CEO smart Italy (F/M/D)

We are the brand for forward-thinkers. We celebrate challenging conventions and shaping the future of electric mobility. We focus on the essentials to bring perfection to customers. We make urban life more enjoyable and entertain our customers with new impulses.

Ever since smart exists, we rewrite the automotive industry’s rulebook. In the 1990s, we undermined the predominant philosophy of ‘bigger is better’ and designed a revolutionary car. Since 2020 we are the first car enterprise that switched to 100% electric! We aim to transform into a leading player in urban premium, electric & connected mobility provider.

Are you a forward thinker too? Then join us now!

Objective of job - 
CEO smart Italy is responsible for making smart successful in Italian market, expected to be a tier 1 player in next gen smart #2 sales. This includes: provide strategic, financial and operational leadership for the company in close coordination with all departments of smart EU. This role is fully responsible for reaching the national sales targets, customer satisfaction and annual budgets
In addition, this role acts as point of contact to build trust with key stakeholders and represent company in public occasions.

Job designation -
 
Organizational Management - 
- Create, communicate, and implement smart vision, mission and value, linked to the Legal Entity
   and following the overall direction of smart Europe GmbH
-  Set-up long-term, short-term goals and plans in alignment with the Region Europe to ensure a 
   sustainable development of the organization
-  Design, implement and enforce policies and procedures of the organization that will improve 
   operational and financial effectiveness of the company
-  Establish a positive company atmosphere and productive team structure that motivate employees to 
   work together towards ultimate goals and acquire personal development
-  Lead, guide, direct and evaluate the performance of the team, and encourage empowerment to 
   subordinates and agile way of working and collaboration
-  Able to transform the organization in terms of digitalization and new busines models (Change Management)
-  Ensure that the organization & business operations act in compliance with the law & regulations 
   of the country; Set up and enforce adherence to legal guidelines and in-house policies to maintain 
   the company’s legality and business ethics
-  Ensure compliance with all national regulation such as environmental, labour, safety and health regulations
-  Ensure compliance with all local and smart Europe GmbH company regulations and guidelines

Business Operations - 
-  Lead and fulfil the development of business strategies and plans in alignment with company’s
   short-term and long-term objectives
-  Manage all operations and business activities to secure productivity of the desired results and 
   consistency with the overall strategy and mission
-  Certify optimal price and discount structure together with the Pricing Team of Region Europe 
    across borders in all sales channels
-  Regular interaction with dealers/agents, collaboration and participation in annual negotiations
-  Implementing an effective brand strategy and ensuring consistency according company vision and 
   guidelines
-  Regular evaluation of all business related performance, provide guidance and propose future 
   prospects
-  Act as a strategic advisor and consultant offering expert advice on contracts, negotiations or 
   business deals that the business operations may enter.
-  Analyse problematic situations and occurrences, and provide solutions to ensure company survival 
   and growth
-  Successfully lead the national Sales Team to ensure operational excellence for B2C and B2B Sales 
    as well as Used Car Sales
-  Ensure After Sales Excellence together with the Regional After Sales Team and the co-operating 
   Business Units of the European Mercedes-Benz organization
-  Continuously monitor and optimize local stock and ensure updated sales and ordering forecasts 
   together with the European logistics team

P/L & Risk Management -
-  Responsible for the P&L of the Legal Entity, budgets and producing a detailed annual business 
   operating plan together with finance to set targets to achieve within the country in alignment with 
   smart Europe GmbH
-  Steer overall business activities’ budget usage and launch cost efficiency plan if necessary
-  Review financial and non-financial reports to devise solutions or improvements.
-  Assess risks for business operations as well as future business prospects, and ensure they are
   monitored and minimized  

  Management Reporting & Communication - 
-  Develop and submit weekly, monthly or quarterly performance and progress (organization, business 
  operation, P/L, risks, etc.), strategy proposal, next steps, etc., in cooperation with the 
  financial department
-  Analyse and make recommendation on the impact of long-range growth initiatives, market
   development, planning, and introduction of new strategies and regulatory actions      

   Representation - 
-  Build trust relations with key partners and stakeholders and act as a point of contact to: 
   service providers, dealers/agents and management.
-  Represent company in media & other public events in Italy
-  Represent company for civic and professional association responsibilities and activities, that 
   will enhance company’s reputation      


     Qualification - 
      

Education - 
-  Bachelor degree or above in business, marketing, economics, engineering or a comparable degree

Professional Experience - 
-  10 years or above experience in automotive industry or adjacent sectors, preferred in Sales, 
Marketing, Network Development, Aftersales, Market Management (or similar area)
-  10 years or above in management roles, preferred in senior management position, ideally 
experienced in a sales company

Knowledge / Functional Expertise - 
-  In-depth knowledge of organization set-up, corporate governance, general management and as well, 
   macroeconomic, political, and social culture of the country
-  Experience in developing profitable strategies, and steering and implementing vision
-  Understanding trends in digitalization, automotive direct sales and changes in usage behaviour 
   of automotive customers; ability to adjust to these trends and lead the national organization in this change
-  Knowledge of profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow management and general finance and budgeting
-  Familiarity with diverse business functions, such as: Sales, Marketing, Network, Aftersales, etc.
-  Have deep understanding of new retail, customer behavior and expectations, and digital 
    transformation
-  Experience in European market management specially in Italy

Key Competencies / Soft Skills - 
-  Entrepreneurial mindset with outstanding organizational and leadership skills - leading and 
   inspiring cross functional and international teams, can move things forward and motivate the team
-  Analytical abilities and problem-solving skills
-  Excellent communication and public speaking skills; Confident and effective negotiator - able to 
   consistently reach positive outcomes while building positive internal and external relationships
-  Able to build consensus and relationships among dealer/agent network, BoD, executives, partners, 
   and employees
-  Understand new proposals/issues/risks quickly and make wise decisions
-  Inspire confidence, encourage positive working atmosphere and create trust
-  Able to be visionary and think strategically - anticipate market developments, innovations as 
   well as challenges, identify business opportunities
-  Excellent written and oral communication skills in Italian and English.

We're building a workplace where amazing people like you can do their best work. Together with us, you enjoy the agile working atmosphere with cross-European responsibilities.
 
We're creating a culture where personal and professional growth are as important as business growth. Together with us, you will build a diverse and inclusive environment where you feel you belong to.
 
We empower you to have ownership over work