Automotive Dealership General Manager

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Health & life insurance

Retirement plan

Company vehicle

Fuel allowance

Profit sharing

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 requests an accomplished General Manager to lead the flagship automotive dealership in Upington, Northern Cape. The role demands visionary leadership, strategic business acumen, and deep knowledge of sales, service, parts, finance, and marketing.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will drive profitability, optimize operations, and foster a high-performance culture while representing the brand with integrity in the Northern Cape region.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in automotive dealership management or equivalent executive role.
• Proven track record in driving profitability across Sales, Service, Parts, Finance and Marketing.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L responsibility, budgeting and forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily dealership operations, ensuring efficiency and profitability across all departments.
• Develop and implement strategic business plans to meet revenue, profit and customer targets.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of department managers and staff.
• Control expenses and manage financial performance including budgeting and forecasting.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and manufacturer requirements.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies to enhance brand presence and drive traffic.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities.
• Maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Champion exceptional customer service standards throughout the dealership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

P&L responsibility

Budgeting

Forecasting

Sales & marketing

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

MBA (plus)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier automotive dealership group, is seeking an accomplished and visionary General Manager to lead their flagship operation in Upington, Northern Cape . This executive-level position demands exceptional leadership, strategic business acumen, and a profound understanding of all dealership functions, including sales, service, parts, finance, and marketing. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving profitability, optimizing operational efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, and fostering a high-performance culture among staff. You will be the face of the dealership, representing the brand with integrity and professionalism in the Northern Cape region. This is a rare opportunity to take the helm of a significant automotive enterprise and shape its future success. Upington is a key economic center in the Northern Cape, providing a strong market for automotive businesses.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily operations of the dealership, ensuring efficiency and profitability across all departments (Sales, Service, Parts, F&I, Marketing).
• Develop and implement strategic business plans to achieve and exceed revenue, profit, and customer satisfaction targets.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of department managers and staff, fostering a positive and results-driven work environment.
• Control dealership expenses and manage financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and manufacturer requirements.
• Develop and execute effective marketing and advertising strategies to enhance brand presence and drive customer traffic.
• Monitor industry trends, market conditions, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and challenges.
• Maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
• Champion exceptional customer service standards throughout the dealership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness and customer loyalty.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in automotive dealership management, with a proven track record of success in a General Manager or senior leadership role.
• Comprehensive understanding of all dealership departments and operations.
• Strong financial management skills, including P&L responsibility, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Exceptional leadership, motivational, and people management capabilities.
• Proven ability to develop and execute effective sales, marketing, and operational strategies.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of automotive industry best practices and current market trends.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage complex situations.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary with significant performance-based bonus potential.
• Comprehensive executive benefits package, including health, retirement, and life insurance.
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance.
• Exceptional opportunities for career growth and advancement within a leading automotive group.
• Leadership role in a key economic hub of the Northern Cape .
• Annual performance incentives and profit-sharing opportunities.