General Manager

General Manager
Location: Gloucester
Salary: Up to £60,000 Basic Salary | OTE Up to £70,000
Hours: Monday to Friday | 08:30 – 18:00
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced and driven General Manager to lead a successful automotive operation.
This is a key leadership position responsible for the overall performance, profitability and success of the site. While a strong background in automotive aftersales is essential, this role extends beyond service and requires oversight of parts, sales and wider operational functions, ensuring all departments work together to deliver an exceptional customer experience.
You will be a visible and hands-on leader who can inspire teams, drive performance and create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
If you thrive in a fast-paced automotive environment and enjoy developing people, improving operational performance and delivering outstanding results, we'd love to hear from you.
General Manager - Key Responsibilities
As General Manager, you will:
• Lead and motivate teams across service, parts and sales functions to achieve business objectives and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Take full responsibility for site performance, profitability and operational success.
• Ensure compliance with all manufacturer standards, company procedures and statutory regulations.
• Manage departmental costs and budgets while maximising efficiency and productivity.
• Oversee workshop planning, resource allocation and operational performance.
• Work collaboratively with department managers to create a joined-up and customer-focused approach across the site.
• Monitor and drive KPI performance through strong leadership and effective performance management.
• Coach, mentor and develop employees, apprentices and future leaders.
• Conduct appraisals, regular one-to-ones and personal development reviews to support employee growth.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Analyse business performance, identify opportunities for improvement and implement targeted action plans.
• Ensure all Health & Safety policies, procedures and risk management requirements are met.
General Manager - About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
• Significant automotive industry experience, ideally within an Aftersales leadership position.
• Strong operational and commercial awareness, with experience managing workshop performance and business operations.
• A proven track record of leading, developing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Strong understanding of customer satisfaction, market trends and business development opportunities.
• A visible, hands-on leadership style with the ability to influence and engage others.
• A commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• A flexible and adaptable approach to leadership.
• Confidence using business systems and technology.
General Manager - Benefits
• Basic salary up to £60,000 with OTE up to £70,000
• 23 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Additional birthday leave
• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme and 24-hour GP access
• Internal mentorship programme
• Ongoing manufacturer and in-house training
• Career progression opportunities
• Recognition and reward programmes
• Long service awards and enhanced annual leave after five years' service
• Opportunity to join an award-winning business recognised as a Great Place to Work and Employer of the Year.
Additional Information
Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check prior to employment.
Applications are welcomed from experienced candidates who may not meet every requirement listed. If you have the right experience, attitude and leadership capability, we'd love to start a conversation.
Forward Assist Recruitment is operating as an employment agency. Forward Assist Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities employer; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds