Position Purpose

The Panel Development Manager is responsible for leading and growing the Renault Panel Sales function within the Parts Division. This role drives revenue through strategic panel sales, builds and maintains critical relationships with insurance partners and motor body repairers (MBRs), and ensures the department operates with accuracy, efficiency, and full alignment to Renault business targets.

Success in this role is measured by achieving and exceeding sales targets set by Renault Principals and stakeholders, maintaining data-driven reporting practices, and continuously improving departmental processes and partner programmes.

 Key Performance Areas

Panel Sales Strategy & Target Management

The core commercial objective of this role is to drive Renault Panel Sales growth in line with Renault Parts Business Targets, KPIs, margin requirements, and Principals’ expectations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute a Renault Panel Sales Strategy aligned to organisational growth objectives.
• Ensure sales targets set by Renault Principals and internal stakeholders are met or exceeded.
• Monitor and analyse sales performance regularly to identify trends, risks, and growth opportunities.
• Design and implement strategies to increase Renault panel part sales volumes and market share.
• Develop and manage programmes that promote and support the use of genuine Renault parts among MBRs and insurance networks.

Reporting & Data Management

Accurate and timely reporting is central to this role. The Panel Development Manager is expected to own the data pipeline from extraction to delivery, providing management with actionable insight.

• Consolidate and distribute weekly and monthly Renault panel sales and performance reports to dealers and insurers.
• Prepare and present regular reports to the Head of Parts and General Manager covering sales performance, operational metrics, and corrective actions.
• Extract, interpret, and analyse data from Autoline, CDK, and other systems to generate meaningful business insights.
• Assess insurance sales data and evaluate individual dealer performance against targets.
• Use data analysis to identify challenges and implement corrective actions proactively.

Stakeholder & Partner Relationship Management

The Panel Development Manager serves as the primary point of contact for all external panel-related stakeholders, with accountability for maintaining productive, professional, and commercially aligned relationships.

Insurance Companies:

• Assist insurers with quotations and claims management processes.
• Coordinate with insurer partners to align panel operations with agreed SLAs and business goals.
• Conduct periodic insurance audits to ensure compliance and process integrity.

Motor Body Repairers (MBRs):

• Schedule and manage MBR appointments and site visits as required.
• Conduct MBR audits to verify operational standards and adherence to agreed processes.
• Process MBR approvals, certificates, and SLA documentation.
• Develop and support programmes that encourage MBRs to specify and use genuine Renault parts.

Dealer Network:

• Liaise with dealers across the country to ensure clear, consistent communication.
• Assist dealers with parts pricing queries and support them on invoicing-related matters.
• Manage and distribute follow-up leads folders to the relevant dealers timeously.
• Schedule and manage dealer appointments and conduct dealer audits as required.

Operational Efficiency & Administrative Management

The Panel Development Manager is responsible for maintaining seamless day-to-day operations within the Panel Department, ensuring systems, processes, and administrative functions are consistently well managed.

• Ensure smooth daily operations within the area of responsibility, aligned to business objectives and compliance requirements.
• Identify process inefficiencies and implement continuous improvements to enhance departmental performance.
• Maintain and update all systems and folder structures required for daily operations.
• Process and manage all invoicing for dealer transactions accurately and on time.
• Handle MBR approvals, certificates, and SLA documentation in line with agreed standards.

 Qualification & Experience

 Minimum Qualifications

• Matric (Grade 12) – required
• Relevant tertiary degree – required

Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years’ management experience in a Retail, OEM, or Parts Distribution environment with a proven track record of results.
• Demonstrated experience in Renault or OEM panel sales, insurance liaison, or motor body repairer management is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Autoline or CDK dealer management systems. Knowledge of additional recognised DMS systems will be an advantage.
• Proficiency in Dialogys EPC. parts identification software.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel skills (pivot tables, data analysis).

 Key Competencies & Attributes

Technical & Functional Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of automotive parts and Renault panel products.
• Strong data analysis capability, including Excel pivot tables and reporting from DMS platforms.
• Experience collecting, interpreting, and acting on sales and operational data.
• Sound understanding of insurance claims processes and MBR operational requirements.
• Aptitude for working with numbers and making data-driven decisions.

 Leadership & Management Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership skills: ability to influence, drive results, and manage priorities effectively.
• Strong planning, prioritisation, and project management skills.
• Coaching ability: develops and supports team members and dealer partners.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented with strong time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, complex environment.

 Interpersonal & Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all stakeholder levels.
• Strong negotiation and networking skills, particularly with insurers and MBRs.
• Innovative and forward-thinking approach to problem-solving.
• High level of integrity, trustworthiness, and professionalism.
• Punctual, reliable, and accountable.
• Collaborative team player who builds productive cross-functional relationships.