Dealer 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.