District Sales Manager

Kia America

$98K — $133K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • Minimum 2 years of OEM/Automotive retail and wholesale experience
  • Business consulting experience necessary
  • Understanding of financial statements and budgeting
  • Strong presentation, negotiation, and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Achieve retail and wholesale objectives for assigned dealers
  • Manage and direct district sales activities according to company standards
  • Consult with dealers to enhance profitability and customer satisfaction
  • Ensure adequate market representation and adherence to brand standards
  • Conduct dealership visits and assessments for performance evaluation

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Company vehicle provision for job duties
  • Relocation support for required transfers
Full Job Description
Status

Exempt

General Summary

This role provides Dealership consulting and support to enhance the sales customer experience and improve overall Dealership profitability. The District Sales Manager (DSM) is responsible for overseeing the retail performance of their assigned Dealers and achieving company wholesale objectives. The DSM also ensures that Dealers adhere to KUS sales and marketing policies, procedures, and operating standards. Additionally, the DSM supports Dealer advertising and marketing efforts to help maintain adequate market share and penetration. The role includes supporting Dealer sales personnel training and product knowledge to maximize sales effectiveness and elevate the customer experience. The DSM ensures that Dealers consistently present a high-quality brand image in the marketplace by properly utilizing and displaying Kia Dealership identification, point-of-sale materials, and Kia vehicle inventory. The DSM is also responsible for confirming that Dealerships are sufficiently capitalized, maintain adequate floorplan lines of credit to meet KUS operating standards, and remain in compliance with all KUS policies. Regular Dealership visits are an essential function of this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1st Priority - 35%

Achievement of Retail and Wholesale objectives (allocation of Kia vehicles) monthly and annually.

2nd Priority - 35%

Manages and directs all District Sales activities in accordance with KUS corporate standards and corporate/regional programs, as well as policies and procedures. Consults with dealers to develop and implement action plans that will improve profitability, performance, and sales satisfaction of customers.

3rd Priority - 10%

Consult dealers to ensure adequate market representation and market share.

4th Priority - 10%

Ensure dealers maintain adequate Kia presence and represent the brand appropriately in the marketplace, including effective showroom display, vehicle inventory, point-of-sale display, product, and customer experience training, online and instore advertising and marketing.

5th Priority - 10%

Recommend and consult with dealers to ensure corrective actions are taken when dealers fail to meet sales, financial, and customer experience targets.

Personally Performed Duties

  • Manage wholesale vehicle inventory to maintain balanced dealer stock levels based on market trends, industry forecasts, dealer sales performance, and current inventory.
  • Monitor dealer customer experience performance to ensure adherence to KUS standards, survey integrity, and incentive program compliance.
  • Analyze and evaluate dealership retail operations, including PDI and vehicle delivery processes, to ensure optimal vehicle condition and customer satisfaction.
  • Establish annual sales, financial, and customer experience plans with dealers; track and review performance results.
  • Review and support dealer participation in fleet sales programs; monitor related activities and results.
  • Address Customer Care issues tied to the sales/delivery process and assist dealers in resolving concerns promptly.
  • Conduct ongoing dealership sales training to ensure personnel maintain strong product and incentive program knowledge.
  • Monitor dealer training certification and competency to ensure quality customer service and product expertise.
  • Advise dealer principals on media spend, advertising plans, and market registration performance.
  • Develop and implement retail sales promotions based on market opportunities.
  • Support dealer development initiatives and review monthly dealership financial performance to ensure profitability and achievement of targets.
  • Ensure timely and accurate submission of dealership financial statements to KUS.
  • Ensure all dealerships meet KUS Facility and Identification Program Standards for consistent brand representation.


Qualifications/Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Job Requirement

Overall Related Experience
  • Minimum 2 years of OEM/Automotive retail and wholesale experience.
  • Business consulting experience.
  • Parts and Service experience helpful.

Directly Related Experience
  • Understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and cost management.
  • Ability to develop a business case and deliver to dealership management teams.
  • Ability to lead district-level meetings and deliver meaningful communications.
  • Retail dealership experience is a plus.

Position Requirements
  • Frequent travel is required domestically (and may be internationally)
  • Daily, weekly, and monthly dealer visits are required and an essential function of this position.
  • Frequent travel may include but is not limited to monthly, quarterly, and/or annual visits to Regional Offices or Headquarters as required by the job.
  • May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job, including weekends or holidays.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Ability to relocate to a new location if requested by the company.
  • Must always have a valid Driver's License and maintain a responsible record that meets the criteria established by KUS at all times.
  • Required to drive a company vehicle while performing job duties.


Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required

  • Strong presentation and negotiation skills are a must
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong organization skills are required and must be highly adaptable
  • Computer skills/aptitude in a Window-based environment

Competencies
  • Care for People
  • Chase Excellence Every Day
  • Dare to Push Boundaries
  • Empower People to Act
  • Move Further Together


Pay Range

$98,895.32 - $133,393

Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.

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