Senior Automotive Dealership Operations Manager

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Performance-based bonuses

Equity options

Premium medical aid

Private pension fund

Executive leave

Executive development

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a prestigious automotive dealership group to recruit a Senior Automotive Dealership Operations Manager for their Bloemfontein, Free State flagship dealership. You will oversee all departments and drive profitability, customer experience, and brand standards.

The role demands strong leadership, financial acumen, and proven success in managing complex dealership operations, with oversight across sales, service, parts, finance, and administration.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in automotive dealership management, with a proven track record in operational leadership.
• Demonstrated success in driving profitability and achieving KPIs in a dealership environment.
• Strong understanding of all dealership functions, including sales, service, parts, and finance & insurance (F&I).
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in dealership management systems (DMS) and financial reporting tools.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a results-oriented mindset.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field is preferred.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Deep knowledge of the automotive industry and market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of all dealership departments, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
• Develop and implement strategic business plans to achieve sales, service, and profitability targets.
• Manage departmental budgets, control expenses, and maximize revenue streams.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate the dealership management team and staff to foster a high-performance culture.
• Ensure compliance with all manufacturer standards, legal regulations, and company policies.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Enhance customer satisfaction levels through excellent service delivery and relationship management.
• Oversee inventory management, vehicle acquisition, and stock rotation.
• Implement and manage effective sales, marketing, and customer retention strategies.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to management and staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Financial acumen

DMS proficiency

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field

Tools

DMS

Financial reporting tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious automotive dealership group, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Automotive Dealership Operations Manager to oversee the complete operational functions of their busy **Bloemfontein, Free State** dealership. This senior leadership position demands a comprehensive understanding of all dealership departments, including sales, service, parts, finance, and administration. You will be responsible for driving operational efficiency, maximizing profitability, ensuring exceptional customer experiences, and maintaining the highest standards of brand representation. The ideal candidate will possess strong financial acumen, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of success in managing complex dealership operations. This is a pivotal role in **Bloemfontein**, requiring a strategic thinker who can lead a diverse team and implement best practices across all facets of the business. You will be instrumental in shaping the dealership's success and contributing to its long-term growth in the **Free State** market.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of all dealership departments, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
• Develop and implement strategic business plans to achieve sales, service, and profitability targets.
• Manage departmental budgets, control expenses, and maximize revenue streams.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate the dealership management team and staff to foster a high-performance culture.
• Ensure compliance with all manufacturer standards, legal regulations, and company policies.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Enhance customer satisfaction levels through excellent service delivery and relationship management.
• Oversee inventory management, vehicle acquisition, and stock rotation.
• Implement and manage effective sales, marketing, and customer retention strategies.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to management and staff.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in automotive dealership management, with a proven track record in operational leadership.
• Demonstrated success in driving profitability and achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) in a dealership environment.
• Strong understanding of all dealership functions, including sales, service, parts, and finance & insurance (F&I).
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in dealership management systems (DMS) and financial reporting tools.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a results-oriented mindset.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field is preferred.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Deep knowledge of the automotive industry and market dynamics.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptionally competitive executive salary package, including a strong base salary, significant performance-based bonuses, and potential equity options.
• Comprehensive executive benefits are provided, including premium medical aid, private pension fund, life insurance, and executive leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and executive training are prioritized.
• This high-level management position is based at a flagship dealership in Bloemfontein, Free State, offering a dynamic and challenging career opportunity.