Retail Network & Business Development Manager

We are looking for an experienced, analytical and hands-on professional to lead the strategic development and expansion of our retail network in Italy while driving business growth and strengthening our retail partnerships.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director Italy, you will play a key role in shaping Polestar's future presence in one of our most important European markets.

Let us describe the challenge we offer

As Retail Network & Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for defining and executing Polestar's retail expansion strategy in Italy while ensuring the long-term success and performance of our retail network.

You will lead network development initiatives, identify growth opportunities, manage partner relationships, support business development activities, and ensure our retail representation consistently delivers the premium customer experience that defines the Polestar brand.

Working closely with local and global stakeholders, you will help drive sustainable business growth while ensuring Polestar's retail standards, operational requirements, and brand ambitions are effectively implemented across the market.

Network Development & Expansion

• Analyze market opportunities and define network representation strategies through qualitative and quantitative assessment of market potential, customer demand and geographical coverage.

• Lead network management activities, including site selection, ownership changes, facility upgrades, additional points of representation and evaluation of underperforming locations.

• Identify, assess, recruit and onboard new retail partners and investors, ensuring alignment with Polestar's commercial objectives, operational requirements and brand standards.

• Develop business cases, feasibility studies and implementation plans to support network expansion and strategic market initiatives.

• Manage the activation of new Polestar Spaces and oversee the successful implementation of retail standards, facilities and operational requirements.

• Guide facility development projects and coordinate with retailers, investors, architects, consultants and contractors to ensure delivery on time and within agreed parameters.

• Manage retailer and investor agreements supporting network changes, facility developments and strategic initiatives.

Network Performance & Business Development

• Monitor network performance and partner effectiveness through defined KPIs and regular business reviews.

• Collaborate closely with commercial teams to identify performance gaps and develop corrective action plans supporting sustainable growth.

• Lead annual business planning activities with retail partners, aligning resources, investments and operational capabilities with market opportunities.

• Evaluate business development opportunities and strategic initiatives that strengthen Polestar's position in the Italian market.

• Support the development and implementation of new programs, tools and processes to continuously improve network performance and customer experience.

• Assess investment opportunities, business cases and commercial proposals to maximize long-term business value and return on investment.

Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with local market teams, regional stakeholders and global functions to align network and business development activities with overall company objectives.

• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Experience, Product, Operations and other key functions to support successful market execution.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with retail partners and investors, acting as a trusted advisor for network development and future growth opportunities.

• Lead engagement with external stakeholders including suppliers, consultants, architectural and construction partners, and industry organizations.

• Coordinate with governmental, regulatory and industry stakeholders on market-specific requirements, compliance matters and strategic initiatives.

• Influence and align diverse stakeholder groups to support business objectives and deliver a consistent premium brand experience across the network.

Who you are

You are a strategic thinker with a strong commercial mindset who enjoys turning opportunities into action. You combine analytical skills with hands-on execution and are comfortable navigating a fast-paced, evolving environment while managing multiple stakeholders and priorities.

In addition, you bring:

• 5-7+ years of experience in network development, business development, program management, consulting or related roles within the automotive industry .

• University degree in Business Administration, Management or a related field; a Master's degree is considered an advantage.

• Proven experience managing complex projects involving network expansion, site selection, facility development and/or implementation of retail standards.

• Experience building and managing relationships with retailers, investors, dealer networks and external business partners.

• Strong business acumen, analytical capabilities and experience developing business cases and evaluating investment opportunities.

• Good understanding of automotive retail models and related commercial, contractual and regulatory frameworks.

• Ability to think strategically while driving practical execution.

• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives, retailer principals and investors.

• Strong understanding of premium customer expectations and the drivers of customer satisfaction.

• Highly organized, proactive and adaptable mindset, with a passion for collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation.

• Fluency in Italian and English, both written and spoken.

Polestar - the guiding star.

We are an electric performance brand, determined to improve the society we live in. Our focus is on uncompromised design and technology. Passion and emotion drive us, electricity and innovation drive our cars.

We are committed to challenging the status quo and accelerating the shift towards sustainable mobility. Together with our partners, we create premium customer experiences and shape the future of retail.

At Polestar, the sky is the limit.

Is this you?

If you're ready to play a key role in shaping Polestar's retail future in Italy, we'd love to hear from you.

The Polestar journey is an electric one.