Used Car Manager in Bristol

Used Car Manager in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Wessex Garages Holdings Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the used car department, manage operations, and motivate a high-performing sales team.
  • Company: Join Wessex Garages, a trusted automotive retailer with over 35 years of excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, holiday allowance, health benefits, and exclusive employee schemes.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and wellbeing support in a fast-paced setting.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while growing your career in the automotive industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in motor trade, strong leadership skills, and excellent communication abilities.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

At Wessex Garages, we’ve been putting customers first and delivering excellence in automotive retail for over 35 years. With dealerships across South Wales and the South West of England, we proudly represent leading manufacturers including Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, GWM and Mitsubishi. For these leading brands we supply new and used cars and vans, deliver after sales support and champion the Motability Scheme. We’re proud to offer our customers and colleagues an experience built on Knowledge, Value, Transparency, and Trust — values that are at the heart of everything we do.

About the role

Are you an experienced automotive professional with a passion for used cars and team leadership? Wessex Garages - Cribbs Causeway are looking for a Used Car Manager to lead the charge in growing our used car operation. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a trusted, forward‑thinking motor group. If you’re self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and ready to make your mark, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Managing day‑to‑day operations of the used car department, including sourcing stock, pricing, appraisals, and overseeing vehicle preparation and display.
  • Leading, motivating, and developing a high‑performing sales team to meet targets and deliver exceptional customer service.
  • Reporting on departmental performance, key KPIs, and stock levels to senior management.
  • Ensuring all vehicles meet safety and quality standards in line with company policies and legal requirements.
  • Driving compliance with Group sales processes and industry regulations.
  • Creating and implementing strategies to boost sales and profitability, including effective lead management and in‑house sourcing through our service teams.
  • Handling customer queries and complaints with professionalism and a commitment to resolution.

What we’re looking for:

  • Proven experience in the motor trade, ideally in used car sales or management.
  • A confident leader who can energise and coach a team to success.
  • Excellent communication skills and a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
  • Commercially savvy with a good grasp of market trends and pricing strategies.
  • Organised, efficient, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment.
  • A full UK driving licence is required.

Key Information:

  • Working Pattern: 45.5 hours a week across Mon – Sat (with a 1 hour lunch). Day off in lieu during the week and 1 late shift per week. Sunday working required during March and September.

Why join Wessex Garages:

  • Holiday Allowance – Enjoy 22 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with extra days added the longer you stay with us.
  • Pension Scheme – We contribute to your future with company-backed pension support.
  • Exclusive Employee Schemes – Take advantage of our discounted car purchase programme and Cycle to Work scheme after completing your probation.
  • Wellbeing Support – Through our partnership with Menable, a specialist service for the automotive sector, you’ll have free access to confidential coaching, wellbeing check ins, and referral support where needed.
  • Health Benefits – We provide complimentary eye tests and flu vaccination vouchers to help you stay healthy year‑round.
  • Event Perks – As proud sponsors of Bristol Bears Rugby we offer a limited number of free tickets to each game for our colleagues.

Note: Driving licence checks will be carried out during the recruitment process. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, and this will be verified as part of the recruitment process.

Used Car Manager in Bristol employer: Wessex Garages Holdings Ltd

At Wessex Garages, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the automotive retail sector, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions are valued. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional growth, we foster a culture of teamwork and excellence. Join us at our Cribbs Causeway location, where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying unique perks like discounted car purchases and access to exclusive events.

Wessex Garages Holdings Ltd

Contact Details:

Wessex Garages Holdings Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Used Car Manager in Bristol

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research Wessex Garages, their values, and their approach to customer service. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to used car management. Think about how you would handle specific scenarios, like boosting sales or resolving customer complaints, and be ready to share your strategies.

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 Wessex Garages and ready to take the next step in your career.

We think you need these skills to ace Used Car Manager in Bristol

Team Leadership
Sales Management
Customer Service
Stock Sourcing
Pricing Strategies
Vehicle Appraisals
Operational Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Cars:When writing your application, let your love for used cars shine through! Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your enthusiasm for the automotive industry. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about what you do.

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Used Car Manager role. Highlight your experience in used car sales or management, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had. This shows us that you understand what we’re looking for and that you’re the right fit for our team.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the important bits, so don’t be afraid to show off your organisational skills!

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 gives you a chance to explore more about Wessex Garages and what we stand for!

How to prepare for a job interview at Wessex Garages Holdings Ltd

Know Your Cars

Brush up on your knowledge of used cars, especially the brands Wessex Garages represents. Be ready to discuss market trends, pricing strategies, and what makes a good used car. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed.

Showcase Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you motivated your team to meet targets or improved customer service. This will demonstrate your capability as a confident leader.

Understand the Company Values

Familiarise yourself with Wessex Garages' core values: Knowledge, Value, Transparency, and Trust. Be ready to explain how you embody these values in your work, especially in customer interactions and team management.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Anticipate questions about handling customer complaints or improving sales strategies. Think through your responses and consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.