The general manager oversees every department of a dealership and sets the standard for how it treats customers and staff. It is a demanding job and a rewarding one. Here is what it involves and how people prepare for it.
At a glance
| Role | Oversees all departments and keeps the dealership profitable |
|---|---|
| Education | Typically a high school diploma or GED plus industry experience; some employers prefer a bachelor's degree |
| Useful degrees | Business management, business administration or marketing |
| Typical path | Several years in an entry-level role, then management, then GM |
What the job involves
A general manager runs the day-to-day operation. In one day the GM may work with finance, sales, and parts and service, checking how each serves customers and whether it has enough staff. The GM helps build each team, makes sure people follow company procedures, keeps morale high and gives departments the tools they need.
Customers are part of the job too: planning events that bring people in and stepping in when a shopper has a concern. Behind the scenes the GM manages operating costs and sets sales targets, so financial literacy matters.
Typical duties
- Finding, hiring and onboarding new employees
- Making sure training meets company standards
- Monitoring department managers and how their departments perform
- Tracking financial results and reporting them regularly
- Planning for monthly, quarterly and yearly goals
- Leading management meetings to solve operating problems
- Managing employee pay packages
- Acting as the link between the dealership, the manufacturer and outside parties
- Resolving escalated customer concerns
- Developing and approving marketing such as events and promotions
Skills that matter
- Experience managing one or more teams
- Creating a positive workplace and producing results
- Balancing the needs of different stakeholders
- Planning toward growth and profit goals
- Creative problem solving for complex issues
- Strong written and spoken communication with department heads, customers and vendors
- Managing budgets and financial statements and learning new technology with confidence
How to get there
- Meet the education basics. A high school diploma or GED is the usual minimum. A bachelor's degree in business management, business administration or marketing can help, since the job is so operational.
- Learn the industry. Know the vehicles, follow automotive trends and understand local automotive laws and business regulations.
- Put in the years. Most people spend several years in an entry-level job before moving into management, and then on to GM.
- Take on bigger projects. Volunteering for or proposing projects that span several departments shows you can follow through and bring different people to a common goal.
- Build a leadership record. Candidates with a proven history in leadership roles are usually more competitive.
Is it right for you?
The GM role suits a leader who likes responsibility for the whole picture: people, money and customers. If you enjoy solving problems across departments and want to shape how a dealership runs, start building that record now.
Looking for a job in the car business?
See the open positions at Kendall FL Auto, including management roles, and apply online.