At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a large automotive services operation and drive performance across 90 sites.
- Company: Join Halfords, a leading UK provider of motoring and cycling services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for ongoing development and career progression await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on customer experience and team culture in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Divisional Director in a multi-site automotive services setting.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Halfords is a leading UK provider of motoring and cycling services, with a diverse portfolio spanning specialist retail, an extensive garage network and a growing B2B offering. Together, these businesses deliver integrated, convenient solutions across every stage of the motoring journey. With a national footprint and an expanding services proposition, our ambition is to build a best‑in‑class automotive services business that customers trust and colleagues are proud to be part of. The business continues to evolve, with new leadership shaping the next phase of growth. This role plays a central part in how our garages network develops, creating a more customer‑focused, commercially driven and high‑performing operation.
We are looking for a Divisional Director to lead a large and complex automotive services operation, spanning approximately 90 sites and 800 colleagues. This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for performance, culture and capability across the division. You will lead a team of Regional Managers and deliver a step change in customer experience, operational standards and commercial outcomes. There is a clear opportunity to strengthen culture, engagement and capability, building greater consistency and improving performance over time. Success will come from your ability to build trust quickly, bring clarity and direction and create momentum at pace.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and deliver the divisional strategy across a multi‑site operation, with accountability for performance and long‑term growth
- Drive commercial performance through strong operational control, cost discipline and a clear focus on customer outcomes
- Build and lead a high‑performing leadership team, strengthening capability and embedding a culture of accountability and pace
- Define and embed best‑in‑class operational standards, improving consistency and customer experience at scale
- Strengthen capability across the division through recruitment, development and building a strong pipeline of talent
- Own the growth of B2B and fleet relationships, unlocking new commercial opportunities
About you
You have operated at Divisional Director level within a multi‑site environment and bring a track record of improving performance and leading cultural change at scale. You bring strong industry understanding from an automotive services or garages environment and can apply this insight in a commercially driven environment. You are a credible and experienced leader who builds trust quickly, brings clarity and delivers through others. You have experience leading leaders at scale and building strong, accountable teams and you combine commercial sharpness with strong people leadership.
Reward and Benefits
- Competitive salary plus car allowance and discretionary bonus
- Pension, life assurance, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Ongoing development and career progression
- Colleague discounts across Halfords products and services
- Wellbeing support and colleague networks
- Diversity
Divisional Director - Garages employer: Halfords Careers
Contact Detail:
Halfords Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Divisional Director - Garages
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Halfords and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your leadership style. This will help you showcase how you can drive performance and build a high-performing team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Divisional Director role. Highlight your track record in improving performance and leading cultural change, as these are key to winning over the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Halfords family and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Divisional Director - Garages
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Divisional Director role. Highlight your experience in multi-site operations and any achievements that showcase your ability to drive performance and cultural change.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to express your passion for the automotive industry and how your leadership style aligns with our vision at Halfords.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience in leading teams and driving results. We want to see examples of how you've built high-performing teams and improved operational standards in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our garages network.
How to prepare for a job interview at Halfords Careers
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Halfords thoroughly. Understand their services, values, and recent developments in the automotive industry. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a Divisional Director, you'll need to showcase your leadership skills. Prepare specific examples of how you've led teams, improved performance, and driven cultural change in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Focus on Customer Outcomes
Since the role emphasises customer experience, be ready to discuss how you've previously enhanced customer satisfaction and operational standards. Think about metrics or feedback that demonstrate your success in these areas.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the company's future plans for growth or how they measure success in their garages network. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the company's vision.