Head of Business

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from Pembrook Resourcing

Role

• Head of Business – Department: Dealership Operations
• Reports To: Group Operations Director / Managing Director

Role Purpose

The Head of Business has full responsibility for the overall performance, profitability, compliance, and leadership of a franchised motor dealership. The role is accountable for driving sales and aftersales results, delivering exceptional customer experience, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing high-performing management teams in line with manufacturer and group standards.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Leadership & Management
• Lead and inspire all dealership departments including Sales, Aftersales, Parts, Service, Bodyshop, and Administration
• Set clear objectives and hold department heads accountable for performance
• Create a positive, compliant, and high-performance culture
• Full P&L responsibility for the dealership
• Deliver budgeted profit, volume, and margin targets
• Control costs and identify opportunities for growth and efficiency
• Analyse and act upon key performance indicators across all departments
• Oversee new and used vehicle sales performance, stock management, and pricing strategy
• Ensure strong FCA compliance, finance penetration, and adherence to Consumer Duty
• Maintain manufacturer standards for sales processes and reporting
• Drive aftersales profitability through productivity, retention, and quality control
• Ensure service, parts, and bodyshop departments operate efficiently and profitably
• Monitor technician utilisation, training compliance, and workshop performance
• Customer Experience
• Ensure consistently high levels of customer satisfaction and CSI performance
• Handle escalated customer complaints and ensure timely resolution
• Embed customer-first culture across all departments
• Compliance & Governance
• Ensure compliance with FCA regulations, employment law, health & safety, and manufacturer requirements
• Prepare for and manage manufacturer audits and performance reviews
• Maintain robust governance, reporting, and risk management controls
• People Development
• Recruit, develop, and retain senior management and key talent
• Conduct performance reviews, succession planning, and training development
• Ensure all mandatory training and certifications are maintained
• Manufacturer & Stakeholder Management
• Act as the primary point of contact for manufacturer partners
• Build strong relationships with group leadership, suppliers, and external partners

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience as a Head of Business, General Manager, or Dealer Principal within the motor trade
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with P&L responsibility
• In-depth knowledge of FCA regulations and dealership compliance
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
• Experience operating within franchised manufacturer standards

Personal Attributes

• Results-driven and commercially focused
• Strong leadership presence and credibility
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Customer-focused with a professional approach

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Staffing and Recruiting

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