General Manager

Wessex Garages; Bristol; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive retailer in Bristol seeks a dynamic General Manager to oversee operations at their flagship Nissan site. This role includes leading a diverse team, ensuring financial performance, and driving customer satisfaction across departments. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in motor retail management and strong leadership skills. This position comes with excellent career growth opportunities and various employee benefits.

Benefits

22 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company-backed pension system

Discounted car purchase program

Wellbeing support services

Complimentary eye tests

Free tickets to Bristol Bears Rugby games

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a General Manager in motor retail.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and motivational skills.
• Professionalism with exceptional stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a team of automotive retail professionals.
• Establish annual financial and growth objectives for departments.
• Ensure compliance with dealership activities and regulations.

Skills

Leadership skills

Coaching skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

Wessex Garages is a highly successful and stable business renowned for its customer focussed 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. As the General Manager, you will assume overall accountability for the financial and people performance of a range of departments within our dealerships including Sales, Aftersales and Parts. With the support of the Operations Director and corporate functions, your key responsibilities will include:

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Team Management: 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.
• Financial Planning and Performance: 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.
• Compliance and Regulation: 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 - 22 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with extra days added the longer you stay with us.
• Pension Scheme - Company-backed pension support.
• Exclusive Employee Schemes - Discounted car purchase programme and Cycle to Work scheme after completing probation.
• Wellbeing Support - Through Menable, free confidential coaching, wellbeing check-ins, and referral support where needed.
• Health Benefits - Complimentary eye tests and flu vaccination vouchers.
• Event Perks - Limited number of free tickets to Bristol Bears Rugby games for colleagues.
• Notes: Driving licence checks will be carried out during the recruitment process; we are unable to provide visa sponsorship; candidates must have the right to work in the UK, verified as part of recruitment.

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a General Manager in motor retail.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and motivational skills for a diverse team.
• Professionalism and composure with exceptional stakeholder management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities using data to identify challenges across departments.
• Forward-thinking mindset and excellent communication skills.