Car Sales Executives sell new and used vehicles to customers in Main Dealers, Franchise Dealerships, used car supermarkets and independent motor retailers. The role is target-driven and suits candidates who are confident with customers, comfortable discussing finance and motivated by commission-based earnings.
Perfect Placement has specialised in Automotive Recruitment since 2003 and regularly recruits for Car Sales Executive jobs across the UK. This page gives candidates a practical overview of the role, typical salaries, progression routes and how to find live vacancies that match their experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Car Sales Executive jobs are most commonly found in Main Dealers, Franchise Dealerships, used car supermarkets and independent car retailers.
- The role usually involves vehicle sales, customer appointments, finance introductions, part-exchange discussions and follow-up activity.
- Earnings are typically built around a basic salary, commission and OTE, with performance having a major impact on take-home pay.
- Common progression routes include Senior Sales Executive, Business Manager, Sales Controller and Sales Manager roles.
Role Overview
A Car Sales Executive is responsible for guiding customers through the vehicle buying process, from initial enquiry through to handover. In a dealership environment, this often includes qualifying customer needs, arranging test drives, presenting finance options, managing part-exchange discussions and keeping in contact with prospects.
Most Car Sales Executive vacancies are based within new and used car dealerships, although opportunities are also available with large used car retailers, prestige brands, volume franchises and independent motor groups. Employers usually look for strong customer handling skills, a consistent sales record and the ability to work towards monthly targets.
- Selling new, used or nearly new cars to retail customers.
- Managing showroom, online and telephone enquiries.
- Arranging test drives, vehicle appraisals and handovers.
- Introducing finance, insurance and add-on products where appropriate.
- Following up leads and maintaining customer relationships.
- Working to sales, profit, finance and customer satisfaction targets.
Salary and Market Insight
Car Sales Executive salaries vary depending on franchise, location, stock profile, commission structure and individual performance. Basic salaries are often lower than in some other Automotive roles because the overall package is heavily influenced by commission and bonus earnings.
These salary insights are based on real Car Sales Executive vacancies handled by Perfect Placement across the UK automotive sector in the last 12 months.
Car Sales Executive earnings can vary significantly depending on sales volume, finance penetration, brand, stock availability and commission structure.
Typical Car Sales Executive salary packages often include a basic salary in the region of £18,000 to £25,000, with higher basic salaries sometimes offered by prestige dealerships, large dealer groups or employers seeking proven Automotive Sales experience.
The average OTE for Car Sales Executive jobs is commonly much higher than the basic salary because commission is central to the role. Candidates with strong closing skills, repeat business and a good understanding of finance products can often outperform advertised OTE figures.
Main Dealers and Franchise Dealerships usually offer structured commission plans, manufacturer-backed targets and clear sales processes. Independent car retailers and used car supermarkets may offer different earning patterns, often linked closely to vehicle volume, margin and add-on product performance.
Career Progression
Car Sales Executive roles can lead into a range of senior dealership positions. Experienced candidates may progress into Senior Sales Executive or Transaction Manager roles before moving into Business Manager, Sales Controller or Sales Manager positions.
Progression usually depends on consistent sales performance, customer satisfaction scores, finance product knowledge and the ability to support wider dealership targets. Candidates who understand both customer service and commercial performance are often well placed for promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Car Sales Executive do?
A Car Sales Executive sells new or used vehicles to customers, manages enquiries, arranges test drives, discusses finance options and helps customers through the buying process.
How much can a Car Sales Executive earn?
Many Car Sales Executive jobs offer a basic salary plus commission, with OTE commonly around £50,000 depending on employer, location and performance.
Do I need Automotive experience to become a Car Sales Executive?
Automotive sales experience is preferred by many dealerships, but strong retail sales, customer service or business-to-consumer sales experience can also be considered.
Find Car Sales Executive Jobs Near You
Perfect Placement is one of the UK's leading Automotive Recruitment specialists and has been recruiting for the motor trade since 2003. We work with Main Dealers, Franchise Dealerships, used car retailers and independent Automotive employers looking for experienced and developing Car Sales Executives.
Search our live Car Sales Executive vacancies below to find roles that match your location, experience and salary expectations. You can also upload your CV so our Automotive Recruitment team can contact you about suitable opportunities, including dealership sales roles that may not yet be advertised online.
If you are interested in hearing more about the role of a Car Sales Executive, visit our Career Guide for more insight into the role.
Last Updated: June 2026