General Sales Manager / Variable Ops Director

Sunset Ford St. Louis • St Louis, MO

17d • Onsite

About The Position

Sunset Ford, a cornerstone of the St. Louis automotive landscape since 1912, is seeking a visionary, high-performing General Sales Manager (GSM)/Variable Ops Director to lead its Variable Operations. This role is for a strategic operator focused on coaching, data-driven inventory management, and achieving gross and volume targets. The GSM will oversee the New and Pre-Owned Sales Departments, as well as the F&I team, ensuring synchronized operations. The position requires executing a comprehensive sales plan to meet aggressive monthly volume and gross profit targets while maintaining high CSI scores. It also involves driving profitability through expert management of inventory turn, aging, and cost-to-market, including specialized Sunset Performance (Roush/Shelby) units. The role includes leading, mentoring, and developing Sales Managers, F&I Managers, and Consultants, and working closely with the desk and F&I departments to ensure clean deal structures and a seamless 'desk-to-delivery' flow. Utilizing advanced CRM and market data tools to capture St. Louis market share and optimize digital lead conversion is also a key aspect.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive automotive management experience (GSM or high-volume Sales Manager) with a proven history of hitting 'the big numbers'.
• Deep familiarity with the Ford brand, Ford Credit, and manufacturer incentive programs is highly preferred.
• Understanding of the 'math' of the car business, particularly variable operations — inventory turns, days supply in dollars & units, variable expenses, recon time to market, PVR, frozen capital, and cost-to-market.
• Ability to lead by example, celebrate wins, and support the team during challenging deals.
• Operate with 100% transparency and integrity.
• Willingness to submit to a pre-employment background check.
• Possession of a clean and valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Deep familiarity with the Ford brand, Ford Credit, and manufacturer incentive programs.

Responsibilities

• Execute a comprehensive sales plan to hit aggressive monthly volume and gross profit targets while maintaining elite CSI scores.
• Drive profitability through expert management of inventory turn, aging, and cost-to-market.
• Oversee the acquisition, appraisal, and merchandising strategies for a diverse inventory, including high-demand F-150s, Broncos, and specialized Sunset Performance (Roush/Shelby) units.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Sales Managers, F&I Managers, and Consultants.
• Work closely with the desk and F&I department to ensure clean deal structures, maximized PVR, and seamless 'desk-to-delivery' flow.
• Utilize advanced CRM and market data tools to capture St. Louis market share and optimize digital lead conversion rates.

Benefits

• Industry-leading pay plan featuring a strong base salary plus performance-based overrides and bonuses.
• Premium healthcare, dental, vision.
• 401(k) with match.
• Demo vehicle allowance.
• Lifetime Warranty on new vehicles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed