VW Commercial Vehicles Head of Business Derby and Nottingham

Job Introduction

Location: Derby and Nottingham

Reporting to: LCV and Fleet Director

Employment Type: Full-Time, Senior Leadership

About the Role

As Head of Business – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) for two key dealer sites in the UK, you will lead, manage and grow commercial vehicle retail operations, ensuring outstanding performance across sales, service, parts, customer satisfaction and profitability. You will be the principal business leader on site, accountable for delivering VWUK strategic priorities and achieving ambitious commercial objectives with a strong focus on operational excellence and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Business Performance

• Lead and develop two high‑performing dealer sites focused on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
• Deliver site sales, service, parts, profitability and customer service targets.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational processes, performance metrics and KPIs.
• Embed a culture of excellence, accountability, and brand‑aligned behaviours across all functions.
• Monitor and optimise commercial performance plans, forecasts and budgets.

• People & Team Management

• Recruit, coach, mentor and develop site managers and multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Promote professional growth, performance feedback and succession planning.
• Champion a positive, customer‑first culture with high team engagement.

• Strategy & Market Growth

• Translate VW UK strategic objectives into actionable dealer site business plans.
• Identify local market opportunities, competitor activity and customer trends to drive growth.
• Implement initiatives that grow new and used commercial vehicle sales, Electric Vehicle (EV) uptake, and fleet customer penetration.

• Customer Experience & Brand Standards

• Ensure customers enjoy a seamless, premium experience throughout the sales and aftersales journey.
• Uphold Volkswagen brand standards in all customer interactions, facilities and services.
• Maintain high Net Promoter Score (NPS) and customer satisfaction benchmarks.

• Dealer & OEM Relationship

• Act as the main conduit between dealer operations and Volkswagen UK/VWCV representatives.
• Ensure strong communication, reporting and alignment with network, product and corporate teams.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Proven experience in automotive retail leadership, preferably within Volkswagen, commercial vehicles or a mix of passenger/commercial lines.
• Demonstrable record of site performance management, sales growth, operational control and people leadership.
• Demonstrable record of leading change to enable growth of both the teams within the business but also the KPI outputs.
• Experience managing multi‑site operations or cross‑functional teams.

Commercial & Operational Skills

• Excellent commercial acumen—understanding financial drivers, budgets, forecasting and margin optimisation.
• Ability to execute business plans that deliver results while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Strong leadership, resilience and decision‑making under pressure.

Customer & Brand Focus

• Commitment to superior customer experience and service excellence.
• A passion for the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand and a deep understanding of its product range and customer base (including shift toward electrification and fleet customers).

Communication & Interpersonal

• Outstanding communicator with strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Capability to build effective relationships with internal teams, external partners, customers and OEM representatives.

Benefits

• 30 days holiday per year (including Bank Holidays) that will increase with length of service.
• Recommend a Friend Scheme.
• Discounted days out with family and friends.
• Retail discounts saving £££’s on shopping and dining out.
• Fully funded, Nationally Recognised Qualifications.
• Manufacturer specific training.
• Salary Finance.
• 24 hour access to the Employee Assistance Programme and designated site Mental Health First Aiders.
• Team member Pension Scheme contributions.
• Friends & family Customer Referral Payments.
• Discounts on products and services that we provide for family and friends.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Ensuring all departments achieve profit targets, maintain margins and control expenses as detailed in budgets and business plans.
• Closely examining all management accounts, daily and weekly operating controls, key performance indicators and composite figures in order to assess dealership performance.
• Continuously refining and improving the quality of customer interaction, satisfaction and retention by working towards improving standards, providing the best facilities and the highest technical standards.
• Maintaining close scrutiny of developments, legislation and events in the motor industry which will impact on future business opportunities or trading practices.
• Ensuring that the Dealership operations are undertaken correctly within the law and within policies and procedures set by both the Franchise agreement and the Company’s rules, Articles of Association and Memorandum.
• Working closely with and motivating all staff within the dealership in order that they work to the highest degree of commitment and attention to customer needs.
• Operating Pentagon Group’s Staff Performance Appraisal System and ensuring actions are taken on results.
• Inspiring departmental managers to discover and develop new ways to proactively market their businesses; providing an environment where all new suggestions and ideas are fully explored and exploited so that the Dealership prospers in the most cost‑effective manner possible.
• Maintaining professional relationships and regular liaison with manufacturers, suppliers, professional and trade organisations, statutory bodies’ representatives and other persons or organisations that interact with the Dealership.

Who Are We Looking for?

The successful candidate will have:

• A minimum of 2 years experience working in a General Manager or Dealer Principle role.
• A detailed understanding and current and relevant experience of the retail motor industry at the highest level.
• An ability to create a workplace environment and culture that allows all staff to develop and excel in their jobs.
• Excellent Leadership skills as well as effective and adaptable communication skills.
• Exceptional customer facing and interpersonal skills to enable difficult situations to be overcome successfully.
• An ability to negotiate effectively and at the highest level together with excellent numeracy and literacy skills.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of vehicle legislation, consumer legislation and trade practices.
• Knowledge and comprehension of the Trade Descriptions, Consumer Protection and Consumer Credit Laws.