At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the used car department, manage stock, and drive sales strategies.
- Company: Wessex Garages, a trusted automotive retailer with over 35 years of experience.
- Benefits: 22 days holiday, pension scheme, health benefits, and exclusive employee perks.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team and make a real impact in the automotive industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in used car sales or management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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? At Wessex Garages we’re 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 – Fri 8:30 am - 6 pm (with a 1 hour lunch). Day off in lieu during the week. Saturday 9 am - 5 pm Sunday working required during March and September.
Benefits
- 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.
Please 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: Lead, Grow & Drive Profitability in Cardiff employer: Wessex Garages
Wessex Garages is an exceptional employer that prioritises its employees' growth and wellbeing, offering a supportive work culture where values of Knowledge, Value, Transparency, and Trust are at the forefront. With comprehensive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, pension contributions, and exclusive employee schemes, we ensure our team members feel valued and motivated. Located across South Wales and the South West of England, we provide a dynamic environment for automotive professionals to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the used car market.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Used Car Manager: Lead, Grow & Drive Profitability in Cardiff
✨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 company culture and even lead to referrals, which can boost your chances of landing that Used Car Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to used car management and team leadership. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Confidence is key!
✨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 contribute to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Used Car Manager: Lead, Grow & Drive Profitability in Cardiff
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 the cars and the customers.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Used Car Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've motivated teams in the past and any strategies you've implemented to drive success. We’re all about teamwork here at Wessex Garages!
Be Detail-Oriented:Pay attention to the details in your application. Make sure your CV is well-organised and free of typos. Highlight your achievements with specific examples, especially those related to sales targets and customer satisfaction. We appreciate candidates who take pride in their work!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes straight to us. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team at Wessex Garages!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wessex Garages
✨Know Your Cars
Make sure you 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 Your Leadership Skills
As a Used Car Manager, you'll need to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference in sales or customer satisfaction.
✨Understand the Customer Experience
Wessex Garages values customer satisfaction highly. Be prepared to talk about how you would handle customer queries and complaints. Share your approach to ensuring a positive experience for customers, as this will resonate with their core values.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and growth opportunities within the used car department. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
