Automotive Business Director - KSA

Automotive Business Director- Saudi ArabiaThis is a confidential executive-search assignment being conducted by Terranova Strategic HR Partners. All applications and candidate discussions will be handled with discretion.We are seeking an accomplished Automotive Business Director to lead and accelerate the performance of a growing automotive business in Saudi Arabia.This is a senior leadership opportunity for a commercially astute executive with a strong track record in business transformation, sales growth, profitability and market-share expansion. The successful candidate will bring the strategic vision, financial discipline and leadership capability required to strengthen business performance, build high-performing teams and establish a stronger competitive position in a dynamic market.Key Leadership PrioritiesBusiness Transformation & Profitability:Lead business turnaround initiatives, address underperforming operations, improve cost structures and restore sustainable profitability.Commercial Growth & Market Share:Develop and execute strategies to accelerate sales, strengthen market positioning and improve commercial performance.Financial & Operational Performance:Maintain strong oversight of P&L, budgets, margins, inventory, working capital and key performance indicators, translating financial insights into tangible business outcomes.Brand Development & Portfolio Management:Drive the growth of established and emerging automotive brands, adapting commercial strategies to different market positions, customer segments and competitive dynamics.Market Intelligence & Competitive Positioning: Leverage an in-depth understanding of customer behaviour, market trends, competitor activity and regional opportunities to inform strategic and commercial decisions.Network Development & Business Expansion: Identify and evaluate opportunities to expand the business footprint, strengthen distribution and develop sales and aftersales infrastructure in line with commercial priorities.Strategy Execution & Organisational Alignment: Translate business strategy into clear departmental objectives, measurable targets and performance standards, ensuring accountability and effective resource allocation.People & Performance Leadership: Build, develop and motivate capable leadership teams, fostering a performance-driven culture while maintaining high standards of engagement, accountability and collaboration.Leadership ProfileThe ideal candidate will combine **commercial sharpness, strategic thinking and strong emotional intelligence**. He will be comfortable challenging established practices, making difficult decisions and holding teams accountable, while demonstrating the empathy and judgement needed to develop people and build organisational capability.A hands-on, entrepreneurial leader, he will balance long-term strategic direction with close involvement in the business, maintaining a strong understanding of operational realities and the commercial levers that drive performance.Experience & QualificationsSignificant senior leadership experience within the automotive industry, ideally as a Managing Director, Business Director, General Manager, Sales Director or in an equivalent leadership role.Strong knowledge of the Saudi Arabian automotive market, including its competitive landscape, distribution models, customer dynamics and growth opportunities.A proven track record of full P&L ownership and responsibility for end-to-end business performance.Demonstrated success in business turnaround, profitability improvement, sales growth and market-share expansion.Experience in brand development, market entry or growing brands in competitive markets.Exposure to multi-brand operations, network expansion and scaling automotive businesses would be advantageous.Strong commercial acumen, financial literacy and the ability to convert market intelligence into actionable business strategy.A track record of building effective leadership teams and driving measurable organisational performance.The OpportunityThis role will appeal to an automotive executive who has demonstrated the ability to change the trajectory of a business— stabilising performance, restoring profitability, accelerating growth, strengthening market presence and building an organisation equipped for sustainable success.The successful candidate will bring the commercial judgement, resilience and leadership maturity to deliver results in a competitive and evolving market.