Sales Manager

About us: We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing 32 manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from over 150 dealerships across the UK and Ireland.
We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to recognising the valuable contribution each person makes. That’s why we continue to invest in a leading rewards and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, and life outside of work.
Sales Manager – Kia Silverlink
New Dealership Launch | Join the Leadership Team
Location: Kia Silverlink, Newcastle upon Tyne
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £45k- £55k DOE plus bonus package
Hours: 44 Hours - Mon to Fri 9.00am to 6.00pm (one late finish to 7pm and a day off midweek), Sat 9.00am to 5.00pm and Sunday 11.00am to 3.00pm (rota basis)
A rare and exciting opportunity has become available at our brand-new Kia Silverlink dealership as a Sales Manager. With the site due to open in February, this is a unique chance to join the launch team and play a key role in establishing one of Kia's newest retailers from the ground up.
As Sales Manager, you will act as a role model for customer service excellence, leading by example while developing long-lasting relationships with customers and coaching your team to do the same. During the early stages of the dealership launch, you'll need to be hands-on, adaptable and prepared to support all aspects of the sales operation as the business establishes itself. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
You will oversee the day-to-day running of the showroom, managing vehicle enquiries from web, telephone and walk-in customers, whilst ensuring stock presentation, vehicle preparation and customer handovers are delivered to the highest standards. Working alongside the General Manager and wider leadership team, you'll help build the foundations for long-term success at Kia Silverlink.
Responsibilities
Managing the full sales process from enquiry through to vehicle handover
Recruiting, coaching and developing a high-performing sales team
Supporting the successful launch and growth of a brand-new Kia dealership
Driving department performance against manufacturer and business KPI's
Managing staff performance through structured 1-2-1s, coaching and development plans
Ensuring all FCA and compliance standards are maintained within the Sales Department
Managing vehicle stock, pricing and profitability to maximise commercial performance
Working closely with the General Manager to establish processes, standards and best practices across the operation
Delivering exceptional customer satisfaction and maintaining Kia's brand standards
Supporting weekend trading activities and taking a hands-on approach during the dealership's start-up phase
What You'll Bring
Previous experience as a Sales Manager, Business Manager or Transaction Manager within a franchised automotive environment
A proven track record of delivering exceptional sales performance and customer satisfaction
Experience leading, motivating and developing successful sales teams
Strong commercial awareness with the ability to drive profitability and volume performance
Excellent understanding of FCA compliance and finance & insurance regulations
A hands-on leadership style and willingness to support the wider business as it grows
Strong communication, coaching and relationship-building skills
The drive and resilience to thrive within a fast-paced start-up dealership environment
A full UK driving licence
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something new, helping to launch and establish Kia Silverlink as a destination retailer within the region. If you're excited by the challenge of building a successful sales operation from day one and want to make a real impact on a growing business, we'd love to hear from you.
If your skills and experience match what we are looking for, please apply today and a member of the Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch.
Core Benefits:
Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the business
Generous annual leave that increases with your length of service
Enhanced family leave, including 6 months’ full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks’ full pay for paternity leave
Access to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible payments
Health & Wellbeing:
Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needs
Smart Health – 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeing
Dental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatments
Optional critical illness cover for peace of mind during life's most challenging moments
Financial Wellbeing:
MyView PayNow – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user-friendly app
Free will writing services to help plan for the future
Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protection
Leisure & Lifestyle:
Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyle
Travel insurance to help you explore with confidence
Access to home and technology vouchers
bYond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts
We strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities. We have a great bunch of people, and we like to celebrate and encourage success at all levels.
Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential.
If your application is successful, we will conduct relevant employment checks prior to you commencing employment with us. These will include verifying your recent employment, address, credit history and a standard criminal record check. For roles that require you to drive, a