The General Manager/Buyer is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, profitability, and day-to-day operations of the dealership. This position provides strategic and operational direction across Sales, Finance, Service, Parts, and administrative functions while developing a strong leadership team and maintaining John Jones Auto Group standards.
Duties & ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Dealership Operations- Provide overall leadership and direction for dealership operations.
- Lead, coach, and hold department managers accountable for performance and results.
- Establish clear expectations, goals, and performance standards for each department.
- Maintain a visible leadership presence throughout the dealership.
- Promote a positive, professional, team-oriented workplace culture.
- Identify operational challenges and implement solutions to improve dealership performance.
- Ensure consistent communication between departments and dealership leadership.
Financial & Business Performance- Take ownership of the dealership's overall financial performance and profitability.
- Monitor sales, gross profit, expenses, inventory, productivity, and departmental performance.
- Review financial statements, forecasts, budgets, and key performance indicators.
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve margins, control expenses, and strengthen overall profitability.
- Work with department managers to develop and execute plans when performance falls below expectations.
- Monitor market conditions, competitive activity, inventory trends, and business opportunities.
Sales & Customer Experience- Provide leadership and accountability for new and used vehicle sales performance.
- Monitor sales volume, gross profit, closing ratios, inventory, aging, and other key sales metrics.
- Ensure managers and employees provide a consistent, professional customer experience.
- Address escalated customer concerns and work toward appropriate resolutions.
- Maintain manufacturer customer satisfaction and performance standards.
Fixed Operations- Partner with Service and Parts leadership to improve customer retention, productivity, profitability, and overall performance.
- Monitor key fixed operations metrics, including labor performance, technician productivity, parts performance, customer satisfaction, and departmental profitability.
- Promote communication and cooperation between Sales, Service, Parts, and other dealership departments.
Vehicle Buying & Inventory ManagementManage the dealership's overall vehicle acquisition strategy.
Purchase vehicles through auctions, trade-ins, private-party transactions, dealer networks, and other approved sources.
Evaluate vehicles based on condition, market demand, mileage, equipment, history, location, and expected retail value.
Analyze market data, competitive pricing, days supply, and current inventory to make informed purchasing decisions.
Establish appropriate acquisition costs to support dealership gross-profit objectives.
Maintain a balanced inventory that reflects current customer demand and market trends.
Monitor inventory aging and take appropriate action on vehicles that are not performing.
Work closely with the sales and service departments to evaluate potential purchases and reconditioning requirements.
Negotiate purchase prices and terms while protecting the dealership's financial interests.
Ensure acquired vehicles are properly documented and processed according to company policies and applicable regulations.
Continuously identify new and improved sources for quality inventory.
Qualifications- Previous automotive dealership management experience strongly preferred.
- Proven leadership experience with responsibility for business operations and financial results.
- Strong understanding of automotive Sales, Finance, Service, Parts, and dealership operations.
- Demonstrated ability to lead managers and build high-performing teams.
- Strong financial and analytical skills with the ability to understand dealership financial statements and KPIs.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to establish expectations and hold employees and managers accountable.
- Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced dealership environment.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
