Dealer Principal Ford Diep River

Motus FORD DIEP RIVER has an opportunity available for a DEALER PRINCIPAL. The purpose of the position is to formulate and execute tactical strategy and associated plans for the dealership; 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 a highly 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**: The purpose of the position is to formulate and execute tactical strategy and associated plans for the dealership; 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.
**Specific Role Responsibilities**:
**Key Tasks**:

- To develop strategies to drive dealership revenue, profitability and market share in the relevant area.
- To achieve and exceed financial targets as per agreed budget.
- Ensure achievement of profit margins and financial objectives, good cash flow, forecasting, monitoring and controlled availability of vehicle and parts stock a/p projected demand.
- Build and maintain a professional relationship with vehicle manufacturer/s.
- Optimally manage and control the cross-functional areas in the dealership.
- To formulate and implement dealership practices in compliance with corporate governance and legal requirements, MOTUS policies and OEM guidelines.
- To manage assets of a dealership optimally (cash control/flow, liquidity, stock, debtors, creditors, etc.).
- Ensure high standards of quality and workmanship are delivered.
- Maintain and increase market penetration.
- To ensure customer acquisition and retention via customer focused interventions in the dealership.
- To generate enthusiasm and set an appropriate brand example in line with the franchise/s standards.
- To be informed and up to date regarding competitor intelligence and awareness via proper market analysis.
- Manage stock turnover ratios, stock holding values and sales to meet company objectives.
- 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.
- Develop and implement people capacity plans in line with delivery, performance objectives and budget.
- To provide effective leadership and people management in order to attract, develop and retain high quality and success orientated dealer staff (DP's key focus is to act as an effective “manager of managers”).
- Create a positive work climate and culture to energise employees, give meaning to work, minimise work disruption and maximise employee productivity.

**Qualifications and Experience**:
**Experience Required**:

- 8+ years relevant motor industry experience, of which at least 3 years dealer operations management experience.
- Exposure to various motor industry business disciplines at the highest level within an automotive retail environment such as business area financial management, sales, brand management and Service process and Parts knowledge is necessary.

**Minimum Qualification/s Required**:

- BComm degree NQF7+ or other relevant tertiary business/ commercial qualification - preferable.
- Recognised Management/ Leadership Diploma or Certificate - desired.

**Other Requirements**:

- Valid, unendorsed driver’s license and the ability to competently & legitimately drive.
- Computer literate; highly proficient in Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint and Word.
- Knowledge and ability to use relevant DMS functions.

**Skills and Personal Attributes**:
**Skills and Expertise Required**:

- Communication: Able to 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.
- Dealership Operations Management
- Financial Management relevant to managing a business.
- Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking.
- Customer Centricity
- Problem-solving and judgement skills
- Deciding and Initiating Action
- Conflict management
- Leading and Supervising
- Monitoring and measuring
- Improvement Orientation
- People Management and Development skills
- Persuading and Influence
- Formulating Strategies and Concepts
- Copin