Southampton
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.