Salary: Competitive + performance-led bonus
Location: Taunton
The General Manager will lead a complex, multifranchise operation across three Taunton sites, overseeing MercedesBenz, BYD, smart, Maxus and van sales & service, two busy workshops with 18+ technicians, a parts department and a BYD retail experience centre. With £44m+ turnover and over 1,400 annual vehicle sales, this demanding yet rewarding role requires strong manufacturer relationships, lean leadership and operational excellence, and is only vacant due to the retirement of the longstanding GM after 14 years.
The role is responsible for approximately 60+ full time staff and encompasses all the elements that you would expect, from people to property and training to trading.
With a major site investment scheduled for Q4 of 2026, this is a business entering its next phase of transformation.
About the Business
City West Country a privately owned, ambitious automotive group with over 40 years of heritage and a clear growth agenda. Operating across the South West, we represent a portfolio of leading and emerging brands and continue to invest in new opportunities for market expansion.
Our culture combines pace, accountability and entrepreneurial thinking with strong values and long-term leadership. This is a business where high performers can genuinely influence direction and outcomes.
With an annual turnover exceeding £368 million, CWC are ranked as the 47th largest dealer group in the UK according to the AM-online AM100 report, and hold the 50th position in the Scoosh Top 100 Car Dealers rankings.
The Role Commercial Ownership & Leadership
As General Manager, you will operate as the leader of the business unit with full P&L responsibility. You will deliver the commercial direction, drive revenue performance, and ensure operational delivery aligns with growth targets and strategic objectives.
You will:
- Be responsible for the full commercial performance of the dealership, across sales, aftersales and customer experience
- Lead and develop a high-performing management team, building capability and accountability at every level
- Drive revenue growth, margin improvement and cost control through clear strategy and disciplined execution
- Identify and capitalise on market opportunities across all revenue streams
- Build strong manufacturer partnerships and ensure brand standards are commercially leveraged
- Create a performance culture driven by data, KPIs and continuous improvement
- Enhance customer retention and lifetime value through excellence in delivery and service
This is a role for a leader who sees the bigger picture, challenges the status quo, and consistently raises the bar
What Were Looking For
We are looking for a proven commercial leader with the credibility and presence to lead a complex, multi-channel operation.
You will bring:
- A strong track record of delivering sustainable revenue and profit growth at General Manager or senior Head of Department level
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Deep understanding of dealership economics, including P&L ownership, margin management, and cost control
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Demonstrable success in leading large, multi-functional teams and developing future leaders
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Strong strategic capability able to translate market insight into business performance
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High levels of resilience, pace, and accountability in a results-driven environment
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Credibility with OEM partners and a strong grasp of brand-led performance frameworks
Whats on Offer
- Competitive salary with a meaningful, performance-linked bonus structure
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Senior Managers car scheme
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Pension (7% employer contribution)
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25 days holiday + bank holidays (increasing with service)
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EAP and broader wellbeing support
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Access to benefits platform and lifestyle perks
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Ongoing leadership development and career progression
Join Us
If you are a commercially driven leader ready to take full responsibility for a significant operation and deliver the next phase of growth, we want to hear from you.
