Chief Executive Officer

The business is a motor retail business in the automotive sector with vehicle dealerships in Victoria and New South Wales. The Group employs almost 700 people nationally and represents 27 OEM brands across 47 locations.
Purpose of the Role
The company is looking for a leader who can implement an organic growth strategy for the existing motor retail network and develop a five-year diversification strategy to expand the business across the automotive value chain. The CEO will lead the organisation, implement the board-approved strategy, build a resilient business model that navigates the cyclical nature of the automotive industry and capitalise on opportunities as they arise.
The successful candidate will be rewarded with a permanent, full-time position and a great opportunity to work in a results-oriented, professional environment where they will be responsible for the company's continued success.
Key Deliverables

• Develop the businesses 5-year strategy, ensuring alignment with short-term and long-term objectives of the Board.
• Implement, monitor progress, and seek Board approval for any changes to the approved strategy.
• Develop the company's culture and overall vision aligned to the strategy.
• Leading, motivating and developing subordinates to advance employee engagement and develop a high-performing team.
• Make high-quality investing decisions to advance the business and increase profits.
• Work with the chief financial officer to prepare the organisation's annual budgets, analyse the risk of its investments, and advise the board of directors on the risk and return of the investments.
• Overseeing business performance and customer experience quality throughout the company by setting goals for each department in collaboration with the departmental head.
• Maintain a deep knowledge of the company's markets and industry.
• Manage and mitigate organizational risk through appropriate risk assessments, controls, and insurance.
• Ensure that the appropriate levels of corporate governance and compliance with all laws and regulations permeate throughout the organisation and that the appropriate internal controls are maintained and reviewed.

Key Selection Criteria

• A proven track record within the Australian Automotive market.
• Ability to create, communicate and secure Board approval to implement the new 5-year strategy.
• Leadership skills to build and lead senior management teams and to manage internal and external conflicts.
• Ability to build consensus and relationships among executives, partners, and the workforce.
• Analytical abilities and problem-solving skills.
• Buy/Sell experience from negotiating deals through to their implementation and absorption into the group
• The ability to use judgment to make decisions.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and performance management principles.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate governance and general management best practices.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with outstanding organisational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Proven negotiation skills.

Requirements and Preferred Qualifications:
1. Honours or master's degree in business or related professional qualification.
2. Experience in leading automotive companies as a CEO or MD: minimum ten years.
3. A proven track record in leading teams and achieving results in:

• Motor dealer group retail: minimum five years.
• Parts import and distribution, either aftermarket or OEM, via own and franchise network: minimum five years.

4. In-depth understanding of accounting principles, including budgeting, balance sheets, income statements, cash flow, and capital planning management.