Chief Operating Officer (COO Automotive)

Chief Operating Officer (COO)Automotive Retail | Executive Leadership Opportunity

A progressive automotive retail dealer group is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to lead the next phase of its growth and transformation.

This opportunity is suited to a visionary executive who challenges conventional thinking, drives innovation, and delivers measurable commercial results. We are looking for a leader who can identify new opportunities, improve operational performance, and redefine best practice within the automotive retail environment.

If your approach is simply to replicate what has worked elsewhere, this role is unlikely to be the right fit. We are looking for someone who can introduce fresh thinking, inspire high-performing teams, and drive meaningful, sustainable change.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 10 years' senior leadership experience within automotive retail.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in an executive operational leadership role within a multi-franchise automotive retail dealer group (e.g. COO, Operations Director, Group Operations Executive, Executive General Manager or equivalent).
• Automotive retail experience is non-negotiable.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business Management, Commerce, Finance or a related field.
• MBA or postgraduate business qualification will be advantageous.
• Demonstrated success leading multi-site dealership operations.
• Proven track record of delivering operational improvements, sustainable business growth, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the group's operational strategy.
• Drive innovation and identify new opportunities to improve business performance and customer experience.
• Lead operational excellence initiatives across all dealerships.
• Partner with Dealer Principals to improve profitability, accountability, and operational performance.
• Drive revenue growth while improving efficiencies and reducing operational costs.
• Monitor financial performance, budgets, forecasts, and key performance indicators.
• Build strong relationships with OEM partners and ensure franchise standards and performance expectations are consistently achieved.
• Lead organisational change and transformation initiatives.
• Develop high-performing leadership teams through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Report operational performance and strategic initiatives to the executive leadership team and Board.

Technical Competencies

• Strategic business leadership.
• Multi-site operational management.
• Financial and commercial acumen with full P&L accountability.
• Operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Business transformation and innovation.
• Change management.
• OEM relationship management.
• Dealer performance optimisation.
• KPI development and performance management.
• Corporate governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Executive stakeholder engagement.
• Data-driven decision-making.

The Ideal Executive

• Commercially astute with a proven ability to deliver sustainable growth.
• Innovative thinker who challenges traditional operating models.
• Passionate about improving customer experience and operational performance.
• Confident leading organisational change within complex environments.
• Inspirational leader with the ability to influence executive teams and Dealer Principals alike.
• Decisive, resilient, and results-driven.
• Committed to building a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Excellent executive remuneration package on offer.

Only candidates with substantial executive leadership experience within automotive retail will be considered.