General Manager – Automotive Dealership
Confidential Executive Search
An established automotive organization is conducting a confidential search for an experienced General Manager to lead a franchised automotive dealership.
We are seeking a proven dealership operator who knows how to build high-performing teams, drive profitability, develop leaders, strengthen both variable and fixed operations, and create an exceptional experience for customers and employees.
This is an opportunity for an accomplished General Manager who understands that sustainable dealership performance is about more than hitting a number. It requires the right people, strong processes, disciplined execution, and a culture of accountability.
This is not a first-time General Manager opportunity. Previous franchised dealership General Manager experience and direct experience within the applicable manufacturer network are required.
The Opportunity
The General Manager will have responsibility for the overall performance of the dealership, providing leadership and strategic direction across Sales, Pre-Owned, Finance, Service, Parts, and administrative operations.
The successful candidate will be a hands-on, highly engaged leader who can quickly understand the business, identify opportunities, establish clear expectations, and develop a leadership team capable of delivering consistent and sustainable results.
What You'll Lead
- Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for dealership operations.
- Assume responsibility for dealership financial and operational performance.
- Develop and execute strategies to increase revenue, profitability, market share, and customer retention.
- Lead, coach, develop, and hold department leaders accountable for results.
- Drive new and pre-owned vehicle sales performance.
- Build strong Fixed Operations performance with an emphasis on Service and Parts growth, productivity, and profitability.
- Review and manage dealership financial statements, forecasts, expenses, departmental performance, and overall P&L.
- Establish clear KPIs and operating expectations for each department.
- Maintain appropriate new and pre-owned vehicle inventory levels and effective inventory management strategies.
- Recruit, develop, engage, and retain high-performing managers and associates.
- Build a culture centered on accountability, performance, professionalism, teamwork, and customer care.
- Maintain strong F&I performance while ensuring appropriate compliance standards.
- Develop productive relationships with manufacturer representatives.
- Effectively execute manufacturer programs, initiatives, and performance objectives.
- Ensure dealership compliance with manufacturer requirements and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, productivity, customer experience, and overall dealership performance.
- Maintain a visible leadership presence throughout the dealership and actively engage with employees and customers.
- Develop short- and long-term strategies to support sustainable dealership growth.
Required Experience
To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must have:
- Current or previous franchised automotive dealership General Manager experience.
- Previous General Manager experience within the dealership's specific domestic OEM network.
- Direct working knowledge of the applicable manufacturer's programs, processes, performance metrics, incentive structures, and dealer operating standards.
- Demonstrated success with full dealership P&L responsibility.
- Proven leadership experience across both variable and fixed operations.
- Strong understanding of dealership financial statements, forecasting, expense management, inventory, and departmental profitability.
- Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing dealership leadership teams.
- A proven record of improving sales, profitability, operational performance, and customer experience.
- Strong business judgment and the ability to make timely, well-informed decisions.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and accountability skills.
- A high level of professionalism and integrity.
General Manager experience with other automotive franchises is valuable; however, direct experience within the applicable manufacturer network is an essential qualification for this opportunity.
Candidates whose experience has been limited to General Sales Manager, Sales Manager, Fixed Operations Director, or other departmental leadership roles without previous full dealership General Manager responsibility will not meet the minimum qualifications.
The Leader We're Looking For
You're a dealership operator, not an office-bound administrator.
You know your numbers and understand what drives them. You can walk into Sales, Service, Parts, or F&I and understand what's working, what isn't, and where the opportunity lies.
You know how to establish expectations and hold people accountable while still developing and retaining great talent. You're comfortable making difficult decisions, but you also understand that long-term performance comes from building a strong leadership team and a healthy dealership culture.
You are competitive, financially disciplined, customer-focused, and constantly looking for ways to improve the business.
Most importantly, you've already successfully led a franchised dealership as its General Manager and understand the manufacturer environment associated with this opportunity.
Compensation & Opportunity
This position offers a highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract an accomplished dealership General Manager.
Compensation will be commensurate with experience, demonstrated dealership performance, and the scope of the opportunity.
Specific information regarding compensation, benefits, dealership operations, market, and location will be discussed with qualified candidates as they progress through the confidential selection process.
Confidential Search
This search is being conducted confidentially.
We understand the importance of discretion for currently employed automotive executives. Applications and inquiries will be handled accordingly.
Additional information regarding the dealership, manufacturer, location, and organization will be shared with qualified candidates at the appropriate stage of the interview process.
If you are a proven franchised dealership General Manager with direct experience in the applicable domestic OEM network and are interested in exploring your next leadership opportunity, we invite you to apply.
Pay: From $400,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
