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Dealer Principal (Automotive) (JB5436)
Sandton, Gauteng · RetailDealer Principal (Automotive) (JB5436)
Sandton, Gauteng
Market Related (Negotiable)
Permanent
A leadership role is available at a thriving automotive dealership with a fast-growing, customer-centric business that’s revolutionizing how South Africans buy, sell, and finance cars. As the Dealer Principal, you’ll take full ownership of dealership operations, from amplifying sales and service performance to fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary team, partner with key stakeholders, and drive profitability and customer satisfaction in a dynamic, digital-first environment
Minimum Requirements:
Proven senior management experience in automotive dealership operations (minimum of 5 years in a dealer principal or general manager role)
Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering sales growth, P&L responsibility, and strategic planning
Exceptional leadership and people-management skills, with demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and motivate diverse teams
In-depth knowledge of automotive industry regulations, compliance standards, and best practices
Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills; capable of engaging with staff, OEMs, financiers, and customers alike
Competent in digital tools and dealership management systems; able to champion technology-driven enhancements
Valid South African driver’s license and readiness to travel regionally as required
Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and execute strategic business plans to achieve sales, service, and financial targets
Oversee all dealership departments, sales, service, parts, finance, and admin, to ensure seamless operations and alignment with corporate objectives.
Recruit, train, and mentor dealership staff; instil a culture centred on customer experience, teamwork, and accountability
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), analyse results, and take corrective measures to optimize performance and profitability
Manage budgeting, cost control, and resource allocation to support business growth and sustainability
Maintain strong relationships with vehicle manufacturers, financing partners, insurance providers, and regulatory bodies
Champion digital transformation initiatives to improve sales processes, customer engagement, and operational efficiency
Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements, industry standards, and quality control protocols
Represent the dealership at industry forums, events, and community engagement activities to build reputation and brand awareness
Provide regular reports and updates to regional and executive leadership on dealership performance, market trends, and risks
Please do not apply using Scanned CVs, no supporting documentation is required at this point, this will be requested later
Kontak Recruitment Disclaimer:
Equal opportunity: All backgrounds are welcomed, with no bias. All are considered based on requirements.
Job specifics: Requirements mirror advertisement, duties may adjust for client needs.
Fair process: Fair assessment, only shortlisted candidates contacted due to volume.
Privacy: Data processed as per Privacy Policy. By applying, you agree to data handling. We safeguard applicant info.
Candidate verification: Candidates selected by the client are verified. False info may disqualify or end employment via the client.
Offer clarity: Advert is not a binding offer. Written offers based on pre-employment conditions.
No direct link: Advert is not tied to Kontak Recruitment. We assist in the employment process ONLY.
Applicant Responsibility: Upon applying, confirmation of receipt for a specific advert is given. If no confirmation is received, you must verify with Kontak Recruitment.
Sandton, Gauteng
Market Related (Negotiable)
Permanent
A leadership role is available at a thriving automotive dealership with a fast-growing, customer-centric business that’s revolutionizing how South Africans buy, sell, and finance cars. As the Dealer Principal, you’ll take full ownership of dealership operations, from amplifying sales and service performance to fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary team, partner with key stakeholders, and drive profitability and customer satisfaction in a dynamic, digital-first environment
Minimum Requirements:
Proven senior management experience in automotive dealership operations (minimum of 5 years in a dealer principal or general manager role)
Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering sales growth, P&L responsibility, and strategic planning
Exceptional leadership and people-management skills, with demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and motivate diverse teams
In-depth knowledge of automotive industry regulations, compliance standards, and best practices
Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills; capable of engaging with staff, OEMs, financiers, and customers alike
Competent in digital tools and dealership management systems; able to champion technology-driven enhancements
Valid South African driver’s license and readiness to travel regionally as required
Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and execute strategic business plans to achieve sales, service, and financial targets
Oversee all dealership departments, sales, service, parts, finance, and admin, to ensure seamless operations and alignment with corporate objectives.
Recruit, train, and mentor dealership staff; instil a culture centred on customer experience, teamwork, and accountability
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), analyse results, and take corrective measures to optimize performance and profitability
Manage budgeting, cost control, and resource allocation to support business growth and sustainability
Maintain strong relationships with vehicle manufacturers, financing partners, insurance providers, and regulatory bodies
Champion digital transformation initiatives to improve sales processes, customer engagement, and operational efficiency
Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements, industry standards, and quality control protocols
Represent the dealership at industry forums, events, and community engagement activities to build reputation and brand awareness
Provide regular reports and updates to regional and executive leadership on dealership performance, market trends, and risks
Please do not apply using Scanned CVs, no supporting documentation is required at this point, this will be requested later
Kontak Recruitment Disclaimer:
Equal opportunity: All backgrounds are welcomed, with no bias. All are considered based on requirements.
Job specifics: Requirements mirror advertisement, duties may adjust for client needs.
Fair process: Fair assessment, only shortlisted candidates contacted due to volume.
Privacy: Data processed as per Privacy Policy. By applying, you agree to data handling. We safeguard applicant info.
Candidate verification: Candidates selected by the client are verified. False info may disqualify or end employment via the client.
Offer clarity: Advert is not a binding offer. Written offers based on pre-employment conditions.
No direct link: Advert is not tied to Kontak Recruitment. We assist in the employment process ONLY.
Applicant Responsibility: Upon applying, confirmation of receipt for a specific advert is given. If no confirmation is received, you must verify with Kontak Recruitment.