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Dealership General Manager Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

The primary role of the General Manager will be to work in tandem with the District Manager to ... when dealing with difficult situations Ongoing learner; exhibits insatiable curiosity and an ...

... top-performing dealer groups. What We Offer * Health, Dental, and Vision offered after 90 days ... Partner with General Manager plan and run vehicle inventory. * Assist in running controllable ...

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Dealership General Manager information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$53.6K

$142.5K

$230.7K

How much do dealership general manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealership general manager in Santa Rosa, CA is $142,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $210,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dealership general manager?

A Dealership General Manager is the executive responsible for overseeing all operations of an automotive dealership. This includes managing sales, service, finance, and administrative departments to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction. They set business goals, develop strategies, supervise staff, and maintain relationships with manufacturers and customers. The general manager also monitors performance metrics and ensures that the dealership complies with industry regulations and company policies.

What does a dealership general manager do?

Dealership general managers (GMs) oversee the operations of all the various departments within the dealership. The most common type of dealership is an automotive dealership, but other examples include those that sell RVs, boats or other outdoor vehicles, and large equipment. As a dealership general manager, you set sales goals for the sales team, create and manage the company budget, and approve contracts made in the financing department. You manage inventory, oversee vehicle acquisitions operations, and develop strategies to increase sales and profits at the dealership. General managers also hire and train new employees and establish employee compensation and benefits.

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

To thrive as a Dealership General Manager, you need strong leadership, sales management, and business acumen, often supported by a degree in business or related field and significant automotive industry experience. Familiarity with dealership management systems (DMS), CRM software, and financial analysis tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills help foster a productive environment and drive customer satisfaction. These competencies are crucial for maximizing profitability, maintaining operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term dealership success.

What are some common challenges a dealership general manager faces in balancing sales performance and customer satisfaction?

A Dealership General Manager often navigates the challenge of driving strong sales numbers while also ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. This requires setting clear performance targets, fostering a customer-centric culture among staff, and quickly addressing any service issues that arise. Balancing these priorities involves close collaboration with sales, service, and finance teams to align goals and maintain positive customer relationships, which ultimately supports long-term business growth. Proactive communication and ongoing staff training are key strategies used to mitigate these challenges.

What is the difference between Dealership General Manager vs Service Manager?

AspectDealership General ManagerService Manager
Primary FocusOverall dealership operations, sales, and profitabilityService department operations, customer satisfaction, and technician management
Required CredentialsExperience in automotive sales, management, and often a dealership-specific certificationTechnical knowledge, automotive service certifications, and management experience in service
Work EnvironmentDealerships, overseeing sales, finance, and service departmentsService department, working closely with technicians and service advisors
Industry UsageCommonly used in automotive dealerships for top management rolesUsed within service departments to manage daily operations

The Dealership General Manager oversees the entire dealership, including sales and finance, while the Service Manager focuses specifically on the service department's operations and customer satisfaction. Both roles require automotive industry experience but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Dealership General Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Dealership General Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Dealership General Manager jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Dealership General Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Dealership General Manager job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,497 per year, or $68.5 per hour.

General Manager (Santa Rosa)

Holt Automotive Staffing

Santa Rosa, CA โ€ข On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Vision

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Holt Automotive Staffing provided pay range

This range is provided by Holt Automotive Staffing. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience โ€” talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$150,000.00/yr - $180,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from Holt Automotive Staffing

Automotive General Manager โ€“ New and Used Cars & Trucks

California | Car Dealer Group

Full-Time | Competitive Salary + Performance Bonus

Are you a driven, hands-on automotive leader ready to take full ownership of dealership operations? Our well-established, family-oriented dealer group in California is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead one of our new and used car and truck locations.

This store has a solid reputation, a dedicated team of 12 skilled technicians, and a loyal customer base. We're looking for a strategic thinker who can motivate staff, drive performance, and deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.

What Youโ€™ll Be Doing:

  • Oversee day-to-day dealership operations, including sales, service, and reconditioning.
  • Lead and inspire a team of sales professionals, service advisors, and technicians.
  • Manage inventory, pricing, and gross margins across used vehicle stock.
  • Set and monitor KPIs across departments to achieve volume, profit, and customer service goals.
  • Foster a strong workplace culture of accountability, teamwork, and high performance.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal policies.

What Weโ€™re Looking For:

  • Proven experience as a General Manager or GSM in the automotive industry.
  • Strong understanding of used car and truck operations (retail, reconditioning, F&I, etc.).
  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
  • Track record of hitting and exceeding performance targets.
  • Knowledge of dealership management systems (DMS/CRM) and reporting tools.
  • Hands-on, adaptable, and confident in decision-making.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive base salary + performance-based bonuses.
  • Supportive ownership with a long-term growth vision.
  • A team of 12 experienced technicians and excellent service capacity.
  • The opportunity to make a real impact in a small but growing group.
Seniority level
  • Seniority levelMid-Senior level
Employment type
  • Employment typeFull-time
Job function
  • Job functionManagement
  • IndustriesRetail Motor Vehicles

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