Dealer Principal

Our automotive vehicle dealer client in Mbombela has an opportunity available for a DEALER PRINCIPAL.

The position of Dealer Principal is responsible for achievement of objectives/ performance targets and high levels of service delivery; maximising profitability through the sale of vehicles, parts, labour and related products; and ensuring control of cash flow, stock and assets relevant to profit requirements and suitable return on investment.

The key focus areas of this role are leading people, achieving results and driving business growth. This role requires an experienced, dedicated person who enjoys autonomy; is aligned to the brand; has a visible, hands-on leadership approach, and is confident in achieving business growth.

Position Overview

This position is responsible for achievement of objectives/ performance targets and high levels of service delivery; maximising profitability through the sale of vehicles, parts, labour and related products; and ensuring control of cash flow, stock and assets relevant to profit requirements and suitable return on investment.

The key focus areas of this role are leading people, achieving results and driving business growth. This role requires an experienced, dedicated person who enjoys autonomy; is aligned to the brand; has a visible, hands-on leadership approach, and is confident in achieving business growth.

Specific Role Responsibilities

Key Role Responsibilities:

Deliver bottom line results while ensuring compliance to company policies and corporate governance.
Ensure all departments achieve profit margins agreed to in their objectives/ budgets.
Manage cash flow, stock and assets at an optimum level commensurate with profit requirements and a satisfactory return on investment (including cash control/flow, liquidity, stock, debtors, creditors, etc.).
Manage stock turnover ratios, stock holding values and sales to meet company objectives.
Build and maintain a professional relationship with vehicle manufacturer/s.
Develop strategies to drive dealership revenue, profitability and market share in the relevant area.
Develop and encourage strong working relationships at all levels in the business.
Ensure high standards of quality and workmanship are delivered.
Ensure customer acquisition and retention via customer focused interventions in the dealership.
Ensure dealer compliance to franchise/OEM standards and target requirements, and MOTUS policies.
Be informed and up to date regarding competitor intelligence and awareness via proper market analysis.
Forecast and track the performance to measure and improve operational efficiency for the dealership.
Facility management, ensuring compliance with OHS requirements, CI rules and general housekeeping is well maintained at all times. Oversee that we set an appropriate brand example in line with the franchise standards.
Ensure that there is people capacity in line with delivery, performance objectives and budget.
Provide effective leadership and people management (DP's key focus is to act as an effective “manager of managers”).
Create a high performing, positive work climate and inclusive culture in the dealership. Responsible to motivate and coach employees, give meaning to work, minimise work disruption and maximise employee productivity.
Recruit, develop and retain skilled staff to meet business requirements through the sale of vehicles, associated products, parts and labour, according to financial resources available, in order to create profitability for the Company whilst providing total customer satisfaction.
Encourage effective teamwork, self-management and alignment with business values from all dealership staff.
Oversee decisions taken by line managers related to recruitment, selection & development, with a view to placing the right person in the right job at the right time, while adhering to dealer Employment Equity plan & targets.

Qualifications and Experience

Experience Required:

8+ years relevant retail motor industry experience, of which at least 5 years dealer operations management experience.
Effectively managing and leading teams.
Knowledge of vehicle financing.
Management of vehicle stock & parts stock.
Managing vehicle sales and associated products, parts sales and labour sales.
A sound understanding of finance and financial transactions.
Sound knowledge of Manufacturer and Distributor requirements. OEM brand experience – preferable.

Minimum Qualification/s Required:

Senior Certificate (Grade 12/ Matric) is a minimum educational requirement.
A tertiary business/ commercial qualification, including sales & marketing – preferable.
Recognised Management/ Leadership Diploma or Certificate – desired.

Other Requirements:

Valid, unendorsed driver’s license and able to competently & legitimately drive.
Computer literate; highly proficient in Excel and Outlook.
Experience on DMS (Drive) is highly desired.
Experience of driving sales through social media and traditional methods.
Knowledge of governance and compliance regulations and requirements.
Good administrative skills
A working knowledge of the application of OHS, NCA, CRA, FICA and other legislation and frameworks relevant to the retail motor industry.
A working knowledge of the application of Labour legislation.

Skills and Personal Attributes

Skills and Expertise Required:

Communication: Communicate professionally at multiple levels in a professional, diplomatic, polite and rational manner even when under pressure.
Interpersonal competence; effective at working with people and building relationships. Active listening to understand - not just to respond.
Managing and maintaining manufacturer/OEM relationships.
Dealership Operations Management
Business and Financial acumen
Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking
Customer Centricity
Problem-solving and judgement skills
Initiating Action and driving high performance
Conflict management
Leadership
Must be able to analyse data and interpret meaning from it.
Able to strongly encourage a culture of solution-orientated thinking and sharing of ideas.
Persuading and Influence; able to get buy-in.
Negotiating
People Management and Development skills, including strong ability to attract, motivate and retain talent.
Coping with pressures and setbacks.

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