Head of Business - Automotive

Antal International Automotive & Mobility Division

This 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 market
• You are not Arabic speaking - this is an effective prerequisite for success in this environment
• Your background is primarily with OEMs or non retail automotive businesses - a dealership/distributor retail background is required
• You have not held a General Manager or Country Director level role with full P&L accountability
• You have fewer than 15 years of experience in the automotive industry

If the above describes you, we respectfully ask that you do not apply.

The Opportunity

Our 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 Responsibilities Strategic & Commercial Leadership

• Own the commercial performance of the KSA business - sales volume, revenue, and margin delivery against agreed budgets
• Lead OEM relationship management, ensuring brand strategy compliance, corporate identity standards, and target achievement
• Drive market share growth in a competitive and evolving KSA market
• Oversee full P&L ownership, including budgeting, financial planning, CAPEX justification, and performance reporting to the Group
• Develop and execute a network expansion strategy

Operations & Aftersales

• Ensure operational excellence across all dealer locations, encompassing new vehicle sales, pre owned, parts, and aftersales
• Monitor business performance metrics and develop proactive action plans to address shortfalls and capitalise on opportunities
• Maintain customer service standards aligned with Group and brand expectations
• Ensure compliance with KSA regulatory requirements and Group SOPs

People & Culture

• Lead, develop, and hold to account a senior management team with functional heads across Sales, After sales, Finance, and HR
• Scale the organisation in line with the growth plan, maintaining a high performance culture throughout
• Set the tone for behaviour, accountability, and excellence - this individual is the cultural anchor of the business in market
• Work within the Group's HR shared services framework while managing a local KSA HR function

Candidate Profile Experience

• Minimum 12 -15 years' experience in the automotive industry, within a dealership or distributor retail environment
• Minimum 10 years at General Manager, Dealer Principal, or Country/Director level with direct P&L accountability
• Proven experience operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - candidates without KSA exposure will not be considered
• Strong track record in sales led businesses; after sales competency is expected but secondary to commercial acumen
• Experience managing or overseeing network growth and multi site operations is highly desirable
• Business start up, greenfield, or significant turnaround experience is a meaningful advantage
• Experience with a Chinese brand is an advantage

Language & Cultural Competency

• Arabic language proficiency is required for this role, given the in market operating environment and stakeholder landscape
• Deep understanding of KSA business culture, government relations, and Saudisation requirements
• Ability to navigate a large, structured Group environment whilst maintaining an entrepreneurial pace in market

Core Competencies

• Commercial & Sales Leadership - ability to build and drive high performing sales operations
• OEM Relationship Management - experience managing manufacturer partnerships, target negotiations, and CI compliance
• Financial Acumen - strong P&L literacy, budgeting, and commercial decision making
• People Leadership - track record of building, scaling, and retaining high performing management teams
• Stakeholder Communication - confident and credible with Group leadership, OEM principals, government bodies, and banking institutions

Education

• Degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related discipline
• Automotive executive programmes or OEM accreditations are advantageous

What's on Offer

• A principal leadership role with genuine autonomy and in country ownership of the P&L
• The opportunity to shape and scale a growing automotive business at a pivotal stage of its development
• A strong, individually structured executive remuneration package
• Direct access to the Group CEO and OEM leadership on strategic decisions
• A clear trajectory towards a fully profitable, scaled business - and the recognition that comes with delivering it

How to Apply

If you meet the criteria above and are ready for a defining career appointment, we welcome your application in strict confidence.

Applications that do not meet the stated requirements will not be progressed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Antal International Automotive & Mobility Division Motor City, Dubai