General Manager

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

Job summary

A prominent automotive retail company in Bristol seeks a dynamic General Manager to lead their flagship Nissan site. Responsibilities include overseeing financial performance, managing a diverse team, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates should have prior experience in a similar role within the motor trade, strong leadership skills, and a passion for customer satisfaction. Competitive salary plus bonus and excellent benefits are offered.

Benefits

22 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Company-backed pension support

Discounted car purchase programme

Complimentary eye tests and flu vaccination vouchers

Access to wellbeing support

Free tickets to Bristol Bears Rugby games

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a General Manager in the motor trade.
• Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of automotive retail professionals.
• Establish financial and growth objectives for departments.
• Oversee dealership marketing strategies and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving abilities

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

General Manager Reference Number -

Salary Competitive Plus Bonus

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.

Reference: VAN0517

Key Responsibilities

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:

• 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.

Required Experience

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 following 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.

If you meet the above criteria and have the passion, skills, and talent to help us grow our business, we would love to receive your application.

Why Join Wessex Garages?

We're committed to supporting our people with a range of benefits designed to promote wellbeing, reward loyalty, and enhance your overall experience at work:

• 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.

Please Note

• 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.