General Manager – Automotive Retail

Job description

Orange recruitment has partnered with a leading automotive retailer who is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead a high-profile franchise dealership in North Dublin. This is a senior leadership position offering the opportunity to take full responsibility for dealership performance, customer experience, profitability, and team development across both Sales and Aftersales operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving commercial success, building a high-performance culture, and ensuring exceptional standards across all areas of the business. This role would suit an ambitious automotive leader who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment and has a proven track record of delivering results within a franchised dealership setting.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership across all dealership departments, including Sales, Aftersales, Parts, and Administration.
• Drive revenue growth, profitability, and operational efficiency while ensuring business objectives are achieved.
• Lead, mentor, and develop management teams to create a positive, accountable, and performance-focused culture.
• Monitor and analyse key performance indicators, implementing action plans where necessary to improve results.
• Ensure outstanding levels of customer satisfaction while maintaining the highest standards of service delivery.
• Develop strong relationships with manufacturer representatives, key customers, and business partners.
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, employee development, and succession planning.
• Manage dealership budgets, cost controls, and financial performance in line with agreed targets.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement across all departments.
• Ensure compliance with all health & safety, legal, manufacturer, and company requirements.
• Maintain dealership facilities and presentation standards to an excellent level.

Requirements:

• Minimum of five years’ experience in a General Manager, Dealer Principal, Head of Business, or senior dealership leadership role.
• Strong understanding of automotive retail operations, including both sales and aftersales functions.
• Demonstrated success in delivering commercial growth and achieving challenging business targets.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and profitability.
• Customer-focused mindset with a passion for delivering exceptional service.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in dealership management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure within a target-driven environment.

What’s on Offer:

• Attractive salary and performance-related bonus structure.
• Company vehicle.
• Pension scheme.
• Ongoing manufacturer and leadership training.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing automotive group.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Staff incentives and employee benefits scheme.
• Modern dealership facilities and supportive working environment.
• Annual leave entitlement and additional long-service benefits.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced automotive professional to join a progressive organisation and play a key role in shaping the future success of a flagship dealership operation.