General Manager

Wessex Garages; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive retailer in Bristol is seeking a dynamic General Manager to oversee operations at their flagship site. The role involves leading a diverse team, ensuring financial performance, and fostering a high-performance culture. Ideal candidates will have previous experience as a General Manager in the motor trade and possess strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills. This is a fantastic opportunity for career growth within a well-established company.

Benefits

22 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company-backed pension scheme

Discounted car purchase programme

Wellbeing support and coaching

Complimentary eye tests and flu vaccinations

Free tickets to Bristol Bears Rugby games

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a General Manager, ideally in the motor trade.
• Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and financial performance.
• Lead and motivate a team of automotive retail professionals.
• Establish financial and growth objectives.

Skills

Leadership skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Job description

Wessex Garages is a highly successful and stable business renowned for its customer‑focused approach and outstanding brand performance. We are currently looking for a dynamic and visionary General Manager to lead our flagship Nissan site in Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. This pivotal role involves overseeing the day‑to‑day operations, taking full responsibility for financial performance, and providing effective leadership. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, this position offers exceptional career growth opportunities for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and motivate a team of automotive retail professionals, ensuring all departments are adequately staffed.
• Foster a high‑performance culture that recognises and rewards exceptional achievements while effectively addressing underperformance.
• Establish annual financial and growth objectives for each department, devising strategies to meet profit and product targets.
• Prepare accurate dealership reporting and forecasting in adherence to group reporting frameworks.
• Oversee dealership marketing strategies aligned with manufacturer guidelines to support business objectives.
• Drive outstanding levels of customer satisfaction in Sales, Aftersales and Parts, coaching the leadership team to achieve the same.
• Ensure all dealership activities comply with Wessex Garages, manufacturer, and regulatory requirements.
• Possess knowledge of manufacturer metrics, such as dealer balanced scorecard, to drive operational excellence.

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance – Enjoy 22 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with extra days added the longer you stay with us.
• Pension Scheme – We contribute to your future with company‑backed pension support.
• Exclusive Employee Schemes – Take advantage of our discounted car purchase programme and Cycle to Work scheme after completing your probation.
• Wellbeing Support – Through our partnership with Menable, a specialist service for the automotive sector, you'll have free access to confidential coaching, wellbeing check‑ins, and referral support where needed.
• Health Benefits – We provide complimentary eye tests and flu vaccination vouchers to help you stay healthy year‑round.
• Event Perks – As proud sponsors of Bristol Bears Rugby, we offer a limited number of free tickets to each game for our colleagues.

Important Notes

• Driving licence checks will be carried out during the recruitment process.
• We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, and this will be verified as part of the recruitment process.

Legal and Compliance

Reg Office: Pennywell Road, Bristol, Avon, BS5 0TT
Reg. Company Number: VAT Reg. No.
Wessex Garages Holdings Limited is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary. Wessex Garages Holdings Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for consumer credit activity and our registration number is 535085. Permitted activities include acting as a credit broker not a lender. We can introduce you to a limited number of finance providers. We do not charge a fee for our Consumer Credit services. We do not act as a financial adviser, or fiduciary. We act in our own interest, whichever lender we introduce you to, we will typically receive commission from them based on either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow. Any and all commission amounts will be fully disclosed to you as part of your sales journey. You will be required to give your fully informed consent to our receipt of this commission. By doing this, you acknowledge that you understand our role as a credit broker, and that we will receive a financial incentive if you take out a loan from a lender that we introduce you to. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18s or over, Guarantees may be required.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, coach, and motivate a diverse team.
• Professionalism and composure, along with exceptional stakeholder management skills for internal and external relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, utilising available data to identify potential challenges across all departments.
• Forward‑thinking mindset and excellent communication skills.

Requirements

To excel in this role, it is crucial to have prior experience as a General Manager alongside motor trade experience. In addition to the relevant experience, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the above attributes.