Job Description
Location: Ballymena
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Senior Management
Reporting to: Franchise Director
Salary: OTE £75,000 - £85,000 per annum
Are you a dynamic and strategic leader with a passion for the automotive industry? Donnelly Group is seeking an experienced Head of Business to lead our brand new Volkswagen dealership in Ballymena.
This is an exciting opportunity to take full responsibility for the performance, growth and customer experience of a flagship brand within Northern Ireland’s leading motor group.
About The Role
What You’ll Do:
* Lead all operational areas including Sales, Aftersales Parts, and Administration
* Deliver commercial success through strong P&L management and strategic planning
* Drive a customer-centric culture and ensure exceptional service standards
* Collaborate closely with Volkswagen/Skoda to maintain brand compliance and performance
* Inspire, coach and develop a high-performing team
* Champion a positive and inclusive workplace aligned with Donnelly Group values
What We’re Looking For:
* 8–10+ years’ senior management experience in the automotive retail sector
* Proven success in leading a multi-department dealership or business unit
* Strong commercial and financial acumen with hands-on P&L experience
* Strategic thinker with a track record of delivering results
* Inspirational leader with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
* Deep understanding of manufacturer standards and customer satisfaction
Please review attached job description for a more in depth overview of the role.
Why Join Donnelly Group?
* Lead a high-profile brand launch in a modern, purpose-built site
* Be part of a forward-thinking, family-owned group with over 70 years of success
* Enjoy a supportive culture with career development opportunities
* Work alongside a motivated and collaborative senior management team
Key Performance Indicators:
* Dealership profitability & operational efficiency
* Sales and Aftersales performance
* Customer satisfaction and retention
* Compliance and audit outcomes
* Employee engagement and leadership development
Ready to drive success with a premium brand?
Apply today and be part of shaping the future of Volkswagen in Ballymena.
Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the line manager.
The company reserves the right to expand the short listing criteria to facilitate the short listing process.
Donnelly Group is an equal opportunities employer.
Skills Needed
About The Company
The Donnelly Group has been synonymous with the motor industry in Northern Ireland since 1947 when Peter Donnelly started a vehicle repair and taxi business in Caledon on the border of Co Tyrone and Armagh. Since then the Donnelly Group has become the largest family-owned automotive company in Northern Ireland. We offer competitive salaries, industry-leading work-life balance, generous holiday allowance, continuous training and development, wide-ranging benefits, and an opportunity to give volunteering time back to the communities within which we serve through the Donnelly Group Foundation.
Company Culture
Our teams across all our branches get involved with fundraising for our nominated charity partner, through football tournaments, Donnelly Group bake-off events, dragon boat racing, abseiling, cycling events as well as having a ‘Foundation Day’; a paid day off, to get involved with community projects. We like to feel that we work hard and play hard.
Desired Criteria
Required Criteria
* At least 8–10 years of senior management experience within the automotive retail sector
* Demonstrated success in running a multi-department dealership or automotive business unit
* Strong understanding of Brand standards, systems, and customer expectations
* Experience with leading a large team and managing complex operations in a fast-paced environment
Closing DateFriday 11th July, 2025