Brief Role Description

This position is Career Level 20P and located in Reston, VA, with a Role Classification of Hybrid.

Role Summary

The primary role of the VW Business Development Specialist is to own/support Senior Manager, VW Brand Sales in the relationship with the VW Incentives team, working with them to evaluate, create, communicate, and manage financial services while bringing added value via solutions that assist brand in achieving their stated objectives. Also responsible for driving key VWFS KPIs via this relationship:  New penetration, Used contracts, Loyalty, profitability and Dealer Satisfaction.  Frequent interactions with VW Senior Managers, Directors, and Vice Presidents are necessary for success in this role.

Job Responsibilities within this Role

Manage the evaluation, creation, and dissemination of VWFS retail financial products to dealers, working closely with the Volkswagen Incentives team to achieve both Volkswagen and VWFS KPIs. (50%)
•    Design, develop, and implement sales programs for all VWFS retail and lease offerings with measurable results.
•    Develop a unique packaging approach for all financial services offerings in the dealer channel to create and sustain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. 
•    Ensure optimal design, pricing, and communications of financial products to meet volume and profit targets. 
•    Support the strategies of Volkswagen.  Responsible for creating a premium, above generic financing 
•    Establish and coordinate special conjoint manufacturer programs (new vehicle incentives, certified used cars, college graduate offers, off-lease vehicle sales initiatives, etc.). 
•    Ensure timely publishing of Monthly Programs including Residual Values through coordination with brand departments and VWFS Risk Management. 
•    Interface with Volkswagen brand to strategize & develop retail and lease products, programs & promotions.  Support negotiation of subvention requirements to optimize financial results.
•    Ensure effective communication of all retail programs to the dealer body & ensure solid customer communication through integrated activities with the field and other internal departments. 
•    Represents VWFS within the Volkswagen sales unit, lending financial services expertise to Volkswagen brand initiatives to collaborate on development and execution of programs. 

Initiative Management.  Serve as the lead collaborator across multiple VWFS and/or Volkswagen departments to successfully complete strategically important studies, initiatives, and projects. (30%)
•    Serve as the lead collaborator on enterprise-wide / multi-departmental initiatives in support of the joint initiatives of VWFS/Volkswagen. 
•    Track, follow up, and effectively communicate status and challenges, escalating as needed.
•    Communicate outcomes to both VWFS and Volkswagen executives

Budget / Planning Round.  Management of Sales Operations contribution. (10%)
•    Develop annual program budgets (volume/cost), and monthly and annual forecasts for Executive presentation and review. 

Other (10%)
•    Lead the appropriate evaluation, review, negotiation, engagement, and management of key vendor/partner relationships. 
•    Responsible for ensuring Field and Service Center program questions and exception requests are answered 
•    Volkswagen lead for monthly Pricing Meeting and Program Call

Qualification requirements

Years of Experience:

Minimum years of experience needed
•    7-10 years Automotive OEM incentive and/or Financial Services experience
•    Broad financial acumen
•    Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word & Outlook
•    Flexibility to execute and multi-task in a fast-pace environment
•    Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
•    Outstanding communication, presentation and collaboration skills
•    Proven business, leadership and performance management skills

Education

Required - Bachelor degree in Business or a related field    

Desired - MBA or other relevant advanced degree

Skills:

General skills needed to perform the job
•    Strong analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason, creative and strategic
•    Strong oral and written communications are necessary, ability to communicate with others on important, complex and non-routine issues
•    Strong customer service orientation 
•    Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and PowerPoint
•    Computer savvy – skilled in the use of software
•    Integration – joining people, processes or systems
•    Influencing and negotiation skills
•    Problem solving
•    Resources management
•    Assertiveness
•    Self-starter
•    Willingness to learn and then be able to apply

•    Ability to sell ideas and conclusions in a clear and concise manner
•    Ability to communicate complex information in simple terms
•    Ability to make difficult “unpopular” decisions in the face of opposition
•    Decisiveness in Decision Making
•    Strong negotiation, persuasion, and influencing skills
•    Creative, analytical and conceptual ability
•    Self-starter with a demonstrated high level of initiative and self-reliance
•    Strong oral and written communications are necessary, ability to communicate with others on important, complex and non-routine issues
•    Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and PowerPoint