National Special Markets Manager

Purpose of the Role:

The National Special Markets Manager at BYD South Africa is responsible for establishing and leading the Special Markets division, which encompasses fleet, government, and rental sales. As this business unit is currently in its foundational phase, the individual will be tasked with building the team, defining the strategy, and launching operations to drive volume and brand presence in these strategic segments. The role requires a hands-on leader who can develop key relationships, secure high-value contracts, and position BYD as a preferred partner in the South African motor industry. By building a scalable and sustainable Special Markets business, the manager will play a critical role in supporting BYD's growth and electrification goals across the country.

Key Responsibilities:

• Business Establishment & Strategic Development:
  Develop and implement a national strategy for fleet, government, and rental sales aligned with BYD's commercial objectives. Establish the Special Markets team, including recruitment, onboarding, and performance management. Define operational processes, reporting structures, and sales targets for the division. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in government, corporate fleets, and rental companies. Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand BYD's presence in special market segments.
• Sales Execution & Account Management:
  Lead negotiations and secure contracts with fleet operators, government departments, and rental agencies. Develop tailored proposals and product offerings to meet the specific needs of each segment. Monitor sales performance and ensure delivery against volume, revenue, and profitability targets. Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., logistics, marketing, product planning) to ensure seamless execution and customer satisfaction.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Market Intelligence:
  Represent BYD South Africa in industry forums, government engagements, and fleet-related events. Stay informed on regulatory developments, market trends, and competitor activities affecting fleet and rental markets. Provide regular reporting and insights to senior leadership on business performance and strategic opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field. Minimum 8 years of experience in automotive fleet, government, or rental sales. Proven track record in building and leading high-performing sales teams. Strong understanding of procurement processes, government tenders, and fleet operations. Experience in launching new business units or divisions is highly advantageous. Excellent negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills. Proficiency in MS Office and CRM systems.

Key Competencies:

Strategic thinking and execution Leadership and team building Business development and account management Negotiation and stakeholder engagement Market analysis and commercial acumen Adaptability and resilience Passion for innovation and sustainability Proficient in English – both written and verbal communication, essential for stakeholder engagement

Additional Requirements:
Willing and able to travel regularly across South Africa to engage with clients, attend meetings, and support team operations.

Why Join BYD South Africa?

BYD is a global leader in electric mobility and sustainable innovation. As part of our dynamic team, you'll have the opportunity to build a new business unit from the ground up, shape the future of fleet and government mobility, and contribute to a cleaner, smarter transportation ecosystem in South Africa. This is a unique opportunity to lead strategic growth in a transformative industry and make a lasting impact.