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Auto Dealership General Manager Jobs in California

Cardinale Auto Group

General Manager

Marina, CA · On-site

Come work for a progressive auto group! We are a nationally recognized, multi-franchise dealership organization looking for an experienced Automotive General Manager that can lead through vision and ...

Go Auto

General Manager (Los Angeles)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$300K - $600K/yr

General Manager Los Angeles, California The best dealerships have one thing in common: great ... Go Auto is one of North America's largest automotive groups, with more than 70 dealerships across ...

Go Auto

General Manager (Los Angeles)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$300K - $600K/yr

Go Auto is one of North America's largest automotive groups, with more than 70 dealerships across ... We believe great General Managers build great dealerships. If you have a track record of building ...

Go Auto

General Manager (Los Angeles)

Los Angeles, CA

$300K - $600K/yr

Go Auto is one of North America's largest automotive groups, with more than 70 dealerships across ... We believe great General Managers build great dealerships. If you have a track record of building ...

Go Auto

General Manager (Los Angeles)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$300K - $600K/yr

Go Auto is one of North America's largest automotive groups, with more than 70 dealerships across ... We believe great General Managers build great dealerships. If you have a track record of building ...

Cardinale Group

General Manager

Marina, CA · On-site

Come work for a progressive auto group! We are a nationally recognized, multi-franchise dealership organization looking for an experienced Automotive General Manager that can lead through vision and ...

Cardinale Auto Group

General Manager

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

We are currently seeking an experienced and results-driven General Manager to lead our dealership ... Automotive dealership management experience * Shown success in auto retail sales * Confirmed ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAuto Dealership General JobsAuto Dealership General Manager JobsAuto Dealership General Manager Jobs in California

Auto Dealership General Manager information

See California salary details

$34.5K

$84.4K

$183.6K

How much do auto dealership general manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for auto dealership general manager in California is $84,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $93,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an auto dealership general manager do?

An Auto Dealership General Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a car dealership, ensuring profitability and customer satisfaction. They are responsible for managing sales, finance, and service departments, setting goals, and developing business strategies. The General Manager also recruits and supervises staff, handles budgeting, and ensures compliance with industry regulations. Their leadership directly impacts the dealership’s reputation and success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an auto dealership general manager?

To thrive as an Auto Dealership General Manager, you need strong leadership, sales management, financial acumen, and a background in automotive operations, often supported by a bachelor's degree and significant industry experience. Proficiency with dealership management systems (DMS), CRM platforms, and inventory management tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and motivational skills help foster team performance and customer satisfaction. These capabilities are crucial for driving dealership profitability, maintaining operational efficiency, and ensuring sustained business growth.

What are some common challenges faced by auto dealership general managers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Auto Dealership General Managers often face challenges such as meeting sales targets, managing inventory levels, and ensuring high customer satisfaction. Balancing the needs of various departments—sales, service, and finance—requires strong leadership and communication skills. Effective managers focus on team development, utilize data-driven decision-making, and foster a culture of accountability to overcome these challenges. Regularly reviewing performance metrics and staying adaptable to market trends are key to long-term success in this role.

What is the difference between Auto Dealership General Manager vs Auto Sales Manager?

AspectAuto Dealership General ManagerAuto Sales Manager
Primary FocusOversees entire dealership operations, including sales, service, and administrationManages the sales team and sales processes specifically
Required CredentialsExperience in dealership management, often a general business backgroundExperience in auto sales, often with sales certifications
Work EnvironmentDealership leadership, overseeing multiple departmentsSales floor, managing sales staff and customer interactions
Industry UsageUsed across all dealership types for overall managementFocused on sales department performance

The Auto Dealership General Manager has a broader role, overseeing all dealership operations, while the Auto Sales Manager concentrates specifically on sales team management and sales targets. Both roles require automotive industry experience, but the General Manager's responsibilities are more comprehensive, making it a higher-level leadership position within the dealership.

What cities in California are hiring for Auto Dealership General Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Auto Dealership General Manager job openings:

Auto Dealership General Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Auto Dealership General Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,380 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Auto Dealership Office Manager

Automotive Career Professionals

Fremont, CA • On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Automotive Dealership Office Manager

Are you an automotive accounting professional who values accuracy, enjoys a steady routine, and loves being the go-to person in a close-knit office?

AutoCareerPro is conducting a search for an experienced, hands-on Dealership Office Manager for a stable franchise dealership.

Because this is a more focused environment, you won't be managing a massive corporate team. Instead, we need a true operational backbone with the ability and desire to handle all phases of dealership accounting personally and administration. If you enjoy having complete ownership of your workspace without the chaotic rush of a mega-store, this is the perfect fit.


Key Responsibilities

  • Full-Cycle Accounting: Personally manage daily accounting operations, including financial statement preparation, month-end closing, and general ledger reconciliation.

  • Deal Packaging & Titles: Accurately process and review all deal jackets, titling, and registration paperwork.

  • Cash Flow & HR: Manage accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, manufacturer incentives, and basic HR/onboarding functions.

  • Compliance: Ensure complete adherence to federal, state, and local regulations as well as corporate policies.

What We Are Looking For

  • Proven Automotive Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a dealership business office (Office Manager or a strong Assistant Office Manager ready to step up).

  • Complete Administrative Capability: Comfort with managing the entire back-office workflow solo or with minimal administrative support.

  • Tech Savvy: Strong proficiency with major dealership management systems (DMS) like Reynolds & Reynolds, CDK, or Dealertrack.

  • Reliable & Grounded: A proactive problem-solver who enjoys building stable routines and working closely with the General Manager.


What’s in it for You?

  • A Manageable Pace: A steady environment where you can actually focus on quality and accuracy.

  • Competitive Compensation: Robust salary based on experience, plus benefits.

  • Great Culture: A tight-knit, collaborative team environment where your impact is recognized and valued every day.

How to Apply

If you are a detail-oriented professional ready to take ownership of a smaller franchise office, let's talk.

All inquiries held in confidence

Our client is an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.



RequirementsWhat We Are Looking For

  • Proven Automotive Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a dealership business office (Office Manager or a strong Assistant Office Manager ready to step up).

  • Complete Administrative Capability: Comfort with managing the entire back-office workflow solo or with minimal administrative support.

  • Tech Savvy: Strong proficiency with major dealership management systems (DMS) like Reynolds & Reynolds, CDK, or Dealertrack.

  • Reliable & Grounded: A proactive problem-solver who enjoys building stable routines and working closely with the General Manager.