General Manager: Automotive Aftermarket Distribution - …, Johannesburg

General Manager: Automotive Aftermarket Distribution - Johannesburg Reference

1740285446

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

Responsibilities: Commercial and Financial Management

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

Operations and Branch Management

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

Leadership and Team Development

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

Customer and Supplier Engagement

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

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