James Keenan
Paignton
Summary
Results-driven Sales Executive with expertise in EV sales and digital strategies that boost customer experience and conversion rates. Former DS Expert recognised for premium product demonstrations and showroom enhancement. Strong background in sales leadership, coaching, and commercial control, ensuring margin protection and financial compliance. Aiming to utilise automotive sales experience to foster growth and customer satisfaction.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Executive
Yeomans Citroën
Torquay
08.2020 - Current
- Owned the full sales cycle and consistently exceeded targets through disciplined pipeline management.
- Led EV sales activity, educating buyers on charging, range, ownership costs, and real-world usage, converting sceptical buyers through tailored solutions.
- Designed digital listing strategies and led showroom initiatives that improved lead quality and conversion.
- Co-developed and implemented ready-to-retail plan, standardising presentation and handovers to enhance customer satisfaction and drive commercial returns.
- Trained colleagues on listing quality, enquiry handling, and handover scripts, improving team capability and consistency in customer interactions.
DS Expert
Yeomans DS Automobiles
Exeter
03.2019 - 08.2020
- Coached colleagues to enhance premium customer engagement and demonstration techniques, improving overall customer satisfaction.
- Delivered premium product demonstrations and converted event leads (Devon County Show) into high-value sales.
- Supported local marketing and upheld brand standards to create a more appealing showroom experience, attracting more visitors.
Sales Specialist & Vehicle Buying Specialist
Evans Halshaw
Exeter
11.2017 - 11.2018
- Achieved 25+ units per month through consultative selling and proactive prospecting.
- Trained peers in negotiation tactics and part-exchange protection to improve team effectiveness.
- Conducted appraisals to enhance stock expansion and safeguard profit margins.
Education
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma - Public Services
Public Services
Paignton, TOB01-2013
Leadership & Management - GSCE
King Edward VI Community College
Totnes, DEV05-2026
Skills
- Sales Process & Commercial Control
- Digital & Remote Sales
- Enquiry management coaching
- AutoTrader optimisation
- Vehicle sales coaching
- Finance compliance
- Conversion
- Margin KPIs
- Performance analysis
- Reporting
- Customer experience
- Coaching on enquiry management
- Lead conversion strategies
- Recovery coaching
- Handover quality
- Standardised handover
- Delivery processes
- Behavioural sales linkage
- Commercial & KPI Focus
- Performance analytics
- Virtual sessions
Accomplishments
- EV capability: Sold multiple EVs and coached colleagues to improve EV confidence and conversion.
- Process standardisation: Implemented ready-to-retail standards that improved presentation, handovers and upsell take-rates.
- Coaching impact: Delivered structured coaching that improved conversion, repeat business and review scores.
- Event performance: Converted event leads into high-value sales and used event environments for practical coaching and demonstrations.
Additional information
Full UK Driving Licence, Immediate availability, Flexible travel across the region, Strong local networks across Devon
Timeline
Sales Executive
Yeomans Citroën
08.2020 - Current
DS Expert
Yeomans DS Automobiles
03.2019 - 08.2020
Sales Specialist & Vehicle Buying Specialist
Evans Halshaw
11.2017 - 11.2018
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma - Public Services
Public Services
Leadership & Management - GSCE
King Edward VI Community College