SALES MANAGER
Location: Southampton, Hampshire
Salary: £40,000 - £65,000 OTE + Basic Salary + Company Car + Benefits
OVERVIEW
An established automotive retailer is seeking an experienced and driven Sales Manager to lead a high-performing sales team in Southampton.
This is a key leadership role within a busy franchised dealership environment, responsible for delivering strong used and new vehicle performance, maximising profitability, and ensuring an exceptional customer experience throughout the sales process.
The successful candidate will be a hands‑on leader who can motivate, develop and manage a sales team while maintaining strong commercial control of the department.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead, motivate and manage the sales team to achieve and exceed targets.
- Oversee daily sales operations, ensuring smooth and efficient showroom performance.
- Drive new and used vehicle sales performance and profitability.
- Manage stock profiles, pricing strategies and vehicle presentation standards.
- Maximise finance, insurance and value-added product penetration.
- Monitor and analyse sales performance, KPIs and conversion rates.
- Conduct deal reviews and support the sales team in closing opportunities.
- Recruit, train and develop sales executives to improve team capability.
- Ensure compliance with FCA regulations and dealership processes.
- Work closely with senior management to achieve departmental objectives.
- Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
- Proven experience as a Sales Manager, Assistant Sales Manager or Senior Sales Controller within a franchised dealership.
- Strong leadership and coaching abilities with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
- Commercially focused with strong understanding of used car operations and stock management.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to analyse data and drive performance improvements.
- FCA compliance knowledge essential.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE
- Experience managing both new and used vehicle operations.
- Strong manufacturer relationship experience.
- Proven success in improving departmental profitability and efficiency.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
- Vehicle sales volume and profitability.
- Used car stock turn and margin performance.
- Finance and insurance penetration.
- Customer satisfaction scores.
- Conversion rates and enquiry management.
- Team performance and retention.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Strong leader and motivator.
- Commercially driven.
- Hands‑on and proactive.
- Results-focused.
- Confident and influential communicator.
- High standards and attention to detail.
- Customer-focused with a professional approach.
