NICHOLAS MURPHY
St Albans,Hertfordshire
Summary
Experienced automotive professional with 8+ years in leadership roles, transitioning from sales executive to general manager within prominent dealer groups. Expertise in driving sales and aftersales operations, leading to increased profitability and effective management team development. Consistently attained high customer satisfaction and commercial performance metrics, ranking in the upper quartile across various brands. Currently managing a multi-franchise operation with 43 colleagues, achieving a successful turnaround and enhancing colleague engagement to over 85%. Driven professional with leadership and strategic planning skills, coupled with strong background in team management and operational efficiency. Skilled at fostering team collaboration and implementing process improvements. Focused on driving growth and achieving organisational success.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work history
General Manager
Vertu Vauxhall & Citroen Northampton
Northampton
2024.05 - Current
- Overseeing the comprehensive performance of a multi-franchise operation with 43 colleagues across Sales, Aftersales, and Parts departments.
- Ensuring accountability for profitability, customer satisfaction, staff development, and adherence to OEM standards.
- Successfully steered the business from a loss-making position back to profitability through a strategic turnaround.
- Enhanced operating profit by over £250,000 year-on-year.
- Assembled and nurtured a new leadership team, stabilising overall business performance.
- Elevated colleague engagement, achieving Great Place to Work performance scores above 85%.
- Mentor and coach for internal talent, facilitating progression into management development program and then into a Sales Manger role
General Sales Manager
Volkswagen Aylesbury
Aylesbury
2022.07 - 2024.04
- Directed a sales team comprising 8 Sales Executives and 2 Managers.
- Generated 20% revenue growth within the initial year of leadership.
- Attained upper-quartile performance in customer satisfaction metrics.
- Established achievable sales targets, motivating the team towards success.
- Monitored sales performance regularly to identify areas of improvement.
- Propelled year-on-year growth across both New and Used vehicle sales divisions.
- Contributed to Aylesbury receiving recognition from Volkswagen as most improved retailer on Scorecard in 2023, finishing in the top 20.
General Sales Manager
Volvo Cars North London
North London
2021.04 - 2022.07
- Achieved 440% of the annual sales budget.
- Secured the No.1 ranking among Volvo retailers for year-on-year profitability enhancement.
- Decreased departmental operating expenses by 20%.
- Reviewed sales reports diligently, enabling data-driven decision making.
- Assisted Volvo Cars UK in upholding franchise standards and operational compliance.
MINI Brand Manager
Sytner Chigwell
Chigwell
2019.08 - 2021.04
- Generated over £500,000 in net retail profit from New and Used vehicle operations.
- Recorded a landmark 824 retail vehicle sales.
- Coached junior team members, fostering a results-driven work environment.
- Responded to customer feedback with effective solutions, improving customer experience.
Sales Consultant & Business Manager
Barons BMW & MINI
2016.01 - 2019.06
Sales Executive
Lancaster Volkswagen
2010.01 - 2016.01
Operator Maintainer Tactical Systems
Royal Navy Submarine Service
Plymouth
2001.01 - 2009.06
Education
BSc - Automotive Management
Loughborough University
Skills
- Full P & L Accountability
- Relationship building
- Mentor & Coach
- Customer relationship management
- Continuous improvement training
- Microsoft Office
- Sales strategy
- Network performance management
- Franchised retailer operations
- Result-Driven approach
- Professional training delivery
- Armed forces in business award finalist
Certification
- Advanced Leadership Training
- Strategic Business Management Certification
- FCA Compliance Certification
- Certified Automotive Sales Professional
- Continuous Improvement Training
Affiliations
- Family
- Football
- Fishing
- Travelling
Accomplishments
Armed Forces in Business Finalist.
Timeline
General Manager
Vertu Vauxhall & Citroen Northampton
2024.05 - Current
General Sales Manager
Volkswagen Aylesbury
2022.07 - 2024.04
General Sales Manager
Volvo Cars North London
2021.04 - 2022.07
MINI Brand Manager
Sytner Chigwell
2019.08 - 2021.04
Sales Consultant & Business Manager
Barons BMW & MINI
2016.01 - 2019.06
Sales Executive
Lancaster Volkswagen
2010.01 - 2016.01
Operator Maintainer Tactical Systems
Royal Navy Submarine Service
2001.01 - 2009.06
BSc - Automotive Management
Loughborough University