District Sales Manager #4

At Kia, we’re creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and feel passionate and connected to your work every day.

About the role

This role provides dealership consulting and support to improve the sales customer experience and Dealership profitability. The District Sales Manager is responsible for overseeing the successful retail performance of their Dealers, as well as achieving company wholesale objectives. The DSM will ensure Dealers are adhering to KUS sales and marketing policies, procedures, and operating standards. The role supports Dealer advertising and marketing to ensure adequate market share and penetration, and provides training and product knowledge to Dealers’ sales personnel to maximize sales and customer experience. The DSM ensures Dealers portray a consistent, high-quality image in the marketplace, properly utilizing Kia Dealership identification, point-of-sale materials, and Kia vehicle inventory. The DSM is also responsible for ensuring Dealerships are sufficiently capitalized and maintain adequate floorplan lines of credit to meet KUS’s operating standards. Dealership visits are an essential function of this role.

Responsibilities

• 1st Priority (35%) – Achievement of Retail and Wholesale objectives (allocation of Kia vehicles) monthly and annually.
• 2nd Priority (35%) – Manages and directs all District Sales activities in accordance with KUS corporate standards and corporate/regional programs, policies, and procedures. Consults with dealers to develop and implement action plans that will improve profitability, performance, and sales satisfaction of customers.
• 3rd Priority (10%) – Consult with dealers to ensure adequate market representation and market share.
• 4th Priority (10%) – Ensure dealers maintain adequate Kia presence and represent the brand appropriately in the marketplace, including effective showroom display, vehicle inventory, point-of-sale display, product and customer experience training, online and in-store advertising, and marketing.
• 5th Priority (10%) – Recommend and consult with dealers to ensure corrective actions are taken when dealers fail to meet sales, financial, and customer experience targets.

Personally Performed Duties

• Manage wholesale vehicle inventory to maintain balanced dealer stock levels based on market trends, industry forecasts, dealer sales performance, and current inventory.
• Monitor dealer customer experience performance to ensure adherence to KUS standards, survey integrity, and incentive program compliance.
• Analyze and evaluate dealership retail operations, including PDI and vehicle delivery processes, to ensure optimal vehicle condition and customer satisfaction.
• Establish annual sales, financial, and customer experience plans with dealers; track and review performance results.
• Review and support dealer participation in fleet sales programs; monitor related activities and results.
• Address Customer Care issues tied to the sales/delivery process and assist dealers in resolving concerns promptly.
• Conduct ongoing dealership sales training to ensure personnel maintain strong product and incentive program knowledge.
• Monitor dealer training certification and competency to ensure quality customer service and product expertise.
• Advise dealer principals on media spend, advertising plans, and market registration performance.
• Develop and implement retail sales promotions based on market opportunities.
• Support dealer development initiatives and review monthly dealership financial performance to ensure profitability and achievement of targets.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of dealership financial statements to KUS.
• Ensure all dealerships meet KUS Facility and Identification Program Standards for consistent brand representation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 2 years of OEM/Automotive retail and wholesale experience.
• Business consulting experience.
• Parts and Service experience helpful.
• Understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and cost management.
• Ability to develop a business case and deliver to dealership management teams.
• Ability to lead district-level meetings and deliver meaningful communications.
• Retail dealership experience is a plus.
• Frequent domestic travel is required (and may be international). Daily, weekly, and monthly dealer visits are required and an essential function of this position.
• Frequent travel may include but is not limited to monthly, quarterly, and/or annual visits to Regional Offices or Headquarters as required by the job.
• May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job, including weekends or holidays.
• Ability to relocate to a new location if requested by the company.
• Must always have a valid Driver’s License and maintain a responsible record that meets the criteria established by KUS at all times.
• Required to drive a company vehicle while performing job duties.

Skills

• Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organization skills and must be highly adaptable.
• Computer skills/aptitude in a Windows-based environment.

Competencies

• Care for People
• Chase Excellence Every Day
• Dare to Push Boundaries
• Empower People to Act
• Move Further Together

Pay

Pay Range: $89,936.24 - $121,409.23. Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
• 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral.
• Paid time off.
• Company lease and purchase programs.
• Company-wide holiday shutdown.
• Paid volunteer hours.
• Premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.