Brand Manager Jobs

The Automotive Brand Manager is the custodian of a manufacturer or dealership brand within a defined market, network or region. Responsible for driving brand awareness, customer experience consistency and commercial performance in line with brand standards, the role sits at the intersection of marketing, commercial management and retailer or dealer network development.

Whether representing a manufacturer across a retailer network, managing brand performance within a dealer group or building brand presence within a vehicle or parts distribution business, the Automotive Brand Manager must combine a thorough understanding of the brand's positioning with the commercial ability to translate that positioning into measurable results at market level.

Venatu recruits Automotive Brand Managers for permanent and interim roles across vehicle manufacturers, franchised dealer groups, automotive aftermarket businesses and automotive marketing agencies throughout the UK. This role sits within our car dealership and operational support recruitment activity. For senior retained appointments at Brand Director or Head of Brand level, visit Venatu Executive.

Who We Recruit For

We place candidates with:

• Vehicle manufacturers and UK importers
• Franchised car and commercial vehicle dealership groups
• Automotive aftermarket and parts distribution businesses
• Vehicle leasing and fleet management companies
• Automotive marketing and communications agencies working with manufacturer clients
• Premium and prestige vehicle retail groups
• EV and new energy vehicle brands entering the UK market
• Automotive retail technology and digital marketing businesses

Roles We Place

• Brand Manager (Automotive)
• Automotive Brand Manager
• OEM Brand Manager
• Manufacturer Brand Manager
• Dealership Brand Manager
• Brand Marketing Manager (Automotive)
• Brand Development Manager (Automotive)
• Regional Brand Manager
• Brand Ambassador (Automotive)
• Interim Brand Manager (Automotive)

Who Can Apply

Strong candidates typically come from:

• Existing Automotive Brand Managers at manufacturer, importer or dealer group level looking for a new employer, larger brand or broader remit
• Area Sales Managers in manufacturer or dealer group networks who have developed strong brand standards knowledge and want to move from commercial field management into a brand-focused role
• Marketing Managers from automotive or adjacent sectors with a strong understanding of brand strategy, campaign management and dealer or retailer network activation
• Product Managers or Product Planners with manufacturer or import experience who want to move from product into brand management
• Automotive marketing agency account managers who manage manufacturer or dealership brand accounts and want to move client-side
• Brand Managers from outside the automotive sector with strong FMcG, technology or retail brand management experience who want to transition into the vehicle industry

Most Brand Manager roles require a demonstrable track record of brand campaign delivery, strong commercial awareness and the ability to work with dealer or retailer networks to deliver brand consistency at point of customer contact. Venatu confirms the specific brand, network scale and commercial requirements for each role before presenting candidates.

Brand Manager Salary Guide

Most roles include a performance-related bonus, company car or car allowance and marketing budget responsibility. Venatu benchmarks total package expectations with each client before beginning a search. For broader context on automotive management remuneration, visit the HR Hub.

What the Role Involves

Responsibilities vary by employer type and brand scale but typically include:

• Developing and implementing brand strategy across a defined territory, network or market segment
• Managing brand standards compliance across the retailer or dealer network
• Planning and executing brand campaigns including national, regional and local marketing activity
• Managing relationships with agency partners, media buyers and creative suppliers
• Analysing brand health metrics including awareness, preference, consideration and loyalty data
• Supporting new model launches and product introductions at market or dealer network level
• Managing the brand budget and reporting return on brand investment to senior leadership
• Liaising with the manufacturer or principal to ensure local execution aligns with global or national brand guidelines
• Supporting the sales and customer experience teams with brand-aligned training, materials and toolkits
• Identifying and responding to competitive threats or market trends that affect brand positioning

How the Process Works

For employers:

1. Submit a vacancy with the brand, network scale, budget responsibility and reporting structure.
2. We confirm candidate availability and present a shortlist within five working days.
3. Candidates are screened for brand management track record, automotive sector knowledge and commercial awareness.
4. Interview and offer supported by Venatu throughout. For retained senior searches, visit Venatu Executive.

For candidates:

1. Register your CV with details of your current or most recent brand management role, brand or sector, budget accountability and any automotive experience.
2. A Venatu consultant will review your background and contact you directly.
3. Roles are matched to your brand management level, sector experience and geography.
4. Venatu manages the process and supports package negotiation ahead of offer.

Browse current vacancies or create a job alert to be notified when relevant roles become available.

FAQ

What does an Automotive Brand Manager do? An Automotive Brand Manager is responsible for developing and protecting a vehicle manufacturer's or dealership group's brand within a defined market, network or region. The role typically covers brand strategy, campaign planning and execution, dealer or retailer network brand standards, agency management, budget oversight and brand performance tracking. In manufacturer and importer roles, the Brand Manager also manages the relationship between national brand strategy and local market execution.

Do you need automotive experience to become an Automotive Brand Manager? Automotive experience is valued but is not always a prerequisite. Strong brand management experience from FMcG, technology, retail or financial services can transfer well into the automotive sector, particularly at dealership group or distributor level. Manufacturer and OEM Brand Manager roles typically prefer automotive sector knowledge. Venatu advises candidates from outside the sector on how to position their transferable brand skills effectively.

What does an Automotive Brand Manager earn in the UK? Salaries typically range from £40,000 for dealership group level to £75,000 or more for OEM and manufacturer brand management roles. Most packages include a performance bonus, company car or allowance and marketing budget responsibility. Venatu benchmarks package expectations with each client before beginning a search.

What is the difference between a Brand Manager and a Marketing Manager in automotive? In many automotive businesses the roles overlap significantly. A Brand Manager tends to focus on brand positioning, standards, consistency and long-term brand health. A Marketing Manager tends to focus more on campaign execution, lead generation and tactical marketing activity. Larger manufacturers and dealer groups typically maintain both functions separately. Venatu clarifies the specific scope of each role before presenting candidates.

What is the progression from Automotive Brand Manager? Common progression routes include Senior Brand Manager, Head of Brand, Brand Director or a broader Marketing Director appointment. In manufacturer and importer environments, progression may move through regional to national brand management responsibility. Venatu handles senior retained searches at this level through Venatu Executive. Read more about how the automotive market is evolving for brand and marketing professionals in The Evolution Of Automobiles.

Register or Enquire

Candidates - Register your CV with your brand management experience, sector background and any automotive or manufacturer network knowledge. Venatu will match you to current Automotive Brand Manager vacancies including roles not publicly advertised. Browse live vacancies or create a job alert.

Employers - Submit a vacancy or visit the client hub to discuss your brand management requirements. For senior retained searches, visit Venatu Executive. Our team will respond within one working day.