Retail Business Consultant (Temporary)

Job Purpose
In line with Bridgestone Europe and First Stop Italy guidelines, the Retail Business Consultant is responsible for the implementation and development of the First Stop Network in the assigned area, contributing to the shared success of the Network and its Partners by ensuring:

• In line with the company’s strategic vision for Franchise Retail, the Retail Business Consultant (RBC) plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and profitability of the First Stop Network by acting as the key point of contact and consultant for our Partners.

• Working closely with the Network to devise strategies that improve operations and optimize operating profit, particularly in services, sales, marketing, and customer service at individual Partner points of sale.

• The RBC is responsible for recruiting, developing, and managing the retail network of maintenance and repair centers and collaborates closely with Partners as well as central functions such as marketing and procurement to execute an effective strategy.

Main Responsibilities

A Retail Business Consultant plays a crucial role in optimizing the performance of the First Stop Network. Here are some key responsibilities and insights into this role:

1. Boost Network Expansion

• Discover and recruit high-quality prospects, tyre and non-tyre, to support Retail strategy and territorial coverage.

• Support definition of multi-year plans for those customers who need development support.

• Actively support onboarding, monitoring, and development of Partners.

• Promptly share business insights of recruited dealers and keep them updated.

• Foster the growth and success of existing Partners (farming), ensuring both network expansion and sustained quality.

2. Proactive Business Development and Profitability Enhancement

• Boost sales and revenues of the POS, including Bridgestone, scouting business opportunities and managing dealer support:

• Organize local meetings with the sales force of partner suppliers.

• Support the presentation of commercial conditions of partner suppliers.

• Set targets for each partner supplier commensurate with the retailer's potential and drive results achievement.

• Finalize a detailed assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your area and by dealer.

• Define, present, and support stores in implementing the Store Improvement Plan, leveraging Network Value Proposition items (Marketing, Procurement, Retail Operations, Training, Digital Tools…).

• Collaborate with Fleet, Bridgestone, and other Supplier Partner Sales teams to scout new revenue opportunities, new fleets, and new partners for the network.

• Constantly analyze purchase performance and ensure fast follow-up.

3. Effective Communication

• Plan regular and optimized visits to dealers based on category, reporting strategic market information to the Central Team.

• Organize regular touchpoints with Bridgestone and other suppliers’ sales forces to stay aligned on current customers and activities.

• Communicate marketing activities and new projects to dealers in an organized and regular manner.

• Communicate effectively and regularly the value created for dealers and network opportunities, including marketing, procurement, and digital initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills Requirements
This role requires a combination of strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a deep understanding of the Retail business. The Retail Business Consultant must be dynamic, work closely with various stakeholders, and drive business success.

• Education: Degree in Economics, Marketing, Business Administration, Management Engineering or equivalent education; relevant work experience can be considered as an alternative.

• Experience: Previous experience in retail, tyre or automotive industry is a plus.

• Strategic mindset with practical approach: Creativity, flexibility, and ability to think out-of-the-box.

• Analytical skills: Ability to analyze sales data, market trends and operational metrics to identify areas for improvement and develop data-driven strategies.

• Customer focus: Deep understanding of customer needs and ability to enhance customer satisfaction through tailored solutions.

• Communication skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills for effectively conveying ideas, presenting findings, and collaborating with team members and clients.

• Interpersonal skills: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, colleagues and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment.

• Negotiation skills: Effectively negotiate with partners and prospective partners to secure favorable terms and build mutually beneficial relationships.

• IT literacy: Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint), familiarity with social media platforms and other IT tools.

• Languages: Italian native; English – intermediate level mandatory.

• Mobility and autonomy: Comfortable with frequent travel and working independently.

 Experience

• Minimum 5 years in Retail, Business Development, Key Account, Sales/After Sales roles consistently meeting or exceeding targets.

• Experience in sales organizations in a complex, international and/or matrix environment.

• Knowledge of B2B environment, automotive and tyre business, after sales, spare parts is considered a plus.

Other Information

• Willing to travel at least 70% of the time in the assigned area.

• Permanent address in Marche-Abruzzo-Puglia region.