Summary
The Sales Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of the New or Used Car Sales Team processes. Sales managers need to be comfortable managing multiple departments and people. Managers are required to maintain the profitability of their department while controlling expenses and maintaining customer satisfaction.
Managers are required to not only understand and keep abreast of the federal, provincial, and local regulations that affect their operations, but must also comply with these regulations. Management personnel require strong communication skills to deal with customers, employees and vendors, as they represent the dealership.
People working within the automotive retail industry often have to work extended hours, evenings and weekends to achieve their goals.
The Details
Develop Strong Relationships with Sales Team and Customers to :
- Creating the annual dealership sales forecasts by estimating total vehicle sales, gross and operating profits as well as expenses for the new-and-used sales departments
- Meeting with sales team to plan and implement objectives for achieving sales and gross profits.
- Hiring and monitoring the performance of the sales team, holding weekly sales meetings and conducting sales training.
- Auditing all appraisals of trade-in vehicles.
- Issuing all demonstration vehicles and ensuring that appropriate dealership records are maintained.
- Attending to customer complaints, ensuring that a high level of customer satisfaction is obtained.
- Overseeing standards for displaying and merchandising both new and used vehicles as well as reviewing and initialing all promotions before they are finalized.
- Coordinating the appropriate supply of new and used vehicles and ordering/acquiring vehicle inventory accordingly.
- Meeting monthly with the dealership’s general manager to review forecasts and profits for each department.
- Working directly with the general manager on making recommendations on both short and long-range advertising plans, sales promotions, staffing needs, lease promotions and compensation plans.
Be detailed oriented
- Listen to and document customer needs or complaints and expectations as required.
- Follows-up with customers in a way that works best for them.
- Ensure all documentation/paperwork is completed in an accurate and timely manner.
- Review and analyze actions regularly to determine how to better utilize time and plan more effectively.
Commit to the Dealership Brand
- Stay up-to-date on all dealership training programs.
- Be able to explain technical features, options and their benefits.
- Be knowledgeable about new features, specials and updates.
- Be a champion for delivering excellent service at all times.
- Actively maintain the cleanliness of personal and team workspaces.
- Maintain a high level of professional appearance at all times.
- Keep up to date with products, accessories, prices and key features of major competitors.
Specific Skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with an upbeat and engaging attitude.
- Excellent verbal communication.
- Excellent customer service skills including listening and the ability to impact and influence others.
- Organized and an attention to detail with the ability to document customer needs.
- Flexible and open to change; take on special tasks as needed.
- Ability to manage customer complaints and to solve difficult problems.
- Results Oriented and Accountable.
- Holds a valid driver’s license.
- Able to operate manual and automatic transmissions.
- Basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office
Education & Experience
- Minimum High School Diploma or Equivalent.
- College certificate or additional courses would be an asset.
- Automotive sales experience is a requirement
- Provincially licensed as recognized by the MVDA (VSA)
- Adaptable to work evening and weekend shifts as scheduled.
