Business Manager (Automotive)

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Business Manager to join our Singapore subsidiary under the CarTimes Group. The Business Manager is responsible for supporting the Head of Sales in overseeing the dealership's daily operations, driving business performance, and ensuring operational excellence across all functions. As the second-in-command, you will work closely with the Head of Sales to execute business strategies, optimise operations, and develop high-performing teams.

This role requires a commercially minded and hands-on leader who can work effectively across Sales, Finance, Capital, Aftersales, Marketing, and Branch Operations. You will play a critical role in translating business strategies into operational execution while ensuring alignment across the dealership.

Your Day-to-Day

Leadership & Business Operations

• Support the Head of Sales in leading the branch’s daily operations, including Sales, Service, and Administration.

• Act as the Head of Sales' delegate during periods of absence and ensure business continuity.

• Communicate and drive the execution of business initiatives and operational directives across all Branch Managers.

• Foster a high-performance culture that promotes accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Sales Performance Management

• Oversee daily dealership operations to ensure sales targets and operational KPIs are achieved.

• Review and monitor the sales lead funnel, identifying opportunities to improve lead conversion and sales productivity.

• Partner with Branch Managers to monitor sales performance and implement action plans to improve business results.

• Support the development and execution of sales strategies that drive revenue growth and profitability.

• Ensure a consistently high standard of customer experience across all customer touchpoints.

Business Performance & Financial Management

• Prepare and maintain the daily estimated Profit & Loss (P&L) dashboard, ensuring it is completed by the next business day following daily sales closing.

• Analyse business performance and provide operational insights and recommendations to support management decisions.

• Monitor branch profitability, identify improvement opportunities, and support cost optimisation initiatives.

• Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and business planning activities.

Commercial & Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with Authorised Distributors (AD) on vehicle pricing, product updates, and commercial programmes.

• Communicate financing packages, promotional campaigns, and product updates to Sales Consultants and agency partners.

• Work closely with Capital to negotiate competitive financing packages, commission structures, and interest rates that support business growth.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal departments and external business partners.

Workshop & Operational Coordination

• Collaborate with Workshop and Aftersales teams to resolve operational issues and improve workflow efficiency.

• Ensure smooth coordination between departments to deliver an excellent customer experience.

• Oversee inventory management and ensure compliance with all operational, regulatory, and company policies.

• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and productivity.

People Leadership

• Mentor Branch Managers and Sales Leaders to strengthen leadership capabilities and operational effectiveness.

• Support the implementation of performance management and incentive programmes that drive employee engagement and results.

• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Business Development & Dealer Network

• Support the management and growth of dealership accounts by building strong relationships with business partners and key clients.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen client retention, expand dealership partnerships, and improve long-term business performance.

• Contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance dealership profitability and sustainable growth.
  

Your Know-How

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management, Automotive Management, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 5 years of management experience within the automotive, dealership, or retail industry.

• Strong understanding of dealership operations, sales management, financial performance, and customer experience.

• Proven experience in business performance analysis and Profit & Loss (P&L) management.

• Experience preparing management reports, dashboards, and business performance metrics.

• Strong commercial acumen with experience working alongside finance, lending, and business partners.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple stakeholders.

• Excellent leadership, coaching, and people development skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and customer focus.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, reporting tools, and dealership management systems.