Preparing for 2025: Roles That Will Define Success in Ireland’s Motor Industry
As Ireland’s motor industry undergoes transformative changes—such as the agency model, EV adoption, and rising competition—some roles are becoming increasingly critical. This post highlights the key positions that will drive innovation, sustainability, and customer loyalty in 2025.
Key Roles for 2025
To succeed in 2025, OEMs should focus on key positions that address emerging challenges and foster innovation across their networks.
Head of Aftersales
As the number of electric vehicles leaving warranty increases, Aftersales Directors play a vital role in ensuring their networks are prepared for the surging demand for EV servicing. By focusing on technician development and modernizing service capabilities, they can future-proof dealership operations.
- 1Upskilling Technician TeamsPrioritize continuous training for technicians, ensuring they can confidently handle high-voltage systems, battery repairs, and hybrid technology.
- 2Investment in Modern FacilitiesEquip service centers with advanced tools and technology needed to meet the specific demands of EV and hybrid repairs, creating efficient and attractive work environments.
- 3Support for Technician Recruitment and RetentionCollaborate with OEMs to enhance apprenticeship schemes, provide structured career pathways, and foster a workplace culture that values technical expertise.
Why this Role Matters:
Boosts Revenue Streams: Captures opportunities in EV servicing and after-warranty repairs, driving profitability in a competitive market.
Strengthens Dealer Networks: Oversees technician recruitment, training, and retention efforts, ensuring dealerships are equipped to meet growing service demands.
Adapts to Industry Shifts: Leads transitions to the agency model and integrates efficiency-focused solutions, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational success.
Strengthens Dealer Networks: Oversees technician recruitment, training, and retention efforts, ensuring dealerships are equipped to meet growing service demands.
Adapts to Industry Shifts: Leads transitions to the agency model and integrates efficiency-focused solutions, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational success.
Used Car Specialist
With a renewed industry-wide focus on used vehicles in Ireland, this role is critical for driving profitability and maintaining consistency across dealer networks. As the agency model shifts responsibilities to OEMs, Used Car Specialists ensure smooth operations and sustained competitiveness in this vital area.
- 1Dynamic Stock ManagementSpecialists leverage real-time data, imports, and tailored sourcing strategies to ensure dealerships can meet regional demand with the right vehicles at the right time.
- 2High-Quality Remarketing ProgrammesMaintaining consistent standards for inspections, reconditioning, and presentation enhances customer trust and reinforces the brand’s reputation in the competitive used car market.
- 3Data-Driving Pricing ExpertiseEnsure used car pricing reflects real-time market trends, consumer behaviour, and regional demand, optimising profitability and inventory flow.
Why this Role Matters
Responds to Renewed Focus on Used Cars: Capitalises on growing demand by ensuring efficient sourcing, inventory management, and remarketing strategies.
Supports Agency Model Transitions: Manages the increased OEM responsibility for used vehicle standards, stock flow and remarketing.
Drives Profitability and Reputation: Ensures consistent quality and precise valuations that elevate the OEM’s position as a trusted provider of reliable used vehicles.
Supports Agency Model Transitions: Manages the increased OEM responsibility for used vehicle standards, stock flow and remarketing.
Drives Profitability and Reputation: Ensures consistent quality and precise valuations that elevate the OEM’s position as a trusted provider of reliable used vehicles.
Head of Operations
The Head of Operations provides strategic leadership across sales, aftersales, and marketing, ensuring all functions work cohesively to drive consistent performance. With Ireland’s motor industry evolving rapidly—through the agency model, sustainability demands, and increased operational complexity—this role is pivotal to maintaining network success.
- 1Cross-Functional LeadershipCoordinates operations across sales, aftersales, and customer experience to deliver a unified strategy that supports Irish dealerships in meeting both OEM goals and customer expectations.
- 2Data-Driven Operational ExcellenceLeverages performance analytics and KPIs to optimise dealer profitability, streamline supply chains, and ensure operational efficiency across the network.
- 3Navigating Change and SustainabilityLeads the transition to the agency model, adapts to new business frameworks, and integrates sustainability practices such as carbon-neutral workshops and EV-focused operations to align with Ireland’s 2030 goals.
Why this Role Matters
Strengthens Network Efficiency: Drives operational alignment and streamlines processes to help dealerships adapt to agency model transitions and heightened complexity.
Adapts to Evolving Industry Needs: Leads OEM networks through Ireland’s unique market changes, from increasing electrification to new business models.
Enhances Customer and Brand Experience: Ensures cohesive strategies that prioritise customer satisfaction while maintaining consistent brand messaging and loyalty across the network.
Adapts to Evolving Industry Needs: Leads OEM networks through Ireland’s unique market changes, from increasing electrification to new business models.
