Sales Manager

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.