What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Manager position at Krause Auto Group?
Position Summary
The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, profitability, growth, and operational success of Hyundai of Charleston and Genesis of Charleston. This role is accountable for achieving financial performance targets, meeting or exceeding OEM sales objectives, delivering exceptional customer satisfaction, and building a high-performance culture across both stores.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic and hands-on leader who can successfully balance the demands of luxury brand execution and high-volume retail operations, while developing strong teams and driving continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Required
The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, profitability, growth, and operational success of Hyundai of Charleston and Genesis of Charleston. This role is accountable for achieving financial performance targets, meeting or exceeding OEM sales objectives, delivering exceptional customer satisfaction, and building a high-performance culture across both stores.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic and hands-on leader who can successfully balance the demands of luxury brand execution and high-volume retail operations, while developing strong teams and driving continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Direct and oversee all dealership operations to ensure maximum efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction across both Hyundai and Genesis
- Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve sales, service, parts, and profitability goals
- Implement scalable processes and best practices to support continued growth across both stores
- Ensure strict adherence to Hyundai and Genesis OEM standards, image requirements, and operational expectations
- Champion a customer-first culture with a focus on CSI, online reputation, retention, and long-term loyalty
- Manage and resolve escalated customer concerns swiftly and professionally
- Build strong relationships with OEM partners, lenders, vendors, and the local community
- Recruit, hire, train, and develop a high-performing leadership team
- Create a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous development
- Establish clear KPIs and conduct regular performance reviews with department leaders
- Lead structured management meetings focused on data-driven performance and execution
- Develop future leaders within the organization and strengthen bench depth
- Maintain strong employee engagement and retention initiatives
- Ensure proper staffing levels across all departments to support growth and customer experience goals
- Own full P&L responsibility for both dealerships and drive overall profitability
- Analyze financial statements, forecast performance, and execute plans to achieve targets
- Identify opportunities to improve gross, reduce expenses, and increase operational efficiency
- Optimize inventory management, pricing strategy, aging, and turn rates
- Partner with the Controller to ensure accurate reporting, expense control, and compliance
- Deliver timely and accurate financial reporting to ownership
- Drive disciplined expense management while investing strategically in growth opportunities
- Drive performance across Sales, F&I, Service, and Parts departments
- Ensure consistent execution of sales processes, CRM discipline, and follow-up accountability
- Support strong new and used vehicle strategy, including acquisition, merchandising, and pricing
- Execute modern brand-focused marketing strategies, including:
- Digital lead generation and conversion
- Reputation management and Google review growth
- Service retention and lifecycle marketing
- Brand awareness and local market engagement
- Maintain a top-tier CSI culture across all departments
- Monitor and improve customer satisfaction, retention, and online brand presence
- Support community involvement and local brand-building initiatives in the Charleston market
- Maintain full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
- Ensure adherence to Hyundai and Genesis standards, policies, and audit requirements
- Oversee safe, ethical, and compliant dealership operations
- Minimize financial, operational, and legal risks through strong process management and accountability
Required
- Proven experience as a General Sales Manager or higher in an automotive dealership
- Demonstrated success driving profitability and operational performance
- Strong financial acumen, including deep understanding of dealership financial statements and KPIs
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams
- Strong understanding of inventory management, pricing strategy, and market dynamics
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
- Proficiency in DMS and CRM systems
- Valid driver’s license
- Prior experience with Hyundai, Genesis, or other import/luxury dealership operations
- Experience managing multiple brands or rooftops
- CDK DMS experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field
- Prior full P&L General Manager responsibility
- Join a growing automotive group with a long-term investment strategy
- Lead two exciting and growing brands in a highly desirable Charleston market
- Operate out of brand-new, stand-alone facilities completed in 2025
- Oversee a unique combination of luxury and volume
- Benefit from a strong market position, including significant Hyundai market advantage
- Work in a collaborative, performance-driven culture committed to excellence
- Receive ongoing leadership support, development, and training investment
- Opportunity for continued career growth and advancement within the organization
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and personal time
- Employee vehicle purchase program
- Leadership development and training investment