Dealer Principal

3 months ago


Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand Automotive Employment NZ Ltd Full time

Job reference

  • Career growth potential
  • Generous salary, 5 day work week, and profit sharing incentives
  • Farm machinery, heavy diesel, automotive backgrounds considered

The role
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Dealer Principal.

You will be responsible for the overall management and success of the dealership including sales, service, parts, and finance operations.

You will be responsible for developing and executing a strategic plan to achieve business objectives and drive growth within the business.


The location


Nestled on the banks of the Mataura River, the Gore district is a vibrant multi-cultural rural community with a population of just over 12,000.

With its close proximity to lakes, mountains, forests, rivers, and the sea, Gore is the ideal place to live, work and play.


The employer

Power Farming Holdings Ltd (PFG) is an independent and privately-owned group of companies with a 3-generation history serving the New Zealand, Australian, and US tractor and machinery markets since 1948.


PFG operates as three main trading groups: PFG New Zealand, PFG Australia, and PFG America in wholesale and retail distribution.

The range of brands and equipment includes tractors, cultivation machinery, feed mixers, seeding and grass machinery, crop management, telehandlers, and construction equipment along with a range of other equipment.

These 3 trading operations generate an annual turnover of approximately $350 million and employ around 380 people.


In NZ the company owns, either in whole or in partnership with a local operator, an extensive nationwide network of 19 dealerships.

The recently acquired Whakatane dealership, operating since 1970, is widely respected in the Whakatane PMA and provides a sound foundation for growth.


The company represents the following brands:
Deutz Fahr, Kverneland, Merlo, Kioti, JCB Construction Equipment, McHale, Kramp, Fliegl, Maschio Gaspardo, Jaylor, and Polaris.

More about the role

Accountable for managing/leading day to day operational and commercial aspects of a retail branch, your key responsibility is to maintain and grow market share while increasing profitability without compromising quality, service, or safety.


  • A sample of duties is included:_
  • Ensure all departments follow best practice to maximise efficiencies including administration, facilities, customer service, HR, profitability, safety, and quality
  • Accountable for branch financials and maintain a profitable retail operation
  • Achieve all sales and financial/operational targets
  • Control overheads and achieve inventory targets
  • Drive continuous improvements across all areas of the branch
  • Manage budgets and allocated funds
  • Assess staff training requirements and play a key role in recruitment activities
  • Lead and support staff engagement and build a proactive and productive working culture
  • Meet all KPIs associated with the position and drive the business forward
  • Managing a medium sized team of 10
  • Personally contributing to sales of equipment alongside the team lead from the front

Skills sought
A motor industry leadership background is sought, ideally in the rural sector.

Leadership backgrounds in the agriculture, heavy equipment, forestry, heavy transport, or automotive sectors are all of consideration, so too are those who are self-employed with rural backgrounds.


  • Passion for the agricultural industry and a commitment to customer satisfaction
  • Previous branch/dealership management experience or self employed
  • Confident leadership and decision making skills to positively lead sales and aftersales functions
  • Clear communication skills across all levels, including at branch and national level
  • Excellent organisational skills that foster internal collaboration
  • Strong commercial acumen and the ability to lead from the front/by example
  • Evidence of a motivated, drivetosucceed approach and the reasoning skills to do so
  • Decency

The challenge and rewards

Holding this position will allow you to live a relaxed lifestyle but still maintain a professional and challenging role, offering career growth.

The planned growth of the dealership requires strategic planning and the energy and ability to drive the business forward. Strong performance is rewarded with an attractive base salary and profit-sharing incentives.

The ability to grow your career will be reflective of your capabilities. The role is largely a 5-day week, with company vehicle and other attractive benefits.

**How to apply