At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a large automotive services operation and drive performance across multiple sites.
- Company: Halfords, a leading UK provider of motoring and cycling services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, pension, and 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on growth and cultural change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of automotive services and make a real impact on customer experience.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Divisional Director in a multi-site environment with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About us
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.
About the role
We are looking for a Divisional Director to lead a large and complex automotive services operation, spanning approximately 90 sites and 800 colleagues in Scotland and the North East of England. 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.
Divisional Director - Garages in London employer: Halfords Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Halfords Group PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Divisional Director - Garages in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive services industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Halfords and understanding their culture and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around customer focus and operational excellence. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and driven cultural change in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to lead and inspire others will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 being part of the Halfords family. Let’s get you that Divisional Director role!
We think you need these skills to ace Divisional Director - Garages in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Divisional Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in multi-site operations and any achievements in improving performance and culture.
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 commercial performance and built high-performing teams in the past.
Showcase Your Industry Knowledge: We want to see your understanding of the automotive services sector. Mention any relevant insights or trends you've noticed and how they could impact our garages network. This shows us you're not just a leader, but also an industry expert.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Halfords Group PLC
✨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 of metrics or feedback that illustrate your success in this area, as it aligns with Halfords' ambition for a customer-focused operation.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the company's future plans for growth, how they measure success in the garages network, or what challenges they foresee. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the company's long-term vision.