Dealer Principal (Automotive) (JB5436)

Kontak Recruitment; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive dealership in Sandton seeks a Dealer Principal to lead dealership operations. This role involves overseeing all departments, developing strategic plans, and fostering a customer-centric culture. Candidates must have significant experience in dealership management and a strong understanding of the automotive industry.

Qualifications

• Proven senior management experience in automotive dealership operations (minimum of 5 years).
• In-depth knowledge of automotive industry regulations and compliance standards.
• Strong ability to motivate diverse teams and drive sales growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic business plans to meet sales and financial targets.
• Oversee all dealership departments such as sales, service, parts, and finance.
• Monitor key performance indicators and take corrective measures for optimization.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Commercial Acumen

Communication

Tools

Dealership Management Systems

Job description

Dealer Principal (Automotive) (JB5436)
Sandton, Gauteng
Market Related (Negotiable)
Permanent

A leadership role is available at a thriving automotive dealership with a fast-growing, customer-centric business that’s revolutionizing how South Africans buy, sell, and finance cars. As the Dealer Principal, you’ll take full ownership of dealership operations, from amplifying sales and service performance to fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary team, partner with key stakeholders, and drive profitability and customer satisfaction in a dynamic, digital-first environment

Minimum Requirements:
Proven senior management experience in automotive dealership operations (minimum of 5years in a dealer principal or general manager role)
Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering sales growth, P&L responsibility, and strategic planning
Exceptional leadership and people-management skills, with demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and motivate diverse teams
In-depth knowledge of automotive industry regulations, compliance standards, and best practices
Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills; capable of engaging with staff, OEMs, financiers, and customers alike
Competent in digital tools and dealership management systems; able to champion technology-driven enhancements
Valid South African driver’s license and readiness to travel regionally as required

Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and execute strategic business plans to achieve sales, service, and financial targets
Oversee all dealership departments, sales, service, parts, finance, and admin, to ensure seamless operations and alignment with corporate objectives.
Recruit, train, and mentor dealership staff; instil a culture centred on customer experience, teamwork, and accountability
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), analyse results, and take corrective measures to optimize performance and profitability
Manage budgeting, cost control, and resource allocation to support business growth and sustainability
Maintain strong relationships with vehicle manufacturers, financing partners, insurance providers, and regulatory bodies
Champion digital transformation initiatives to improve sales processes, customer engagement, and operational efficiency
Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements, industry standards, and quality control protocols
Represent the dealership at industry forums, events, and community engagement activities to build reputation and brand awareness
Provide regular reports and updates to regional and executive leadership on dealership performance, market trends, and risks

Please do not apply using Scanned CVs, no supporting documentation is required at this point, this will be requested later

Kontak Recruitment Disclaimer:
Equal opportunity: All backgrounds are welcomed, with no bias. All are considered based on requirements.
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