General Sales Manager at Kia

Joe Duffy Group; Dublin; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Company pension scheme & life cover

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Social Club & staff events

Job summary

Joe Duffy Kia Swords, part of the Joe Duffy Group, seeks an experienced Sales Leader to drive the Sales Department with a strategic, commercial and hands-on approach. You will develop the team, maximise new and used vehicle opportunities, and ensure an exceptional customer experience throughout the ownership journey.

You will lead a high-performance sales team, maintain dealer standards, and collaborate with Marketing and Aftersales to achieve Kia franchise targets in Ireland.

Qualifications

• Background in automotive sales with management or team leadership experience.
• Passion for the motor industry, customer experience and sales performance.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen to manage KPIs, targets and budgets.
• Excellent written and oral communication with persuasive presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Meet and exceed sales, profitability and customer satisfaction targets.
• Lead, coach and mentor the Sales team for a high-performance culture.
• Maximise new and used vehicle sales with optimal profitability.
• Develop knowledge of Kia products, pricing, finance offers and competitors.
• Ensure exceptional customer service across the ownership journey.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Aftersales to drive retention and growth.
• Maintain showroom standards and accurate vehicle documentation.

Skills

Automotive sales

Leadership

Customer experience

Negotiation

Communication skills

KPI management

Driving licence

Job description

This role will support the continued success and growth of Joe Duffy Kia Swords by delivering ambitious sales, profitability and customer experience objectives in line with Joe Duffy Group and Kia standards. The successful candidate will lead the Sales Department with a strategic, commercial and hands-on approach, developing the team, maximising new and used vehicle opportunities, and ensuring an exceptional customer experience throughout the ownership journey. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape Joe Duffy Kia’s continued development, representing one of the industry’s most progressive brands within Ireland’s leading motor retail group.

• Meet and exceed Joe Duffy Kia sales, profitability and customer satisfaction targets across new and used vehicles.
• Lead, coach and mentor the Sales team, creating a high-performance, customer-focused sales culture.
• Maximise new Kia vehicle sales through an effective and consistent sales process while achieving optimum profitability for the Dealership.
• Drive used vehicle performance and proactively identify opportunities to generate additional sales and revenue.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge of the Kia product range, including models, technology, electrified vehicles, accessories, pricing, finance offerings and key competitor products.
• Ensure the team can confidently communicate the features and benefits of Kia products and technology to customers.
• Deliver the highest standards of customer service and ensure the customer experience reflects both Joe Duffy Group and Kia brand standards.
• Develop new customer relationships while maintaining regular contact with existing customers to encourage retention, referrals and repeat business.
• Ensure accurate appraisals are completed on all vehicles offered for part exchange.
• Maintain the showroom, vehicle displays and overall customer environment to the required Joe Duffy Group and Kia standards.
• Manage the preparation and handover of sold vehicles, ensuring customers receive a comprehensive introduction to their new vehicle, its controls, features and technology.
• Build strong links between Sales and Aftersales to create a seamless customer experience and support long-term customer retention.
• Ensure all customer information, sales activities, vehicle documentation and associated records are maintained accurately and comprehensively.
• Drive robust business processes and ensure consistent compliance with Group and manufacturer requirements.
• Increase awareness of Joe Duffy Kia through innovative local sales, marketing and promotional initiatives in conjunction with the Marketing Department.
• Identify and maximise opportunities to increase revenue and market share.
• Develop and maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with Kia and ensure manufacturer standards and objectives are consistently achieved.
• Set, monitor and adjust sales objectives to achieve Joe Duffy Group and Kia franchise targets.
• Work proactively with Sales Executives to develop appropriate action plans where required to ensure individual and departmental targets are achieved.
• Analyse sales, market and franchise data to identify opportunities for growth.
• Monitor sales performance and profitability on a weekly and monthly basis to ensure strategic and financial objectives are being achieved.
• Work closely with the Operations Director to implement effective cost-control strategies and maximise departmental profitability.
• Play an active role in strategic planning for Joe Duffy Kia and contribute to the wider Joe Duffy Group strategic planning process.

Key Requirements:

• A successful background in automotive sales, ideally with management or team leadership experience.
• A genuine passion for the motor industry, customer experience and sales performance.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to manage performance against KPIs, targets and budgets.
• A highly motivated, self-driven and results-focused approach.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, motivate and develop a high-performing sales team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to deliver strong and persuasive sales presentations.
• Strong negotiation and closing skills, with the ability to convert enquiries into sales.
• The ability to build lasting relationships with customers and manufacturer representatives.
• The ability to develop, organise and implement successful local marketing events and campaigns in conjunction with the Marketing Department.
• A strong commitment to delivering the standards of customer experience expected by Joe Duffy Kia.
• A current full driving licence.

At the Joe Duffy Group, we recognise and reward your hard work, achievements, and loyalty. Joining our Joe Duffy Kia team means working within a highly progressive, industry-leading motor retailer that offers a competitive basic salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Competitive Remuneration: A strong basic salary with bonus opportunity.
• Financial & Health Security: Company pension scheme contribution, life cover, and access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Company Culture: Access to an active employee Social Club featuring regular company events