General Manager: Automotive Aftermarket Distribution - Johannesburg
Job Description
Reference
Sector Automotive / Sales / Supply Chain
Location Johannesburg
Job Type full_time
Experience 5 to 8 years
Qualifications No education
Package Negotiable
Description Our client in the automotive aftermarket distribution industry is seeking to employ an experienced and commercially driven General Manager to lead and grow their national business operations based in City Deep, Johannesburg. The successful candidate will take full accountability for profitability, operational performance, branch management, sales growth, and strategic direction across the national business. This role requires a hands on leader with strong commercial acumen, multi site operational management experience, and a proven track record within the automotive aftermarket, wholesale, or distribution sector. An excellent executive career opportunity awaits a high performing leader ready to drive operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Requirements:- Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Commerce, Marketing, or related field
- MBA or postgraduate qualification advantageous
- Minimum 5 years' experience within automotive aftermarket distribution
- Minimum 5 years' senior management experience with direct P&L accountability
- Proven experience managing multi site or multi branch operations
- Strong sales and commercial management background
- Experience leading branch managers and regional teams
- Strong operational, financial, and leadership capability
- Exposure to SAP Business One or similar ERP systems advantageous
- Experience within wholesale or distribution environments advantageous
- Knowledge of automotive air conditioning systems and refrigerant products advantageous
- Existing relationships within the automotive trade or workshop sector advantageous
- Experience using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Copilot for reporting, analysis, or business decision support advantageous
- Valid driver's licence
- Drive revenue growth, GP margins, and overall profitability
- Take full P&L accountability for the national business
- Manage costs, working capital, and cash flow
- Execute sales and commercial growth strategies
- Recover dormant accounts and develop new business opportunities
- Monitor financial performance and implement corrective action where required
- Oversee multi branch operational performance nationally
- Ensure product availability and stock control efficiency
- Improve operational systems, reporting structures, and compliance
- Monitor branch performance and operational efficiencies
- Drive process improvement initiatives across the business
- Ensure adherence to company policies and operational standards
- Develop, coach, and retain branch managers and sales teams
- Build a high performance culture across branches
- Drive accountability and continuous improvement
- Provide leadership and direction across all operational areas
- Communicate effectively across all business levels
- Represent the business nationally with key customers and suppliers
- Maintain and strengthen strategic relationships within the industry
- Support growth within the independent workshop and automotive trade sector
- Drive customer satisfaction and long term client retention
About This Role
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