General Manager – Automotive Dealership
We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven General Manager to lead our fast-growing automotive dealership. The Ideal candidate is a strategic operator with exceptional leadership presence, with a passion for building high-performing teams. This leader will drive sales growth, elevate the customer experience, and insure disciplined operational execution across the dealership.
Position Overview:
The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and profitability of the independent car dealership. This role has full accountability for inventory acquisition, sales performance, operational execution, and financial results (P&L). The GM acts as the day-to-day business owner, ensuring the dealership operates efficiently, profitably, and in alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.
This position requires a hands-on leader with strong automotive industry experience, financial acumen, and the ability to drive both people and results.
Key Responsibilities
People & Culture:
· Recruit, develop, and retain top performers who bring energy, discipline, and hunger.
· Hold every team member accountable to clear expectations and measurable results.
· Build a culture where coaching, recognition, and continuous improvement are non‑negotiable.
· Address performance issues quickly and decisively.
Customer Experience:
· Set the tone for a customer‑first mindset that drives loyalty and repeat business.
· Ensure every customer interaction reflects professionalism, urgency, and care.
· Monitor CSI closely and implement fast corrective action when scores slip.
Inventory & Purchasing:
· Source, evaluate, and purchase vehicle inventory aligned with market demand, pricing strategy, and profitability targets.
· Manage inventory levels, aging, turn rates, and gross margins.
· Build and maintain relationships with auctions, wholesalers, lenders, and industry partners.
· Ensure inventory is competitively priced and properly merchandised.
Sales Leadership:
· Own all aspects of dealership sales performance, including retail, financing, and add-on products.
· Set sales targets, pricing strategies, and performance KPIs.
· Recruit, train, manage, and motivate the sales team to achieve consistent results.
· Oversee customer experience standards to maximize closing rates, repeat business, and referrals.
Operations Management:
· Oversee daily dealership operations including sales, administration, reconditioning, and compliance.
· Implement efficient processes to improve productivity, customer satisfaction, and cost control.
· Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
· Maintain strong internal controls, documentation, and operational discipline.
Financial & P&L Responsibility:
· Full ownership of the dealership’s Profit & Loss statement.
· Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and cash flow.
· Monitor expenses, margins, and profitability across all departments.
· Analyze financial performance and implement corrective actions when needed.
· Report financial results and operational metrics to ownership on a regular basis.
Team Leadership:
· Build a high-performance, accountable, and ethical team culture.
· Conduct performance reviews, coaching, and corrective actions as needed.
· Ensure staffing levels align with business needs and growth objectives.
· Lead by example with professionalism, integrity, and urgency.
Qualifications & Experience:
· Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, challenge, and elevate people.
· Proven experience as a General Manager, Sales Manager, or Senior Leader in an automotive dealership environment.
· Strong understanding of vehicle purchasing, inventory management, and dealership economics.
· Demonstrated experience managing P&L and driving profitability.
· Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
· Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical abilities.
· High level of accountability and ownership mentality.
· Experience in independent (non-franchise) dealerships.
· Background in used car operations and auction purchasing.
· Familiarity with dealer management systems (DMS) and inventory platforms.
Pay: $150,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- GM Dealership: 7 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
