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!

About the Role - CEO, smart Italy

CEO smart Italy is responsible for making smart successful in Italian market, expected to reach the tier 1 player in next generation smart #2 sales. This includes providing strategic, financial and operational leadership for the company in close coordination with all departments of smart EU. The role is fully responsible for reaching the national sales targets, customer satisfaction and annual budgets.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver national sales targets, customer satisfaction, and budget performance
• Act as a trusted representative of the company to key stakeholders
• Serve as the public face of smart in Italy

Core Responsibilities

Organizational Management

• Create, communicate and implement smart vision, mission and values, linked to the Legal Entity and following the overall direction of smart Europe GmbH
• Set up long‑term and short‑term goals and plans in alignment with Region Europe to ensure sustainable development of the organization
• Design, implement and enforce policies and procedures that improve the organization’s operational and financial effectiveness
• Establish a positive company atmosphere and a productive team structure that motivates employees to work toward ultimate goals and acquire personal development
• Lead, guide, direct and evaluate the performance of the team, encouraging empowerment of subordinates and an agile way of working and collaboration
• Transform the organization in terms of digitalization and new business models (Change Management)
• Ensure compliance with law and 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 national regulations such as environmental, labour, safety and health regulations
• Ensure compliance with local and smart Europe GmbH company regulations and guidelines

Business Operations

• Lead and fulfill 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 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
• Interact regularly with dealers/agents, collaborate and participate in annual negotiations
• Implement an effective brand strategy and ensure consistency with company vision and guidelines
• Regularly evaluate 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
• Analyze problematic situations and occurrences, and provide solutions to ensure company survival and growth
• Lead the national Sales Team to ensure operational excellence for B2C, B2B and Used Car Sales
• Ensure After Sales Excellence together with the Regional After Sales Team and co‑operating Business Units of the European Mercedes‑Benz organization
• Monitor and optimize local stock continuously and ensure updated sales and ordering forecasts together with the European logistics team
• 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 and future prospects, and ensure they are monitored and minimized

Management Reporting & Communication

• Develop and submit weekly, monthly or quarterly performance and progress updates (organization, business operation, P/L, risks, etc.), strategy proposals, next steps, etc., in cooperation with the financial department
• Analyze and make recommendations on the impact of long‑range growth initiatives, market

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 and other public events in Italy
• Represent company for civic and professional association responsibilities and activities, that will enhance company’s reputation

Qualifications

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.
• Deep understanding of new retail, customer behaviour and expectations, and digital transformation
• Experience in European market management especially in Italy
• 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
• 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

Because at smart, we are the brand for forward‑thinkers, and we invite you to be one of us.

#J-18808-Ljbffr