Experienced General Sales Manager – Ford

Parks Motor Group of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Parks Ford of Gainesville is seeking an experienced, high-performing General Sales Manager to lead our Ford sales operation. This is not a developmental role. We are looking for a proven automotive leader who understands how to build a disciplined, accountable, and profitable sales department. The right candidate will know how to grow volume without sacrificing gross, manage inventory aggressively, develop sales managers and salespeople, and create a culture where expectations are clear and performance is measured daily. Our dealership has significant resources, strong market potential, and an ownership group committed to growth. We need a GSM who can take control of the operation, establish structure, and consistently execute at a high level.

Requirements

Minimum of five years of successful automotive sales management experience
Previous experience as a General Sales Manager or General Manager
Proven record of increasing sales volume, gross profit, market share, and sales effectiveness
Strong understanding of new and used vehicle inventory management
Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, develop, and retain a high-performing sales team
Experience managing internet leads, phone opportunities, CRM processes, and BDC performance
Strong desking, deal-structuring, forecasting, and financial statement skills
Ability to analyze departmental KPIs and convert data into action
Working knowledge of dealership compliance requirements and manufacturer programs
Professional appearance, strong communication skills, and a high level of personal accountability
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record

Nice To Haves

Ford experience is strongly preferred
Experience with Dealertrack, vAuto, AutomotiveMastermind, and similar dealership technology is a plus
You have successfully led a high-volume franchised dealership sales department
You know your sales effectiveness, closing ratios, gross trends, aging, turn rate, lead performance, and salesperson productivity without having to ask someone else
You believe training should happen every day
You are comfortable holding talented people accountable
You can balance volume, gross, customer experience, compliance, and long-term team development
You are competitive, disciplined, process-driven, and emotionally mature
You want the authority and resources to build a winning department
You are looking for a long-term opportunity

Responsibilities

Leading the daily operations of the Ford new and pre-owned sales departments
Driving new, used, and Lincoln sales volume, market share, gross profit, and overall sales effectiveness
Developing and holding sales managers, internet managers, BDC representatives, and sales consultants accountable
Conducting effective daily save-a-deal, inventory, training, and performance meetings
Establishing clear activity standards and inspecting performance throughout the day
Improving CRM usage, lead response, appointment-setting, show rates, and closing percentages
Managing the sales process from initial customer contact through delivery and follow-up
Monitoring pricing, merchandising, aging, turn rate, and inventory acquisition
Reducing aged inventory and improving overall inventory profitability
Partnering with the used car director to maintain the right inventory mix
Ensuring every salesperson receives consistent classroom, process, product, CRM, phone, and objection-handling training
Managing OEM training, certification, and Ford program compliance
Recruiting, onboarding, coaching, and retaining high-quality sales professionals
Working closely with finance, service, parts, marketing, accounting, and executive leadership
Reviewing departmental financial performance and taking immediate corrective action when results fall below expectations
Creating a customer experience that produces repeat business, referrals, and strong online reviews