Enhances Customer and Brand Experience: Ensures cohesive strategies that prioritise customer satisfaction while maintaining consistent brand messaging and loyalty across the network.
Technical Trainer
Technical Trainers are critical to equipping dealership staff with the skills needed for Ireland’s evolving automotive landscape. As the demand for High-Voltage Technicians rises sharply, trainers must focus on upskilling teams to meet the growing workload from electric and hybrid vehicles coming out of warranty.
- 1Specialised EV Training ProgrammesDevelop continuous training initiatives for existing technicians, ensuring they are equipped to handle high-voltage systems and advanced EV diagnostics.
- 2Modern Apprenticeship SchemesCollaborate with OEMs and service centers to design apprenticeship programs specifically tailored to EV technology, creating a robust talent pipeline for the future.
- 3Enhancing the Technician ExperienceProvide cutting-edge tools, immersive training platforms, and clear career progression pathways to make technician roles more attractive and support retention efforts.
Why this role matters
Closes Critical Skill Gaps: Prepares technicians to service EVs, hybrids, and advanced diagnostics systems, addressing rising demand as more vehicles come out of warranty.
Drives Network Consistency: Ensures every dealership maintains high service standards through uniform, cutting-edge training programs.
Supports Technician Retention: Creates clear training pathways and provides career growth opportunities, tackling Ireland’s ongoing technician shortage and enhancing workplace satisfaction.
Drives Network Consistency: Ensures every dealership maintains high service standards through uniform, cutting-edge training programs.
Supports Technician Retention: Creates clear training pathways and provides career growth opportunities, tackling Ireland’s ongoing technician shortage and enhancing workplace satisfaction.
Commercial Manager
As Ireland’s automotive market evolves, Commercial Managers play a pivotal role in helping OEMs navigate challenges like the agency model, increasing competition, and sustainability demands. By aligning dealer networks with strategic priorities, these leaders drive innovation and operational success.
- 1Strategic PartnershipsBuild and nurture relationships in key areas such as EV infrastructure, Dealer Management Systems (DMS), and mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) to support OEM goals and meet the growing demand for sustainable and connected solutions.
- 2Data-Driven OptimisationUse consumer insights and dealer performance metrics to identify opportunities, streamline operations, and maximise profitability, ensuring networks adapt to shifting Irish market demands.
- 3Innovative Network SolutionsDevelop initiatives like EV charging collaborations, shared mobility platforms, and sustainability-focused programs to strengthen competitiveness and future-proof operations.
Why this Role Matters
Aligns OEM and Dealer Goals: Ensures network-wide alignment with emerging models like the agency framework, fostering collaboration and efficiency.
Optimises Profitability: Uses data-driven strategies to improve dealer performance and maintain competitiveness in a tightening market.
Drives Innovation for Growth: Implements forward-thinking solutions, such as EV infrastructure partnerships and sustainable practices, to address Ireland’s shifting consumer and regulatory landscape.
Optimises Profitability: Uses data-driven strategies to improve dealer performance and maintain competitiveness in a tightening market.
Drives Innovation for Growth: Implements forward-thinking solutions, such as EV infrastructure partnerships and sustainable practices, to address Ireland’s shifting consumer and regulatory landscape.
Digital Transformation Manager
As Ireland’s automotive market faces increasing digitisation, Digital Transformation Managers play a vital role in keeping OEMs and dealer networks competitive. From integrating new technologies to creating seamless customer journeys, these leaders drive innovation and operational excellence while adapting to evolving industry demands.
- 1Technology IntegrationImplement advanced tools like Dealer Management Systems (DMS), connected vehicle platforms, and over-the-air (OTA) updates to improve network performance and streamline operations in line with Ireland’s evolving market needs.
- 2Cross-Functional CollaborationUnite sales, aftersales, marketing, and IT teams to build cohesive digital strategies that enhance operational efficiency and ensure consistent service delivery across the network.
- 3Customer-Centric SolutionsDevelop AI-driven platforms, predictive maintenance tools, and sustainability-aligned initiatives to improve customer engagement, meeting growing consumer expectations for convenience and innovation.
Why this Role Matters
Drives Operational Efficiency: Prepares networks to adapt to the agency model with streamlined systems and integrated digital tools.
Enhances Customer Experience: Creates seamless, personalised interactions across digital and in-person touchpoints to meet rising consumer demands.
Future-Proofs OEMs: Equips dealer networks with the tools to navigate rapid technological advancements, ensuring competitiveness in Ireland’s changing market.
Enhances Customer Experience: Creates seamless, personalised interactions across digital and in-person touchpoints to meet rising consumer demands.
Future-Proofs OEMs: Equips dealer networks with the tools to navigate rapid technological advancements, ensuring competitiveness in Ireland’s changing market.
