General Manager
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven General Manager to lead our multi‑franchise car and commercial dealership in Barnstaple. This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for site performance, including vehicle sales, aftersales operations, customer experience and financial delivery.
You will play a pivotal role in driving profitability, increasing market share, and embedding a high‑performance culture across the dealership, ensuring the business consistently delivers exceptional results and customer satisfaction.
Why Vospers?
We are more than just a car dealership. We are a proud, family run business with a long-standing reputation across the South West. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and that is reflected in the loyalty of our team. Over 100 colleagues have been with us for between 10 and 40 years. This longevity speaks volumes about the supportive environment we have created and our ongoing commitment to developing and valuing every member of our team.
Vospers Benefits
- 30 days annual leave (including bank holidays) increasing with length of service + a paid day off for your birthday!
- Full range of motoring discounts on MOTs, servicing, sales and parts
- Access to an online platform with discounts across multiple retailers
- Paid sickness scheme
- Full range of employee assistance programmes and support services
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Professional development via our Motorv8 and Vospers 5 training schemes
- Manufacturer-specific training
- Generous staff and customer referral schemes
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and performance
- Provide overall leadership across Sales, Used Vehicles, Parts and Service
- Deliver budgeted performance, profitability, and manufacturer targets
- Oversee a high-volume Used Car operation (130+ vehicles), ensuring effective stock control, pricing and stock turn
- Lead and support the Vauxhall Sales Department
- Drive Aftersales efficiency and profitability, including WIP, parts and lead times
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends to maintain competitive advantage
Customer Experience & Brand
- Take ownership of customer satisfaction performance across Sales and Aftersales
- Ensure an excellent online and digital reputation
- Resolve customer concerns promptly and effectively
- Represent the business within the local community, enhancing brand reputation and visibility
Financial & Commercial Management
- Full P&L accountability for the site
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and cost control
- Conduct monthly financial reviews with departmental leaders
- Manage debtor performance and working capital
- Contribute to key financial and operational meetings across the business
People Leadership
- Provide visible, supportive, and professional senior leadership
- Lead, develop, and performance-manage Departmental Managers
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding and ongoing training
- Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture
- Ensure compliance with all HR policies and payroll processes
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure adherence to company policies, manufacturer standards and FCA regulations
- Maintain strong Health & Safety performance across the site
- Actively participate in governance and compliance meetings
Strategic Contribution
- Contribute to overall business strategy and growth plans
- Identify opportunities to improve performance and drive growth
- Work collaboratively with marketing to engage local customers
Essential Experience
- Proven experience in a senior automotive dealership role (e.g. General Manager, Head of Business, Dealer Principal)
- Strong operational knowledge across Sales and Aftersales
- Demonstrable experience with P&L responsibility and financial management
- Solid understanding of FCA compliance and motor industry regulations
Skills & Attributes
- Highly commercially astute with strong financial acumen
- Excellent leadership and people development skills
- Strong communication and strategic thinking ability
- Customer-focused with a passion for delivering service excellence
- Confident working with data to support decision-making
- Full clean driving licence
What We Offer
- A senior leadership role with real impact and autonomy
- Opportunity to lead a high-performing, multi-franchise operation
- Supportive senior leadership and collaborative environment
Working Environment
- Primarily site-based with daily operational involvement
- Regular travel between sites and attendance at external meetings required
Salary
Competitive salary and benefits package (dependent on experience)
We ask all our colleagues to demonstrate our core values: care, accountability, performance, respect and integrity.
Vospers is a Disability Confident Committed and Youth Friendly Employer.
No terminology in this advert is intended to be deemed discriminatory. We are happy to accept applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or marital status.
Benefits:
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
