SALES MANAGER Location: Southampton, Hampshire Salary: £40,000 - £65,000 OTE + Basic Salary + Company Car + Benefits OVERVIEW An established automotive retailer is seeking an experienced and driven Sales Manager to lead a high-performing sales team in Southampton. This is a key leadership role within a busy franchised dealership environment, responsible for delivering strong used and new vehicle performance, maximising profitability, and ensuring an exceptional customer experience throughout the sales process. The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who can motivate, develop and manage a sales team while maintaining strong commercial control of the department. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead, motivate and manage the sales team to achieve and exceed targets. • Oversee daily sales operations, ensuring smooth and efficient showroom performance. • Drive new and used vehicle sales performance and profitability. • Manage stock profiles, pricing strategies and vehicle presentation standards. • Maximise finance, insurance and value-added product penetration. • Monitor and analyse sales performance, KPIs and conversion rates. • Conduct deal reviews and support the sales team in closing opportunities. • Recruit, train and develop sales executives to improve team capability. • Ensure compliance with FCA regulations and dealership processes. • Work closely with senior management to achieve departmental objectives. • Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and brand reputation. CANDIDATE PROFILE • Proven experience as a Sales Manager, Assistant Sales Manager or Senior Sales Controller within a franchised dealership. • Strong leadership and coaching abilities with a track record of developing high-performing teams. • Commercially focused with strong understanding of used car operations and stock management. • Excellent communication and negotiation skills. • Ability to analyse data and drive performance improvements. • FCA compliance knowledge essential. • Full UK Driving Licence. DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE • Experience managing both new and used vehicle operations. • Strong manufacturer relationship experience. • Proven success in improving departmental profitability and efficiency. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS • Vehicle sales volume and profitability. • Used car stock turn and margin performance. • Finance and insurance penetration. • Customer satisfaction scores. • Conversion rates and enquiry management. • Team performance and retention. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Strong leader and motivator. • Commercially driven. • Hands-on and proactive. • Results-focused. • Confident and influential communicator. • High standards and attention to detail. • Customer-focused with a professional approach