General Sales Manager - Automotive Industry

Our client is an established used car dealership ready to level up in a new market. They're looking for a proven leader who can bring franchise-level discipline; systems, structure, and process, into an independent operation and drive the performance lift that comes with it. In this critical change leadership role, you'll reshape how the business operates; streamlining operations, building accountability frameworks, and lifting productivity and sales outcomes. The owners are thinking long-term - nationwide expansion - and for the right person, there's a potential pathway to ownership. The Role As General Sales Manager, you'll take full ownership of dealership performance: sales, profitability, stock management, and team development. Reporting directly to ownership, you'll lead the dealership through a period of deliberate change and growth. This role suits someone who has operated in a structured, high-performing franchise environment and is ready to apply that experience with real autonomy. You'll be building the playbook, not following one. Key Responsibilities Introduce franchise-level systems, processes, and performance frameworks Streamline operations to maximise efficiency, margins, and team productivity Lead the team through change with clarity and confidence Drive profitability, gross margin outcomes, and conversion rates Deliver on sales and profitability targets; monitor gross profit, stock holding costs, and operating expenses Build reporting and accountability structures that create visibility on what matters Make commercially grounded decisions on stock acquisition and pricing Provide regular performance reporting and recommendations to ownership Own stock and inventory management, compliance, risk, and health and safety The Ideal Candidate Proven leadership experience in a motor vehicle dealership, ideally at franchise level Strong sales ability with a consistent track record of results Experience building or improving systems, structure, and process Sound commercial judgement Confidence and capability to lead change, not just manage operations Ambition to grow with the business long-term Why This Role? This is not a maintenance role. You'll shape how the business operates—introducing the disciplines that allow it to scale. The owners are engaged, commercially minded, and backing real change. For the right candidate, there’s a clear pathway to equity participation and a leadership stake in a business with national ambitions. Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand—visa sponsorship is not available. A full, clean driver's licence is essential. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr