Dealer Principal

Our client operates within the highly competitive and dynamic automotive sector representing a leading well-respected franchise within the national market. They are committed to providing exceptional customer value and fostering a positive high-accountability work environment for their dedicated team. This role offers the opportunity to lead a flagship operation and drive significant commercial performance across all facets of the business.

We are seeking an accomplished hands-on leader to take full commercial ownership of a key operational hub. This is a pivotal executive role where you will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive business strategy designed to ensure long-term sustainability profitability and operational excellence. You will be the driving force behind achieving ambitious targets set by our Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners across sales aftersales and financial services. If you thrive on optimizing performance building high-accountability teams and mastering complex P&L management within a fast-paced environment this is your chance to make a significant impact.

• Strategic Leadership:Develop and implement robust business marketing and sales strategies to secure and grow market share and revenue across all dealership functions.
• Financial Stewardship:Assume full P&L accountability rigorously monitoring financial performance managing budgets against shareholder and OEM expectations and ensuring delivery of Net Profit and EBITDA targets.
• OEM Performance Management:Drive operational excellence by consistently achieving and exceeding OEM targets related to sales volume Market Share and Customer Satisfaction Index (S/CSI).
• Team Cultivation:Build mentor and lead a high-performance management team (Heads of Department) fostering a culture of recognition engagement and accountability.
• Stakeholder Nexus:Maintain and leverage strong relationships with key stakeholders including the OEM customers suppliers regulatory bodies and internal staff.
• Operational Optimization:Oversee inventory management optimize processes and systems (including dealer management systems) and ensure stringent adherence to corporate governance risk mitigation and compliance standards (e.g. FICA FAIS CPA).

• Relevant National Diploma or Degree equivalent preferably in Business Management.
• 810 years of progressive experience within the motor industry at dealership level.
• Minimum of 5 years demonstrated success in a Senior Management or Executive leadership role within a dealership environment.
• Proven track record of full P&L ownership and strong financial/business management expertise.
• In-depth verifiable experience managing complex relationships and performance metrics with national OEMs.
• Solid operational understanding across vehicle Sales Aftersales operations and F&I product offerings.
• Strong working knowledge of mandatory regulatory frameworks (FICA FAIS CPA).
• Experience utilizing specific dealer management systems (e.g. CMS Evolve or similar platforms).
• Established professional network within the broader automotive industry stakeholder landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and interpret complex socio-economic and political factors affecting the local market.