DCD (Distribution Channel Development) Manager

The DCD Manager is part of the Management Team of Cluster Atlantic (UK and Ireland). Clusters are representing Lely on sales and service of chosen propositions in a specific region. Clusters collaborate with both local Lely Centers (Franchises) and Lely International located in Maassluis, The Netherlands (Head Office). Lely considers service to be an integral part of any proposition. Lely Atlantic support the Lely Centers as part of their Franchise fee to Lely International.

Lely International operates a Matrix organisational chart headed up by Business Leads (Manager Proposition) of the product ranges.

The DCD Manager reports directly to the Cluster Manager. Leads the Account Manager in their team. They collaborate and align with Service Support, Marketing and Business Team Leads (Manager Proposition) and serves as a key member of the Company Management Team.

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The DCD Manager is an integral part of the Cluster representing. This role is critical for the safeguarding of the medium to long term growth of Lely’s distribution channel.

As the driving force behind channel development the DCD Manager determines the ‘How’ and ‘Who’ of Lely Center development, ensuring structural growth and the successful execution of Business Team goals within our territory (channel). Furthermore, the DCD Manager executes the strategies for network developments as created by the DCD department at International Head Office. This will include focussing on elements like the Lely Way of Working (LWOW), distribution partners and audits. This will also include Quarterly Performance Review of our Centers (QPR) and other strategic frameworks.

This position combines strategic planning, operational oversight and collaboration to create a high performing distribution network that aligns with organisational standards

and goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develops, oversees and implements Lely Center five-year plans ensuring annual updates with improved professionalism.

Monitor and address legal aspects of Lely distribution agreements (e.g. Assessment and LWOW)

Create and maintain an active list of potential investors to strengthen channel development.

Channel Development And Co-ordination

• Executes the annual Channel Development Business Cycle in partnership with the Proposition Managers, Channel Support and the Marketing Manager.
• Follows guidance the Lely Center Development Manager (Global Markets team) to align with broader organisational goals.
• Supports the continuous improvement of the Lely Premium Channel by optimising territories and the onboarding of new partners.
• Lely Center Performance and Compliance
• Ensure Lely Centers adhere to the Lely Global Manual and implement future conceptual developments.
• Conducts regular assessments of the Lely Center processes and performance, identifying areas for improvement.
• Guides resource development within Lely Centers to drive long term growth.
  
  

Collaboration And Support

• Facilitates communication between the Cluster organisation and Lely Centers ensuring the Key Account team delivers on one cohesive narrative across proposition.
• Leads the Account Manager to establish readiness in Lely Centers for achieving channel development goals.
• Overseas resources and steers the Lely Centers using KPI’s to meet targets set by the Business Teams in Sales and Service. E.g. Cow potential numbers in the Lely Centers.
  
  

People And Team Development

• Responsible for complying with and executing the HR cycle, e.g. performance reviews, development and coaching for their team.
  
  

You are a driven and strategic professional who thrives in a dynamic, international environment. With a strong commercial and technical background, you understand how to translate complex market needs into successful propositions. You are a natural leader who knows how to motivate a team, build partnerships, and deliver results.

You Bring The Following

• Proven experience in commercial management, business development, or proposition leadership within an international B2B environment.
• Strong analytical and business acumen, with a track record of achieving commercial goals.
• Ability to lead and coach multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Affinity with the dairy farming or agricultural technology sector is highly valued.
  
  

Skills And Experience

• Strategic Expertise (strong management in business management and strategy development)
• Leadership (Proven ability to lead and develop cross functional teams effectively)
• People Management (Exceptional skills in coaching, mentoring and driving team performance.
• Good analytical problem-solving skills
• Communication (Outstanding communication and collaboration capabilities to engage stakeholders at all levels)
• Willingness to travel
• Good Planning Skills
• Strong Management Skills
• Good at building relationships
  
  

Core Compentencies

• Excellent Communication skills
• Good influencing skills
• Good presentation skills
• Good I.T. and Microsoft office skills
• Good co-ordination and organisation skills
• A high degree of integrity
  
  

Mobile Requirements (requirement For National/international Travel)

• Must hold clean, valid driving license
• Flexible and able to travel often
• Must hold a valid passport
  
  

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties to be performed by the employee and may be altered to reflect the business needs of the company.

• Location - Office based and travel in field when required. This is a Hybrid role, 3 days office, 2 days working from home.
• Hours - 37.5 hours per week
  
  

Benefits

Competitive Salary/Car Allowance/26 days holiday + bank holiday, holiday increases with length of service to a maximum of 31 days per year/Company doubles employees’ pension contribution to a max 12%/Employee event days/Wellness and Wellbeing support/Free lunch provided in the office every Wednesday/

At Lely, we believe in achieving a sustainable, profitable and enjoyable future for dairy farmers by combining robotisation, engineering and farming expertise. It all started with a dream cherished by two brothers in Maassluis (the Netherlands) more than 75 years ago, and ever since, we have worked to become innovative market leaders in automated systems for dairy farmers across the globe. With a team of 2,500 professional specialists, we work constantly to bring revolutionary solutions for the dairy industry.

Lely is an international family-owned business that operates through a strong international structure. From our headquarters in Maassluis, the Netherlands, we manage nine regional clusters, each responsible for coordinating activities across a group of countries. Within these clusters, we collaborate with more than 200 Lely Centers (Franchises) around the world. These Lely Centers are Lely´s route to the market. Some are independently run franchise partners, others are fully owned by Lely. The Lely-owned Centers reflect our long-term commitment to the region and our belief in developing scalable, high-quality operations in-house.