity and waste. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Preferred previous experiences: Prior experience in Marketing Sales & Service roles beneficial as well as other Dealer-facing roles across Ford SA operations
• Functional Skills: Planning, presentation, Vendor/contractor coordination, issue triage
• Behavioral Skills: Integrity, transparency, service mind with a team player mindset
• Special Knowledge/Skills Required: Microsoft Office skills, English proficient
• Project Planning & Management: Proven skills and experience in managing large scale events timeously. Additional competence in managing external suppliers and ensuring shared budget compliance key
• Excellent Communications Skills - written and verbal 
• Refined administrative and planning skills 
• Good time and project management skills 
• Ability to effectively work and engage with executive levels of management.
• Ability to understand cross-functional company challenges both locally and across regional teams
• A strong ability to work autonomously while displaying the confidence to make well thought out decisions in the interest of the company and the Dealer network
• Task and outcome orientated. Rapid turnover on multiple urgent tasks/requests
• Sensitive to the Dealer culture, specifically regarding customer orientated processes & standards necessary to drive the business forward
• Must be effective at implementing new programs, procedures & enforcing them accordingly
• Ability to handle multiple pressured and time bound projects to a high standard whilst interpedently prioritizing his/her work to meet stretch targets
• Able to independently draft and present documents to senior leaders and regional counterparts in a manner that progresses business objectives. 

Qualifications
Education Qualification: 

• Minimum BCom Marketing Degree or equivalent qualification.

No. of Years of Experience: 

• Minimum 3 years in automotive or service industry 
• Marketing Sales & Service experience beneficial.