Customer Experience Manager
As Ireland’s automotive sector grows increasingly customer-focused, Customer Experience Managers are pivotal in ensuring seamless, cohesive interactions across sales, aftersales, marketing, and service teams. In a competitive and rapidly changing market, these leaders drive loyalty, satisfaction, and brand differentiation.
- 1Unified Brand MessagingAct as the voice of the customer, ensuring consistent communication across all departments to build trust, enhance brand identity, and foster loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.
- 2Bespoke Loyalty StrategiesDevelop and implement tailored programs, predictive services, and customer engagement initiatives that foster long-term relationships.
- 3Seamless Omnichannel ExperiencesDevelop and implement tailored programs, predictive services, and customer engagement initiatives that foster long-term relationships.
Data Pricing Specialist
As data becomes central to vehicle pricing, fleet management, and leasing strategies, the demand for skilled Data Pricing Specialists is rising. In Ireland’s evolving automotive landscape, these professionals are essential for helping OEMs and distributors optimise profitability and align with market dynamics.
- 1Market-Driven Pricing ModelsDevelop precise pricing strategies using real-time market data, demand forecasts, and regional consumer trends to ensure competitiveness and profitability in the used car sector.
- 2Fleet and Leasing AnalyticsUse data to manage fleet inventories efficiently, identify leasing opportunities, and provide valuable insights that support network-wide decision-making.
- 3Integrated Data SystemsCollaborate with Dealer Management Systems (DMS) and other digital platforms to centralise data and ensure seamless access to actionable insights across sales and operations teams.
Why this Role Matters
Optimises Used Vehicle Profitability: Ensures precise, data-driven pricing that aligns with Irish market trends and consumer behavior.
Supports Network Efficiency: Uses fleet and leasing analytics to enhance inventory management and meet regional demand fluctuations.
Drives Decision-Making: Provides actionable insights that enable OEMs and distributors to adapt quickly in a data-driven market.
Supports Network Efficiency: Uses fleet and leasing analytics to enhance inventory management and meet regional demand fluctuations.
Drives Decision-Making: Provides actionable insights that enable OEMs and distributors to adapt quickly in a data-driven market.
Beyond the Roles
While key roles will shape success, OEMs must also address broader challenges that are reshaping Ireland’s automotive industry:
New Market Entrants
The arrival of international brands, especially EV manufacturers from markets like China, is intensifying competition. Differentiation through a highly skilled workforce, cutting-edge innovation, and an unmatched customer experience will be critical.
Evolving Consumer Expectations
Irish consumers increasingly demand sustainable practices, seamless digital convenience, and highly personalised interactions. OEMs must adapt quickly to deliver on these priorities.
Sustainability Imperatives
Meeting Ireland’s 2030 EV targets requires more than new vehicles. OEMs need to innovate across the board—whether in operations, product offerings, or green initiatives like battery recycling and carbon-neutral workshops.
Technological Disruption
Connected vehicles, autonomous driving technologies, and over-the-air (OTA) updates are redefining operations. Ensuring the workforce is equipped to manage these advancements will be key to staying competitive.
Talent Scarcity
Addressing skill shortages—especially in technical and EV-related roles—requires not only strategic recruitment but also investment in training, retention, and global sourcing initiatives.
The arrival of international brands, especially EV manufacturers from markets like China, is intensifying competition. Differentiation through a highly skilled workforce, cutting-edge innovation, and an unmatched customer experience will be critical.
Evolving Consumer Expectations
Irish consumers increasingly demand sustainable practices, seamless digital convenience, and highly personalised interactions. OEMs must adapt quickly to deliver on these priorities.
Sustainability Imperatives
Meeting Ireland’s 2030 EV targets requires more than new vehicles. OEMs need to innovate across the board—whether in operations, product offerings, or green initiatives like battery recycling and carbon-neutral workshops.
Technological Disruption
Connected vehicles, autonomous driving technologies, and over-the-air (OTA) updates are redefining operations. Ensuring the workforce is equipped to manage these advancements will be key to staying competitive.
Talent Scarcity
Addressing skill shortages—especially in technical and EV-related roles—requires not only strategic recruitment but also investment in training, retention, and global sourcing initiatives.
Conclusion
The Irish automotive industry stands at a pivotal moment, shaped by digitisation, electrification, and evolving consumer priorities. While OEMs may face pressures to streamline costs, investing in the right talent remains critical to navigating these shifts.
Roles like Aftersales Managers, Digital Transformation Managers, and Used Car Specialists are no longer just operational necessities—they are strategic enablers of success. By addressing broader challenges and prioritising recruitment, training, and innovation, OEMs can position themselves to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic market.
Roles like Aftersales Managers, Digital Transformation Managers, and Used Car Specialists are no longer just operational necessities—they are strategic enablers of success. By addressing broader challenges and prioritising recruitment, training, and innovation, OEMs can position themselves to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic market.