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
The automotive world is changing significantly and the smart brand is at the forefront of this change with our all electric range and direct to consumer operation in the UK. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, forward thinking team.
The Head of Fleet will lead the UK fleet and business sales strategy for smart, driving volume, profitability, and brand growth across corporate, SME, leasing, and public sector channels. The role includes end-to-end lifecycle value management, including residual value (RV) strategy, used vehicle operations, and remarketing performance, ensuring long-term profitability and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving EV market.
Your responsibilities
Define and execute the UK fleet sales strategy aligned with global and European objectives
Deliver volume, profitability and market share targets across:
Corporate fleets
Leasing & contract hire companies
SMEs and salary sacrifice schemes
Public sector and government tenders
Set fleet pricing, discount structures, and tactical campaigns
Build and manage relationships with key accounts and major leasing partners
Responsibility for sales and ordering forecasts for fleet channels
Collaborate with retail team to balance fleet vs retail mix to protect brand positioning and profitability
Work closely with marketing on fleet propositions and EV positioning
Residual Value Management
Own and optimise residual value strategy across all models
Manage relationships with RV setters to maximise residual values for the smart product, including lease company asset managers. Support ongoing relationship, including supply of product updates and used car transaction prices
Track RV performance, identify issues and recommend appropriate actions to improve & Align RV strategy with pricing, incentives, and supply to protect brand value
Remarketing (End of lease)
Lead discussions with our funding partner to maximise disposal of end of lease vehicles through the smart network. Deliver very high level retention of PCP cars within the network in particular
Establish remarketing platform for end of lease vehicles from other leasing companies to be retained within the smart network as a priority. Proactively design and manage the flow of vehicles on to this platform
Work alongside Fleet Manager to develop a comprehensive remarketing strategy and proactively approach lease companies with this during initial sales negotiations
Engage with all stakeholders to ensure high take up of remarketing platform vs disposal through broader auctions
Manage the remarketing of smart UK’s own fleet (including employee car scheme) to maximise residual values
Used C ar Retail Programmes
Develop a Certified Pre-Owned programme for the smart retailer network to maximise used car values and deliver profitability for retailers
Support retailers with development of CPO tools and marketing initiatives
Work with European team to ensure UK tailored programmes are developed and rolled out
Manage relationship with provider of data for online customer trade in valuation tool and ensure values are set are an appropriate level
Proactively monitor health of used car market (volume, stock, margins) to pre-empt any RV issues
Network & Stakeholder Management
Lead and support smart network on fleet sales strategy and execution
Ensure alignment between smart UK, Network and leasing partners
Collaborate cross-functionally (retail, finance, marketing, supply/logistics, product)
Position smart as a leader in electric fleet mobility
Tea m Leadership and collaboration
Lead smart UK fleet team to ensure objectives are met, building a positive culture of collaboration and “can do” attitude
Set clear KPIs across sales, RV performance, and used car profitability
Foster a data-driven, commercially focused culture and team
Inspire confidence, encourage a positive working atmosphere and create trust
What you bring along
Education
Educated to degree level (preferably in a commercial or technical area) and/or high level of relevant experience
Professional Experience
Extensive experience in the automotive industry in general, with strong experience of Fleet leadership
Strong understanding of the leasing market and end of life remarketing, and used car operations
Experience of leading (or contributing to) Residual Value management
Knowledge / Functional Expertise
Deep understanding of UK fleet market and leasing landscape
Experience with EV products and electrification strategies
Thorough understanding of residual values and a high level of expertise in working with used car valuation tools (eg Futures / Black book)
Excellent knowledge of the used car market and operations, particularly for 2-4 year old vehicles within official OEM retailer channels. Ability to engage with retailers and inspire confidence in this area
Good working knowledge of used car finance products, extended warranty programmes and other used car marketing tools
Good awareness of the latest developemts in the leasing and used car markets
Team Leadership and collaboration
Lead smart UK fleet team to ensure objectives are met, building a positive culture of collaboration and “can do” attitude
Set clear KPIs across sales, RV performance, and used car profitability
Foster a data-driven, commercially focused culture and team
Inspire confidence, encourage a positive working atmosphere and create trust
Key Competencies / Soft Skills
Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
Proactive in seeking to engage with key stakeholders and forging new relationships
Ability to deal with multiple stakeholders across a diverse landscape
Creative in mastering challenges and achieving ambitious objectives
Pragmatic in approach and willing to work beyond traditional role boundaries in a lean environment. Strong team player
Analytical abilities and problem-solving skills
Good written and oral communication skills in 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!
