SUMMARY:

Dealer Principal
Cape Town

Purpose of the Role

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Business Growth Deliver branch sales, aftersales, and profitability targets in line with business objectives. Develop and implement branch growth strategies and annual business plans. Identify new business opportunities and market development initiatives. Make sound commercial decisions that support sustainable growth and profitability. Apply modern business management principles and continuous improvement initiatives. Support strategic initiatives and branch development programs. Sales Performance & Customer Development Drive new vehicle, parts, and service sales performance. Ensure effective lead management, quotation follow-up, and pipeline management. Build and maintain strong relationships with key fleet, retail, and strategic customers. Support Key Account initiatives and customer development programs. Identify customer retention and market expansion opportunities within the branch area. Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer requirements. Collaborate with Marketing and Sales Operations to execute campaigns and sales initiatives. Customer Experience & Relationship Management Create and maintain a customer-centric culture throughout the branch. Ensure customer service standards are consistently achieved. Monitor customer satisfaction and implement corrective actions where required. Ensure customer complaints are managed effectively and resolved through established escalation processes. Conduct regular engagement with major customers to strengthen long-term relationships. Drive continuous improvement based on customer feedback and operational insights. Financial Management & Branch Profitability Ensure the branch achieves agreed profitability, revenue, and return-on-investment objectives. Develop plans to improve branch financial performance and operational efficiency. Forecast sales volumes, stock requirements, and cash flow requirements. Review and monitor branch financial performance and management reports regularly. Control branch expenditure in line with approved budgets and business objectives. Monitor debtors, creditors, invoicing, and financial transactions, ensuring accurate and timely processing through Head Office support functions. Ensure all customer invoices, supporting documentation, and transactional requirements are accurately prepared, verified, and submitted for processing. Manage branch assets, stock holding, and working capital effectively. Improve stock turnover ratios and reduce unnecessary stock-holding costs. Identify financial risks and implement corrective actions where necessary. Ensure compliance with financial controls, audit requirements, and governance standards. Branch Operations Management Ensure efficient day-to-day operation of all branch functions. Monitor branch performance against operational and financial objectives. Ensure vehicle and parts stock requirements are accurately forecasted and communicated. Maintain appropriate stock levels to support customer demand and business objectives. Coordinate effectively with Logistics, Procurement, and Head Office support departments. Ensure branch facilities, equipment, tools, and assets are maintained to required standards. Promote operational efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement initiatives. Aftersales & Workshop Performance Ensure high standards of quality, workmanship, and customer support. Drive workshop productivity and labour efficiency. Monitor parts sales performance and service department profitability. Support customer uptime and vehicle availability initiatives. Ensure effective coordination between Sales, Parts, and Workshop departments. Monitor labour performance against established standards and targets. Monitor Workshop Work-in-Progress (WIP) levels and Vehicle Off Road (VOR) units, implementing action plans to ensure timely turnaround. Promote best-practice aftersales processes and service excellence. People Management & Leadership Lead, motivate, and develop branch employees. Establish staffing requirements in conjunction with Executive Management and Human Resources. Conduct regular performance reviews and manage employee performance effectively. Address poor performance promptly and professionally. Ensure employee development, succession planning, and skills improvement. Identify training requirements and ensure accurate training records are maintained. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Promote employee engagement and a positive working environment. Governance, Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all policies, procedures, and operational standards. Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, health, safety, and environmental requirements. Work closely with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) teams to maintain a safe and secure working environment. Manage branch risks and implement corrective measures where required. Ensure branch compliance with internal audits and governance requirements. Protect business assets, information, and reputation. Stakeholder Management Maintain effective working relationships with Executive Management and Head Office departments. Liaise with customers, suppliers, manufacturers, industry bodies, and external stakeholders. Collaborate with Finance, Logistics, Marketing, Sales Operations, and Aftersales teams. Ensure timely communication of branch requirements, forecasts, opportunities, and challenges. Support initiatives aimed at improving customer experience and operational performance. Reporting & Administration Prepare and review branch operational and performance reports. Monitor branch KPI performance and implement corrective actions where required. Ensure accurate record-keeping and reporting systems are maintained. Participate in management reviews, planning sessions, and business performance meetings. Carry out any additional lawful and reasonable duties assigned by Executive Management. Authority The Branch Manager is responsible for the overall commercial, operational, and financial performance of the branch and is empowered to make decisions necessary to achieve branch objectives within approved policies, delegated authorities, and governance frameworks. Minimum Requirements Qualifications & Experience Degree in Management, Business Administration, or a related field (advantageous). Valid Code 8 Driver's Licence. Minimum 5-10 years' experience in a similar senior management role within the trucking, commercial vehicle, automotive, or transport industry. Personal Attributes Confident and proactive approach with the ability to anticipate issues and business requirements. Strong organisational and planning skills with excellent attention to detail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong leadership, decision-making, and people-management abilities. Commercially astute with strong financial and operational management capabilities. Customer-focused with a commitment to service excellence. Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.