Sales Manager

As Sales Manager, you will act as a role model for customer service excellence for the team, always leading by example. You will develop long‑lasting, meaningful relationships with our customers and coach and motivate the team to do so too. You will report into the General Manager, overseeing the day‑to‑day running of the showroom, including vehicle valuations, sales, and the vehicle journey from workshop prep right through to imaging and showroom presentation.

You will work alongside the divisional buyer, dedicated prep technicians, detailers and photography team to deliver marketing standards.

• Managing the full sales process, from web inquiry to phone and showroom interactions.
• Managing staff performance, from structured 1:1 sessions to training and development.
• Implementing department targets and brand KPIs.
• Responsible for buying in vehicles, including up‑to‑date stock pricing.
• Ensuring full FCA compliance within the Sales Department.
• Managing customer satisfaction and driving a customer‑centric culture.

• Prior experience in a similar automotive environment with a proven track record in transactional sales and delivering exceptional customer service.
• Demonstrated experience in leading a highly motivated team and getting the best out of each team member.
• Experience monitoring financial performance against budget and the ability to identify and address any shortfalls promptly.
• Ability to understand finance and insurance product regulations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate a sale.
• Full UK driving licence is essential.

£49,181 per year (estimated) – Permanent, New.
Eastbourne Mercedes‑Benz:
Contract Type:
Permanent, Salary up to £80,000 OTE (basic plus bonus).

Hours:

44 per week – Mon to Fri 9:00am to 6:00pm (one late finish to 7pm and a day off mid‑week), Sat 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sun 11:00am to 3:00pm (rota basis).

• Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the business.
• Generous annual leave that increases with your length of service.
• Enhanced family leave, including 6 months’ full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks’ full pay for paternity leave.
• Access to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible payments.
• Health & Wellbeing:
  • Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needs.
  • Smart Health – 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeing.
  • Dental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatments.
  • Critical illness cover for peace of mind during life's most challenging moments.
• Financial Wellbeing:
  • MyView Pay Now – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user‑friendly app.
  • Free will writing services to help plan for the future.
  • Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protection.
• Leisure & Lifestyle:
  • Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyle.
  • Travel insurance to help you explore with confidence.
  • Access to home and technology vouchers.
  • bYond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts.
• In‑house training access.

We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing 32 manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from over 150 dealerships across the UK and Ireland. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to recognising the valuable contribution each person makes. That’s why we continue to invest in a leading rewards and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, and life outside of work.

We strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities. We have a great bunch of people, and we like to celebrate and encourage success at all levels. Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential.

If your application is successful, we will conduct relevant employment checks prior to you commencing employment with us. These will include verifying your recent employment, address, credit history and a standard criminal record check. For roles that require you to drive, a driving licence check will also be carried out. Please note, all offers of employment are made subject to a 6‑month probation period commencing from your start date.