At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team and oversee daily operations at our flagship Nissan site.
- Company: Wessex Garages, a stable and customer-focused automotive business.
- Benefits: 22 days holiday, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and exclusive employee perks.
- Other info: Join a high-performance culture that rewards achievements and fosters development.
- Why this job: Drive success in a pivotal role with exceptional career growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience as a General Manager in the motor trade with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Wessex Garages is a highly successful and stable business renowned for its customer‑focused approach and outstanding brand performance. We are looking for a dynamic and visionary General Manager to lead our flagship Nissan site in Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. This pivotal role involves overseeing day‑to‑day operations, taking full responsibility for financial performance, and providing effective leadership. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, this position offers exceptional career growth opportunities for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership and Team Management: Lead, coach, and motivate a team of automotive retail professionals, ensuring all departments are adequately staffed. Foster a high‑performance culture that recognises and rewards exceptional achievements while effectively addressing underperformance.
- Financial Planning and Performance: Establish annual financial and growth objectives for each department, devising strategies to meet profit and product targets. Prepare accurate dealership reporting and forecasting in adherence to group reporting frameworks. Oversee dealership marketing strategies aligned with manufacturer guidelines to support business objectives. Drive outstanding levels of customer satisfaction in Sales, Aftersales and Parts, coaching the leadership team to achieve the same.
- Compliance and Regulation: Ensure all dealership activities comply with Wessex Garages, manufacturer, and regulatory requirements. Possess knowledge of manufacturer metrics, such as dealer balanced scorecard, to drive operational excellence.
Required Experience
- Prior experience as a General Manager alongside motor trade experience.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, coach, and motivate a diverse team.
- Professionalism and composure, along with exceptional stakeholder management skills for internal and external relationships.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, utilising available data to identify potential challenges across all departments.
- Forward‑thinking mindset and excellent communication skills.
Benefits
- Holiday allowance – 22 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with extra days added the longer you stay.
- Pension scheme – company‑backed pension support.
- Exclusive employee schemes – discounted car purchase programme and Cycle to Work scheme after probation.
- Wellbeing support – partnership with Menable, offering free confidential coaching, wellbeing check‑ins, and referral support.
- Health benefits – complimentary eye tests and flu vaccination vouchers.
- Event perks – limited free tickets to Bristol Bears Rugby games.
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.
General Manager employer: Wessex Garages
Wessex Garages is an exceptional employer that prioritises customer satisfaction and employee development, making it a fantastic place to work as a Used Sales Executive. With a strong focus on training and growth, employees benefit from comprehensive support, a positive work culture, and unique perks such as discounted car purchases and wellbeing services. Located in Cribbs, our dealership offers a dynamic environment where you can thrive and contribute to a team dedicated to excellence in automotive retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a General Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Wessex Garages and their values. Show us that you understand their customer-focused approach and how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership skills and financial acumen.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your previous experience as a General Manager aligns with the responsibilities of this role. We want to hear about your achievements and how you've driven performance in past positions.
✨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 us that you're genuinely interested in joining the Wessex Garages team.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the General Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in the motor trade. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Wessex Garages. Share your vision for the role and how you plan to drive customer satisfaction and financial performance.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate a diverse team, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
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 at Wessex Garages.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wessex Garages
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the automotive industry, such as profit margins and sales forecasts. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Wessex Garages is looking for someone who can inspire and motivate a team. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in previous roles, focusing on how you fostered a high-performance culture and addressed underperformance effectively.
✨Understand the Brand
Familiarise yourself with Wessex Garages and its brand values. Research their customer-focused approach and think about how you can contribute to enhancing customer satisfaction levels across Sales, Aftersales, and Parts.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of compliance in this role, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of regulatory requirements and manufacturer metrics. Think of specific instances where you've ensured compliance in your previous positions.
