This is a significant senior leadership opportunity for an accomplished General Manager who is ready to take ownership of a large, complex regional business and lead it into its next phase of performance and growth.

Based in Mount Gambier, the business operates across automotive, heavy vehicle, parts, service and related commercial functions, representing several highly regarded national and international brands. With a proud local history, an established customer base and the support of a successful privately owned Australian group, this is an opportunity to lead a business with real scale, influence and potential.

Reporting to senior group leadership, you will assume full responsibility for the commercial, operational and cultural performance of the business. You will lead an experienced management team, drive profitability and customer outcomes, strengthen operational discipline and build a highly engaged, accountable workforce.

This is not a role for a leader who operates from a distance. Success will require someone who is visible, approachable and deeply involved in the business - equally comfortable reviewing financial performance, coaching, resolving an important customer issue or representing the organisation within the local community.

The opportunity
You will be empowered to run the operation with an owner's mindset while benefiting from the systems, investment capability and senior leadership support of a well-established broader group with an almost 100 year history.

Key responsibilities will include:

- Leading the overall commercial and operational performance of the business
- Driving sustainable revenue, profitability, market share and customer retention
- Developing and supporting department leaders across sales, service, parts and corporate functions
- Building a high-performance culture based on trust,



accountability and clear expectations
- Maintaining robust relationships with major customers, franchise partners and key stakeholders
- Leading business improvement, change and operational transformation initiatives
- Maintaining disciplined financial, inventory, risk and compliance management
- Championing a proactive and uncompromising safety culture
- Ensuring a visible leadership presence across the business and its regional operations

The position carries broad responsibility for operations, profit and loss performance, people leadership, customer outcomes, franchise relationships and long-term business growth.

About you
You will be a commercially astute and resilient senior leader with experience managing a substantial operational business, business unit or regional network.
Experience within automotive dealerships, heavy vehicles or fixed operations would be highly regarded, but it is not essential. We are equally interested in outstanding leaders from aligned sectors such as transport, logistics, industrial services, manufacturing, equipment, fuel, agriculture or other complex, safety-critical environments.

You will bring:

- Proven success in a senior General Management, Dealer Principal, Regional Management or comparable operational leadership role
- Strong commercial acumen and demonstrated accountability for profit and loss performance
- Experience leading a sizeable, multi-functional workforce through other managers




- The confidence to make difficult decisions and hold people accountable
- A practical, hands-on leadership style and the ability to lead from the front
- Strong coaching capability and a track record of developing less-experienced leaders
- Experience managing multiple priorities, stakeholders and operational functions
- A genuine commitment to safety, customer service and continuous improvement
- The resilience and judgement to lead effectively through change and periods of pressure
- The ability to build credibility without imposing change before understanding the business and its people

The successful person will be a visible and authentic leader who builds trust, drives accountability and develops strong relationships with employees, customers and business partners.

A genuine regional leadership opportunity
Mount Gambier offers an attractive regional lifestyle, a strong business community and access to the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria.

This role is likely to appeal to someone who has lived or worked in a regional location before and understands that successful regional leadership extends beyond the workplace. You will need to genuinely embrace the community, build local relationships and view Mount Gambier as a long-term home rather than a short-term career step.

The organisation understands that relocation is a significant decision and will provide practical support, including a negotiable relocation package and assistance during the transition. The role also includes travel across associated regional operations.

How to apply
For a confidential discussion, please apply with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant leadership experience and your motivation for relocating to Mount Gambier.
All applications and enquiries will be treated in strict confidence.

📌 General Manager - Automotive & Heavy Vehicle Operations (Mount Gambier)
🏢 Search + Gro
📍 Mount Gambier