Regional Dealer Support & Sales Manager (Automotive Commercial/Truck Industry)

Our client is seeking an experienced automotive professional with a strong background in the commercial and truck industry to oversee and elevate the regional dealer network. In this operational and strategic role, you will act as the crucial link between Head Office and the dealer network, driving 100% vehicle sales targets, optimizing dealership operations, and ensuring brand standards are upheld across all branches.

Key Responsibilities:

Dealer Support & Strategic Growth

• Regional Visits: Visit dealers within your region a minimum of four times per year, providing comprehensive feedback reports that evaluate branding and highlight areas of concern for immediate resolution.
• Business Planning: Partner with dealers to develop and implement measurable business plans, following up monthly and quarterly on agreed action plans.
• Problem Solving: Utilize the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle to help dealers resolve business challenges, working closely with Head Office to implement effective countermeasures.
• Key Account Management: Accompany branch and dealer staff on scheduled visits to assist in securing and retaining major key accounts.
• Marketing Collaboration: Work alongside the internal marketing team to roll out successful marketing initiatives at the dealer level, driving brand awareness and leveraging sales.

Sales Targets & Financial Control

• Target Achievement: Actively assist dealers and branches in achieving 100% of their vehicle sales targets.
• Financial Compliance: Ensure dealer debtors' books are strictly controlled and independent dealer vehicle stock aligns with floorplan and parameters. Ensure all customer-invoiced vehicles are settled within 48 hours.
• Asset Management: Strictly control the usage of approved Loan and Demo units within the region, ensuring adherence to timeline parameters, avoiding overdue usage, and reporting on return assessments.
• Budget Management: Plan and control operational travel and vehicle budgets, ensuring adherence to fuel budgets and optimizing dealer visit cycles to prevent unnecessary ad hoc travel.

Training, Development & Leadership

• Policy Expertise: Act as the internal specialist on company policies and procedures to swiftly advise both sales and after-sales dealership staff.
• Upskilling Dealerships: Monitor the uptake of company-offered training and assist Dealer Principals (DPs) in creating robust training plans to build high-performing teams.
• Team Leadership: Monitor and positively influence staff morale across branches, maintaining a high-quality work ethic and clear communication. Mentor internal staff to ensure effective backup succession plans are in place.
• Market Intelligence: Participate in industry forums to stay apprised of market needs and share insights internally to optimize sales within specialized segments.

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent tertiary sales qualification.
• Proven experience specifically within the Commercial / Truck Industry is mandatory.
• A valid Code 8 driver's license and your own vehicle.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.