Group Operations Director

Sandown Group is entering an exciting phase of growth and evolution, expanding our multi‑site footprint and introducing new brands as we strengthen our position in a rapidly changing automotive market and we are now seeking a Group Operations Director to help lead the next stage of our development and drive enhanced operational performance across our sales and aftersales network.

The Group Operations Director is responsible for directing multi-franchise and non-franchise sales and aftersales operations across multiple sites, driving consistent growth in profitability and will help lead the next stage of our development. This pivotal role requires a highly capable automotive operator with the credibility, experience, and leadership strength to run a complex, multi‑brand, multi‑site organisation - someone with the determination and operational expertise to support profitable growth and maximise the significant opportunities ahead.

The role leads the end-to-end operational strategy - driving profitability, improving processes, elevating service quality, and ensuring the group consistently delivers a market-leading customer experience across all Sandown sites. The role is focused on maximising profitability through high performance and the unlocking of group multi-brand synergies and efficiencies. This position combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight across a geographically dispersed group of sites.

Main Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for the performance of all Sandown sites and group sales and aftersales functions.

• Review all sales and aftersales operational processes and controls to identify areas for improvement and implement required changes to maximise operational performance and effectiveness within Sandown’s multi-brand environment.

• Review all cost structures and business process to identify areas for costs efficiencies and implement required changes to access these benefits.

• Set and deliver annual operating plans, KPIs, and performance targets for each site across all brands.

• Ensure consistent delivery of group standards, Franchise requirements, and regulatory compliance.

• Drive continuous improvement across workshop efficiency, sales throughput, utilisation, and productivity.

Requirements

• Proven experience as an Operations Director within the UK automotive retail industry.

• Demonstrated success managing multi‑site and multi‑brand dealership operations.

• Strong P&L ownership and commercial capability.

• Deep understanding of sales, aftersales and Franchise standards.

• A track record of leading senior teams and driving performance.

• Experience delivering operational change and process improvement.

• A structured, hands-on approach and commitment to consistent standards.