Head of Network Development - UK

Polestar

  • Bicester, Oxfordshire
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 13 days ago
The OpportunityWe are a pioneering premium electric vehicle manufacturer experiencing global growth. As Head of Network Development, you will design, expand, and optimise our retail network, ensuring a seamless, brand-defining experience for our customers. Your role will balance continued representation expansion with uncompromising quality, building partnerships that embody our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and luxury.The ResponsibilitiesNetwork Strategy & Expansion
  • Develop and execute a scalable, future-proof retail network strategy aligned with brand vision and aggressive growth targets.
  • Identify high-potential urban and suburban locations that fit our premium EV brand identity and ensure accessibility to charging infrastructure.
  • Recruit and onboard new retail partners—ensuring alignment with brand values, EV expertise, and facility design standards.
  • Lead market entry assessments in new territories, balancing speed-to-market with long-term brand equity.
Performance & Brand Excellence
  • Establish clear KPIs for partner performance, customer satisfaction, sustainability practices, and operational readiness.
  • Implement regular network performance reviews, coaching partners to excel in EV-specific sales and service excellence.
  • Maintain rigorous compliance with corporate identity, showroom technology, and digital-first customer engagement standards.
  • Champion premium customer journeys—from online configurator to delivery, service, and loyalty programs.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work with Sales, Aftersales, Charging Infrastructure, Marketing, and Sustainability teams to integrate the network into the wider brand ecosystem.
  • Partner with IT and digital teams to deploy connected retail tools—from immersive showrooms to predictive service platforms.
  • Collaborate with Real Estate and Facilities to deliver cutting-edge retail spaces that showcase our brand and technology.
Market Insight & Reporting
  • Analyse trends in EV adoption, regulatory frameworks, charging network expansion, and competitor strategies.
  • Provide leadership with data-driven recommendations for market prioritisation, partner selection, and risk mitigation.
  • Track ROI on network investments, ensuring every new site contributes to profitability and brand growth.
Team Leadership
  • Lead and inspire a team of regional network managers, business development specialists, and retail operations experts.
  • Foster a culture of speed, innovation, and premium customer focus.
  • Mentor the next generation of leaders in network strategy and EV market development.
The Ideal CandidateYou will have a deep understanding of electric vehicle customer needs, the complexities of charging infrastructure, and the dynamics of sustainability-driven business models. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional negotiation capabilities, outstanding stakeholder management, and proven cross-cultural leadership skills to drive collaboration and growth.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years in automotive retail/network development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role—EV or premium/luxury brand experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of commercial lease agreements, architectural and planning regulations
  • Proven success launching retail/service networks in fast-growth markets.
  • Strong commercial acumen with experience in P&L management, investment cases, and ROI modelling.
  • Willingness to travel globally to establish and oversee network operations.
The processIf the above matches your ambitions, be sure to apply. Applications will initially close on 28th August.The Polestar journey is an electric one.Join a global team dedicated to improving the societies we live in through sustainable, electric mobility.

Polestar