Dealer Principal

SUMMARY:
NEW VACANCY !!!!!

Our client in the automotive industry is seeking an experienced Dealer Principal to join their team based in Cape Town.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth

• Achieve branch sales, aftersales, and profitability targets.
• Develop and implement business growth strategies and annual plans.
• Identify new business opportunities and market expansion initiatives.
• Support strategic company objectives and continuous improvement programs.

Sales & Customer Development

• Drive new vehicle, parts, and service sales performance.
• Oversee lead management, quotations, and sales pipelines.
• Build and maintain relationships with fleet, retail, and key account customers.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs.
• Support marketing campaigns and customer retention initiatives.

Customer Experience

• Foster a customer-focused culture across the branch.
• Ensure high service standards and customer satisfaction.
• Resolve customer complaints effectively through established processes.
• Maintain regular engagement with key customers and implement improvements based on feedback.

Financial & Profitability Management

• Deliver branch revenue, profitability, and ROI targets.
• Monitor budgets, expenditure, cash flow, stock levels, and working capital.
• Review financial reports and implement corrective actions where required.
• Ensure accurate invoicing, documentation, and financial processing.
• Maintain compliance with financial controls, audits, and governance requirements.

Operations & Aftersales Management

• Oversee day-to-day branch operations and performance.
• Manage stock forecasting, inventory levels, and asset control.
• Ensure effective coordination with Logistics, Procurement, and Head Office.
• Drive workshop productivity, labour efficiency, service quality, and parts sales performance.
• Monitor WIP, VORs, and turnaround times to maximize operational efficiency.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop branch employees.
• Manage recruitment, performance reviews, succession planning, and training.
• Address performance concerns promptly and professionally.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.

Compliance, Risk & Governance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage branch risks and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Safeguard company assets, information, and reputation.

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Maintain strong relationships with Executive Management, Head Office, customers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders.
• Prepare and review operational, financial, and KPI reports.
• Participate in business reviews, planning sessions, and management meetings.
• Perform additional reasonable duties as required by Executive Management.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Management (advantageous).
• Valid Code 8 Driver's Licence.
• 5–10 years' experience in a similar management role within the trucking industry.

Personal Attributes

• Confident, proactive, and solutions-driven.
• Strong commercial and business acumen.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to drive performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.