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General Manager Job in Guildford

Surrey
Guildford
Management, Car Dealership
£40000 - £60000 per annum
140587
General Manager Required for Automotive Leisure Business
  • Location: Guildford, Surrey
  • Salary: £40,000 Basic + Up to £20,000 Bonus (OTE £60,000)
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Summer), 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Winter); Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (as required for business continuity); Closed Sundays; Bank Holidays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Our client, a leading name in the leisure vehicle industry based in Guildford, Surrey, is seeking a dynamic and driven General Manager to lead their flagship dealership. As part of a prestigious group representing major leisure and motorhome franchises , this is an exciting opportunity to join a reputable business with a strong repeat customer base and significant growth potential.

About the General Manager Role We are looking for an ambitious Automotive experienced Sales Manager ready to step up or an experienced General Manager seeking a refreshing change from traditional automotive into the vibrant world of leisure vehicles. This role demands strong leadership, a passion for exceeding KPIs, and the ability to recruit and inspire a high-performing team. You’ll oversee operations at their Guildford site, the gem in their crown, ensuring sales targets, profitability, and core standards (including web updates and health & safety) are consistently met.

Key Responsibilities as a General Manager:
  • Lead and manage the dealership’s sales and aftersales teams to achieve and exceed unit sales and profitability targets.
  • Recruit, train, and motivate staff to maintain a high-performing team.
  • Oversee the use of IT systems, including the bespoke internal DMS (Dealer Management System), Outlook, and Excel for reporting to accounts.
  • Ensure full group visibility of stock and maintain operational excellence.
  • Drive customer satisfaction through exceptional service and relationship management.
  • Monitor and achieve KPIs related to sales, profitability, and compliance with core standards.
  • Manage operational hours and provide weekend cover as dictated by business needs.
The Ideal General Manager:
  • Proven experience as a Sales Manager in automotive or leisure industries, or an existing General Manager seeking a new challenge.
  • Strong leadership and recruitment skills with a track record of building effective teams.
  • Dynamic, driven, and results-oriented with a passion for hitting and exceeding targets.
  • Competent in IT systems, including Excel, Outlook, and Dealer Management Systems (experience with Saxon is a plus).
  • Full UK driving licence.
  • Ability to adapt to a seasonal business and thrive in a customer-centric environment.
What Our Client is Offering:
  • Competitive Salary & Bonus: £40,000 basic with up to £20,000 bonus based on unit sales, profitability, and core standards set by their manufacturing partners 
  • Work-Life Balance: No Sunday working; closed over Christmas with 3 days of annual leave covered.
  • Generous Leave: 20 days annual leave + bank holidays, with an extra day free for holidays taken between November and February (4 days used = 5 days enjoyed).
  • Career Growth: Clear progression opportunities within a major player in the leisure industry, part of a large PLC group. Many of our clients senior leaders started as Sales Managers or General Managers!
  • Supportive Environment: Work with a close-knit team and benefit from full franchise representation and a loyal customer base.
Working Hours: 
  • Summer (March–August): 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Monday–Friday), 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Saturday, as required).
  • Winter (September–February): 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Monday–Friday), 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Saturday, as required).
  • Bank Holidays: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
  • Closed: Sundays and Christmas period (bank holidays covered as leave).
Why Join Our Clients Leisure Dealership as a General Manager? This is a unique opportunity to transition from automotive to the exciting leisure vehicle sector, offering a change of pace without sacrificing the thrill of hitting targets. Our client Guildford dealership is a cornerstone of our group, with every franchise represented and a strong reputation for quality and customer loyalty. With a clear path for career progression—their Sales Director and Regional Managers started in roles like this—you’ll have the chance to grow with a major player in the industry.

How to Apply If you’re a driven leader ready to take on this exciting challenge, we want to hear from you! Please submit your CV and cover letter to Tom Wharton at Perfect Placement.

At Perfect Placement, we specialise in leisure and automotive roles across the UK. If this isn’t the right fit, contact us to explore other opportunities!