Commercial Director EU

Who We Are 

At OPENLANE, we make wholesale easy so our customers can be more successful. We’re a technology company building the world’s most advanced, and uncomplicated, digital marketplace for used vehicles. We’re a data company helping customers buy and sell smarter with clear, actionable insights. And we’re an innovative company accelerating the future of wholesale remarketing through curiosity, collaboration, and an entrepreneurial spirit. 

We offer our customers the best digital marketplace for used cars in Europe, delivering operational excellence for our B2B clients. 

Our Values 

• Driven way builders: We pursue challenges that inspire us to build, create, and innovate. 

• Relentless Curiosity: We seek to understand and improve our customers’ experience. 

• Smart Risk-Taking: We transform risk into progress through data, experience, and intuition. 

• Fearless Ownership: We deliver what we promise and learn along the way. 

What We Are Looking For 

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Commercial Director to lead our strategic initiatives across the EU region. While this role is pan-European with flexibility on location, you will be expected to collaborate closely with our European headquarters in Tienen, spending time on-site regularly. 

As Commercial Director, you will report directly to the President of OPENLANE Europe and take on responsibility for approximately 40 people across the Commercial function and Country Managers. The Commercial Director is part of the Senior Leadership Team at Openlane Europe, a subsidiary of Openlane inc. You will shape our commercial strategy, build structure, empower leaders, and drive transformational change across markets. 

This is an exciting opportunity: OPENLANE is scaling rapidly, evolving our operating model, and shaping the future of automotive remarketing. You will play a key role in turning our ambitious vision into reality, influencing both day-to-day performance and long-term strategy at the highest level of the organization. 

Requirements

Your Role & Responsibilities 

• Build and implement clear organizational structures, role definitions, processes, and execution standards where currently absent. 

• Lead and directly oversee the Commercial function and Country Managers (~60 people). Provide clear direction, foster collaboration, and ensure the team is set up for success across markets. 

• Actively coach, mentor, and upskill developing leaders and team members into confident, competent professionals. 

• Drive change management across the organization, leading people through the decentralization transition while maintaining productivity. 

• Operate as a hands-on leader, present and engaged with teams day-to-day, not only from behind a desk. 

• Translate company vision into a clear, executable plan with measurable outcomes across squads. 

• Ensure cross-functional collaboration between Commercial, Sales, and Country Managers. 

• Represent the commercial function at senior leadership level, aligning with peers and the President on strategy and execution. 

• Develop and execute comprehensive commercial strategies to achieve company objectives. 

• Analyse market trends and customer needs to identify new opportunities and threats. 

• Represent OPENLANE at industry events to promote our brand and network with potential customers. 

Your Profile 

• Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing commercial teams of 60+ people across multiple functions. 

• Strong people management background, including handling challenging personalities and diverse team dynamics. 

• Proven experience in managing complex tenders and large customer requests, from evaluation and bid preparation through to successful implementation. 

• Strong analytical and numerical skills, able to interpret data, identify trends, and make fact-based decisions. 

• Skilled communicator, able to clearly articulate expectations and strategy at all levels of the organization. 

• Deep knowledge of commercial methodologies and ability to embed them into daily team operations. 

• Strong commercial acumen – balancing growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction. 

• Experience in the automotive sector, with knowledge of used car remarketing and commercial operations, is a plus. 

• High level of digital fluency – comfortable leveraging data, digital platforms, and technology to drive performance and transformation. 

Benefits

What’s in it for you? 

OPENLANE Europe can give your career a boost and offers you a challenging position in a rapidly changing environment. In return for your dedication and added value, you’ll receive: 

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives 

• Company car, fuel card, yearly bonus plan, group insurance, health insurance, meal vouchers, eco vouchers 

• 32 holidays with flexible planning 

• Hybrid working and flexible working hours 

• Learning & development opportunities 

• Cafeteria at HQ with warm meals at reduced prices 

• HQ company gym with weekly yoga classes and workout sessions 

• Free healthy snacks and fruits – because you matter to us 

Are We the Perfect Match? 

• Can you take ownership of this vital function within our online auction platform? 

• Are you dedicated, down-to-earth, and driven by a can-do mentality? 

Then GO FOR IT and bring your career to the next level! 
Send us your CV and motivation letter and become part of the OPENLANE family. 

OPENLANE is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.