About the Role

Our client in Witbank, seeks to appoint a dynamic, strategic, and highly experienced Dealer Principal (DP) to lead the full dealership operation. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving profitability, operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and compliance with Ford South Africa’s operating standards.

We are looking for a seasoned automotive professional with a strong commercial mindset, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to deliver sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and oversee all dealership departments: New & Used Vehicle Sales, Service, Parts, F&I, After‑Sales & Administration.
  
• Ensure smooth daily operations, process excellence, and strong interdepartmental collaboration.
  
• Enforce compliance with Ford SA operational requirements, audits, and reporting standards.
  

Financial & Commercial Management

• Full dealership P&L responsibility, budgeting, forecasting, and expense control.
  
• Drive profitability through stock management, margin optimisation, and strategic decision-making.
  
• Analyse financial performance and implement action plans to meet OEM and group targets.
  

People Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and motivate department managers and staff.
  
• Build a high‑performance culture with accountability and continuous training.
  
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and staff development.
  

Customer Experience & Brand Reputation

• Ensure world‑class customer satisfaction across all divisions.
  
• Resolve escalated customer concerns professionally and timeously.
  
• Maintain Ford brand standards in showroom, service bay, and dealership presentation.
  

Strategic Growth

• Implement innovative sales and after‑sales strategies to grow market share in the Witbank region.
  
• Build strong relationships with Ford South Africa, fleet clients, suppliers, and community stakeholders.
  
• Identify opportunities for business expansion, partnerships, and new revenue channels.
  

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• 5–7 years senior management experience in a franchised automotive dealership.
  
• Proven success managing a full dealership operation (preferably Ford).
  
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience managing full P&L.
  
• Excellent leadership, communication, staff management, and negotiation skills.
  
• Deep understanding of dealership operations, OEM compliance, and customer‑service excellence.
  
• Valid South African driver’s license and proficiency in dealership management systems.
  

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are a confident and strategic automotive leader who:

• Thrives in challenging market environments
  
• Drives results through people, process, and performance discipline
  
• Has a customer‑obsessed mindset
  
• Enjoys building strong relationships with staff, clients, OEM partners, and stakeholders
  
• Can inspire teams while maintaining operational and financial excellence