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Head of Business/ Dealer Principal / General Manager at Anonymous

Crafting an article exploring the possibility of car dealer groups hiring a temporary Head of Business or Dealer Principal when their own managers are absent could shed light on a crucial aspect of the industry. This move could be instrumental in maintaining operations and ensuring continuity during such transitional periods. Addressing the potential benefits, challenges, and implications of this recruitment strategy could provide valuable insights for both industry professionals and stakeholders alike. Through interviews with experts and stakeholders in the automotive sector, the article could offer a well-rounded perspective on the viability and effectiveness of such a temporary leadership solution. By delving into the nuances of this approach, the article could help stakeholders make informed decisions regarding their management practices in times of managerial absence. Please can you share your thoughts on this strategy & do you feel dealer groups will see the value in taking on highly experienced & knowledgeable senior managers to look after their dealerships for the short to medium term. Please share this post as I would like to receive the opinion of a variety of senior leaders in the retail sector.

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Martin Phillips

Helping the motor trade clients fill their vacancies with quality candidates whilst creating professional relationships

2mo

If the business does not have someone in senior management that can step in at a moments notice I don’t think it’s a very good business model. Also dealer groups usually have other showroom close by so surely there could be cover that way, maybe 3 days a week in the business for reassurance. In this climate I can’t see businesses spending more money on absent managers rather than utilising their current teams

Sarjit Rana

Automotive / Retail Industry Expert with over 25 Years Management Experiences in Operational Roles.

3mo

Some dealer groups do have temporary General Managers / Project General Managers, but for those that don’t, I think this would be a very good resource. If you think about the amount of disruption that not having a leader in the dealership causes, the bad habbits that form, the amount of good habits & processes that fall by the wayside that then take ages to put back into place & not to mention the thousands of pounds of lost revenue this causes… Surely it would cost less in the long run to get someone in.

Tony Trueman

Opened New MG site in Coventry

3mo

Without a General Manager in any business can be very difficult and no consistency, the team feel they are lacking support on a daily basis and the business effectively can be rudderless. Given the idea of having a temporary General Manager waiting in the wing can be a great move also a temporary sales manager and Business Manager, this is currently offered by some 3rd party companies and works well with little or no disruption. I believe it’s a no brainer having this cover who understands how the business and company operates and keeps the business going. When the new General Manager starts it would also be a great opportunity to do a hand over maybe 5-10 days which would give the new starter a great start. Just a thought maybe I’m right maybe I’m wrong but given that most businesses run poorly with no senior leadership standards will slip !!!

Dan Dobinson

Contract Hire Manager | Hyundai & Genesis UK

3mo

At the very least either the New Car or Used Car Manager should have the skill to deputise for the DP in terms of absence whatever the reason. When I worked in hospitality, one of the roles I had was "Relief Manager" which required me for any length of time to go and manage sites due to no General Manager being in place, and the Assistant Manager not having the skill. It could be a great developmental management training programme if anything else

Neil Preece

Experienced senior leader at Mon Motors Gloucester Skoda - passionate about delivering a great customer experience, in addition to developing, coaching and mentoring my team to realise their full potential.

2mo

Valid point! But if the dealer group have other dealerships close by or a head of brand, then this can be seen as a short-term solution. Any business worth their salt should have a succession plan with either the sm or asm being groomed for the top role whether at that dealership or somewhere else in group. I am sure there are places where this could be a useful resource though 👏

Steven Taylor

Vehicle Technician at Startin Honda

2mo

Why not train someone up lower down to cover and eventually take over? Give more people an opportunity to progress.

Carl Thorne

All your Van 🚐 purchasing solutions covered - backed by a motor trade powerhouse 💪🏽

2mo

You never see a DP at the weekend, so everyone just assumes responsibility out of professionalism.

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Tony Trueman

Opened New MG site in Coventry

3mo

I agree!

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Amol Salunkhe ~ The Sniper Recruiter 👁️🗨️

ZOHO Authorized Partner | The Sniper Recruiter | ZOHO CRM Integrator | Business Operations Automation Expert | Consultant

3mo

exciting topic! your article would definitely offer valuable insights into a strategic approach for car dealer groups. 🚗 Anonymous Question

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