Business Development Manager

The Business Development Manager leads the sustainable growth and performance of the First Battery franchise network. The role develops new business opportunities, expands the network, improves franchisee performance and implements strategic partnerships and new routes to market. It acts as the link between franchisees, management and support functions to translate strategy into measurable commercial results.

Main Job Function:

• Contribute to franchise strategy, annual plans, budgets, targets and implementation priorities.
• Identify market gaps, new locations, franchise prospects and alternative franchise formats.
• Prepare feasibility assessments, business cases and recommendations for network growth or rationalisation.
• Manage the end-to-end new-store process from enquiry and approval to opening and post-launch support.
• Coordinate Legal, Finance, Credit, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Technical, Training, IT, landlords and suppliers.
• Maintain project plans, onboarding processes, readiness checklists, risk logs and progress reports.
• Build trusted franchisee relationships through store visits, business reviews, regional meetings and franchise forums.
• Analyse store profitability, compliance, customer experience, warranty registrations, mystery shopper results and digital presence.
• Develop improvement plans, resolve escalations and support franchisees through growth, difficulty, renewal and ownership changes.
• Identify opportunities with fleet operators, insurers, banks, fuel retailers, suppliers, technology providers and other partners.
• Develop commercial models, proposals, pricing structures and rollout plans for national and contractual customers.
• Pilot and scale initiatives such as centralised distribution, drop shipment, supplier rebates and bundled services.
• Support negotiations relating to franchise fees, discounts, rebates, credit terms, leases and franchise agreements.
• Assess the commercial impact of proposals and ensure approved commitments are implemented.
• Support store evaluations, compliance reviews, operating procedures and closure of corrective actions.
• Coordinate technical, warranty, sales, customer service, systems and store-management training.
• Drive adoption of digital tools, warranty registration, customer-retention solutions and improved reporting.
• Monitor competitors, industry trends, pricing, customer needs, technology and emerging routes to market.
• Translate data into practical recommendations that improve network profitability and brand relevance.
• Prepare executive updates, presentations, dashboards, action trackers and progress reports.
• Lead cross-functional projects through influence, clear accountability and disciplined follow-through.
• Represent the franchise division in partner engagements, negotiations and franchise forums.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, delegated authority, contracts and applicable legislation.
• Drive sustainable network growth, commercial value, innovation and continuous improvement.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification in Business Management, Commerce, Marketing, Retail Management or a related field.
• + 5 years’ relevant experience in business development, franchising, retail, key accounts or commercial project management.
• Experience in a franchise or multi-site retail environment.
• Demonstrated experience in commercial partnerships, franchise operations and cross-functional project delivery.
• Experience in preparing business cases, analysing performance data and negotiating commercial arrangements.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including pricing, margins, rebates, budgets and return-on-investment analysis.
• Advanced MS Office, data analysis, reporting and presentation skills.
• Ability to think strategically and analytically and deliver measurable commercial impact.
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel nationally.
• Automotive aftermarket and franchise-agreement experience will be advantageous.
• Core Skills and Competencies:

– Strategic and Commercial Thinking

– Relationship Management

– Leadership and Collaboration

– Execution and Accountability

– Customer Focus and Integrity