At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a dealership, driving performance and growth in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Drive Motor Retail, a top privately owned automotive retail group in England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary with support for long-term career development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact and lead a site to its full potential.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior leadership roles with strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Opportunity for hands-on leadership in a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive Salary – Dependant on experience.
The Role
Drive Motor Retail is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead our Aldershot site, representing Vauxhall and Leapmotor new and used vehicles, alongside a high-volume, multi-brand used car operation. This role requires a proven operator and leader — someone capable of taking ownership of a site that requires nurturing, structure and renewed focus, before transitioning into a phase of long-term stability, performance and growth. We are looking for a General Manager who can fix, embed, and then stay, providing consistent leadership once the dealership is operating at its full potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Full accountability for the commercial and operational performance of the site
- Lead and develop the management team to drive sustainable improvement
- Implement robust processes across sales, aftersales and administration
- Restore performance, standards and culture before maintaining long-term stability
- Deliver new and used car sales targets across Vauxhall, Leapmotor and all marques
- Ensure strong compliance with manufacturer, financial and group standards
- Manage cost control, profitability and stock turn
- Act as a visible, hands-on leader within the dealership
The Candidate
- Proven experience as a General Manager / Dealer Principal or equivalent senior leadership role
- Demonstrated success in turnaround, recovery or underperforming-site improvement
- Strong commercial acumen across new and used vehicles
- Comfortable operating in a hands-on, people-focused environment
- Able to implement structure, discipline and consistency
- Committed to long-term leadership, not short-term fixes
Why Join Drive Motor Retail?
Drive Motor Retail is one of the most successful privately owned automotive retail groups in England. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a dealership with clear support from the wider group, where the right individual can make a lasting impact and build a site they are proud to lead for the long term.
General Manager in Aldershot employer: DRIVE MOTOR RETAIL LIMITED
Contact Detail:
DRIVE MOTOR RETAIL LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Aldershot
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees at Drive Motor Retail. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share specific examples of how you've turned around underperforming teams or sites. We want to see that you can nurture and lead a team to success.
✨Tip Number 3
Be hands-on! If you get an interview, demonstrate your willingness to roll up your sleeves and get involved in all aspects of the dealership. Talk about how you’ve implemented processes and driven performance improvements in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Drive Motor Retail and making a long-term impact at our Aldershot site.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Aldershot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the General Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any turnaround successes you've had in previous positions. We want to see how you can bring that magic to our Aldershot site!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and stability in past roles, and let your passion for the automotive industry come through.
Showcase Your People Skills: As a General Manager, you'll be leading a team, so don’t forget to highlight your people management skills. Share stories about how you've developed teams or improved workplace culture. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and motivate others!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the Drive Motor Retail family!
How to prepare for a job interview at DRIVE MOTOR RETAIL LIMITED
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on key performance metrics related to sales, profitability, and stock turn. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these figures in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through challenging times, implemented structure, and nurtured talent. Highlight your hands-on approach and how it has positively impacted team performance.
✨Understand the Brand
Familiarise yourself with Vauxhall and Leapmotor vehicles, as well as the dealership's culture. Being knowledgeable about the brands will show your commitment and help you connect with the interviewers. They want to see that you're genuinely interested in representing their products.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about turnaround strategies and handling underperformance. Think of specific scenarios where you've successfully turned around a site or improved operations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.