General Manager - FastFit and Accessories - Al Futtaim Auto Centres

Job description / Role

Automotive
Al-Futtaim is regarded as a pioneer in the region's automotive industry. The company imported the first consignment of Toyota vehicles to the UAE and established Al-Futtaim Motors in 1955.

Al-Futtaim represents 44 automotive brands across 16 countries and encompasses every aspect of the business:
* Passenger and commercial vehicles sales
* Manufacturing agricultural vehicles
* Construction equipment sales and service
* Used car sales
* Rental and leasing

Al-Futtaim Auto Centres
Al Futtaim Auto Center (ALAC) is part of the Al Futtaim's Automotive Division. ALAC has six divisions comprising of Body Centers Toyota & Lexus within UAE, Fast Repair, Customs & Classics, Auto Equip, Tyre Zone and Fastfit. ALAC offers end to end solutions in aftersales for both business to business & retail customers.

Requirements

We are looking to recruit an experienced General Manager to oversee the FastFit and Accessories divisions of Al Futtaim Auto Centres (ALAC).The General Manager is in charge of strategic planning, directing and coordinating business operations of divisions. They are a key player in maintaining the smooth and efficient operations of the business and responsible for the achievement of division's business objectives.

The main responsibilities of the role are:

Operations:
Primary objective is to ensure that all divisions run profitably in all aspects of operations and as per company policy. Ensure that operational standards of ALAC in dealing with vendors and suppliers are well executed to meet the needs of the company and to have excellent relationship at all times. To promote the company's image with Principals, Suppliers and Vendors. Maintain a professional relationship with direct reports to execute the objectives of the business effectively.

Planning and Budgeting:
To coordinate with Divisional Heads in the planning of annual budgets and thereby to ensure the achievement of annual budget and profit targets set for the divisions. To ensure goals set by the business are properly communicated to the direct reports and to their teams. Periodical changes in the goals must be addressed to direct reports by developing strategic plans for achieving all company goals. The General Manager must establish an evaluative process for evaluating progress toward the goal. This process will include the team and individual progress and performance reviews.

Finance:
Responsible to liaise with Business Unit Finance Manager in assisting with accounting and financial areas with the creation of the divisions' annual budget. Implement controls over spending and procurement to ensure adherence to the company budget. To review the budget often and complete variance reports for any unusual or unexpected expenses. Monitor all operation expenses to be in line with budget. Maintain day to day control on divisional expenses to minimize company's overall expenses.

Business Processes / Policies and Procedures:
To implement the Company's policies and procedures effectively. Ensure that direct reports implement and support the policies with their staff. It is the General Manager's responsibility to ensure the policies and procedures evolve with the company, updating them as necessary. Must also be able to interpret the policies and procedures to cover any gray or unclear areas that might present themselves during the company's operations.

Human Resources:
To ensure staff motivation is at the highest level by coaching, motivating, training and rewarding. To identify the performance gaps and thereby provide required management and technical training to enhance skill. Implement sound incentive schemes which would motivate staff to achieve business objectives. Implement growth policy to retain talented individuals in the Company. Work closely with HR team to accomplish Group's Emiratization programmes as per Group policy.

New Projects:
Constantly monitor the market outlook to look out for new ventures/projects to increase profitability of the business.
Ensure that new locations are carefully planned to set up and timely execution adhering to company standards as well as customer standards and satisfaction level.

Procurement Planning and Inventory Management:
To monitor parts movement and stock level, to plan future orders and keep inventory within budgeted levels. To organize sales campaigns, promotions to achieve timely liquidation of old stock. To negotiate best deals with principals, vendors to attribute to inventory management this would benefit the company.We are looking to recruit an experienced General Manager to oversee our FastFit and Accessories division within Al Futtaim Auto Centres (ALAC). The General Manager will be in charge of strategic planning, directing and coordinating all business operations of the divisions. They are a key player in maintaining the smooth and efficient operations of the business and responsible for the achievement of the business objectives of the divisions.

Systems and Procedures:
To ensure that SAP and Ariba systems and procedures used within the operations are used properly by all concerned efficiently to maximize the return on investment and to ensure that every opportunity is taken to measure operational efficiency. Work closely with EIT/CPD management team to execute new systems and processes in accordance with Group policy.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications, experience and skills:

Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge:
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in a related field of study
Diploma or Degree Holder in Business Courses

Minimum Experience:
Minimum of five years management experience in similar job

Job-Specific Skills:
Strong Leadership, strategic planner, target oriented, Mentoring and Follow-up Skill, Motivation for Sales, Sales Planning, Sales Mix and Product Mix expert, Meeting Sales Goals, Excellent Negotiator, Pricing expert, Prospecting Skills, Territory Management, Presentation Skills, Professionalism, Excellent Writing and Communication Skills, Market Research Experience and Strong Business Acumen

Behavioural Competencies:
Oral Communication and Presentation, Integrity, Analytical, Customer Oriented, People Skills, Team Work, Planning & Organizing, Initiative, Perseverance, Assertiveness, Problem Solving and Decision Making.

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.