General Manager/Buyer

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 & Responsibilities

Leadership & 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 Management

• Manage 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.