Dealership Principal

The Opportunity Our client, a well-established motor group, is looking for an experienced Dealer Principal to lead its high-volume multi-franchise dealership in Witbank (eMalahleni). This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for the dealership, from new and pre-owned vehicle sales and associated products through to service and parts.

You will set and drive the tactical strategy and delivery plans across every department, with a clear focus on operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and dealership profitability, while meeting the standards of each manufacturer and distributor represented on the floor.

Key Responsibilities Include

Strategy and financial performance

• Develop and execute tactical strategies and delivery plans across all dealership functions.
• Manage, monitor and report on sales and financial performance.
• Drive achievement and improvement of financial results in line with agreed budgets.
• Grow turnover and unit volumes while improving overall profitability.
• Manage dealership assets effectively and responsibly. Sales and marketing
• Develop and execute marketing strategies and initiatives aligned with group objectives.
• Ensure effective use of CRM and sales activity management systems.
• Build retail, fleet and corporate business in the local market. Aftersales
• Oversee service and parts operations to drive workshop productivity, retention and profitability. Manufacturer, distributor and governance
• Ensure compliance with the requirements and standards of every franchise represented.
• Maintain strong working relationships with manufacturer and distributor representatives.
• Uphold governance, risk and compliance requirements across the dealership.
• Protect and uphold the company’s image, brand and reputation at all times. Customers and people
• Support the resolution of customer queries to ensure high levels of satisfaction and retention.
• Develop and maintain sustainable customer relationships that promote service excellence.
• Lead, develop and hold department heads accountable across sales, service and parts.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12.
• Minimum 10 years’ motor industry experience at management level.
• Strong understanding of sales, service and parts operations within a dealership.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturer and distributor requirements.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to make sound commercial decisions.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Knowledge of governance, risk and compliance requirements.
• Advanced computer literacy and dealership systems experience.
• Valid driver’s licence. Advantageous
• A relevant tertiary qualification.
• Experience running a multi-franchise dealership.
• Previous Dealer Principal or General Manager experience.
• Fleet, mining or corporate client networks in the Mpumalanga Highveld. The Ideal Candidate
• A strongly process-driven leader who sets clear standards and follows through.
• Commercially sharp, numbers-focused and accountable for results.
• Customer-centric, with a hands-on presence on the dealership floor.
• Able to balance the demands of several brands, departments and stakeholders.