Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
INTERESTS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
EARLIER CAREER
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Paul Routh

Greens Norton,Northamptonshire

Summary

A highly accomplished and versatile senior professional with an extensive track record across the automotive sector, encompassing retail operations, people development, strategic planning, and franchise management. Demonstrable success in leading and delivering significant change programmes, driving commercial performance, and developing high-calibre teams. Equally effective operating autonomously or as part of a collaborative leadership team, with the ability to communicate persuasively and credibly at all levels.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience

Work history

Standards Auditor

Self-Employed
2009.11 - 2026.05
  • Conduct in excess of 200 audits pa of retail quality standards predominately for Automotive Manufacturers.
  • Deliver accurate reports according to client specifications and timelines.
  • Ensure dealer teams uphold compliance with established quality standards across multiple audit types.

Installation Engineer

Self-Employed
2005.01 - 2009.11
  • Installed and serviced computer-related products across a diverse customer base.
  • Commissioned and installed personal attack security alarm systems into secure psychiatric units and hospitals.

Interim General Manager

Dixon Motors
2003.01 - 2005.01
  • Led a dealer team to deliver sales and profit targets.
  • Developed a long-term territorial strategy across three dealer sites.
  • Developed a competency based Performance Management system.
  • Designed an organisational structure to deliver Franchise goals.

Manager – People Development

Volkswagen Group UK
1999.01 - 2003.01
  • Implemented a cultural change and management development programme across the Retailer Network.
  • Implemented an integrated learning programme for 3,000 front-line employees with an increase in training days at lower cost.
  • Led a team of 10 process facilitators to develop good practice across the Retail Network.
  • Developed an online HR support platform for 265 retailers, accessible to approximately 12,000 employees.

Regional manager

Volkswagen Group UK
1994.01 - 1999.01
  • Led a team Area Managers to deliver sales volumes contributing to a national increase from 63000 to 157000 units and increase in market share.
  • Led a major retailer facilities investment programme across 63 sites, encompassing 23 acquisitions and new-build developments.
  • Designed and implemented a competency assessment and development programme for a field team of 48 Area Managers.
  • Executed a strategic network plan to deliver the brand's long-term growth ambitions.

Training Operations Manager

Volkswagen Group UK
1993.01 - 1994.01
  • Restructured group training function to provide effective and budget-friendly training solutions.
  • Supported budget savings initiatives through headcount reduction and outsourcing of technical training.
  • Assisted in recruiting training consultants for field-based solutions across retailer sites.

District Manager

Volkswagen Group UK
1991.01 - 1993.01
  • Managed a sales territory with full accountability for vehicle and parts sales volumes, customer satisfaction, and retailer profitability across two brands.
  • Exceeded all key operational targets including vehicle sales volumes, parts sales, and retailer profitability metrics.
  • Implemented stretching yet achievable business plans for 16 retailer businesses.
  • Contributed to the strategic planning required to separate two distinct brands, ensuring their long-term viability and growth.

Regional Customer Service Manager

Volkswagen Group UK
1989.01 - 1991.01
  • Led a field-based team to improve customer service levels by transitioning from a technical focus to a customer-oriented relationship model.
  • Designed, developed, and implemented customer-focused quality programmes.
  • Introduced and managed a retailer-empowered customer goodwill programme.
  • Developed customer service action plans in partnership with 75 retailers and consistently met or exceeded all agreed service targets.

Education

Some College (No Degree) -

The Castle School
Thornbury, Bristol

Some College (No Degree) - Mechanical Engineering

City And Guilds
London

Skills

  • Communication and Interpersonal
  • Customer Experience and Quality Assurance
  • Trying and Development
  • Team Leadership and Performance Management
  • Operational Management
  • Organisational Change and Transformation
  • Process Improvement and Compliance

INTERESTS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Chairman of the local Playing Fields Committee; member of the Community Centre Steering Committee; cricket and rugby.

EARLIER CAREER

  • Training Operations Manager
  • Parts Information Manager
  • Zone Aftersales Manager
  • Parts Sales Manager
  • Parts Advisor
  • Technical Engineering Apprentice

Affiliations

  • Rugby Football Union, Home Projects.

Timeline

Standards Auditor

Self-Employed
2009.11 - 2026.05

Installation Engineer

Self-Employed
2005.01 - 2009.11

Interim General Manager

Dixon Motors
2003.01 - 2005.01

Manager – People Development

Volkswagen Group UK
1999.01 - 2003.01

Regional manager

Volkswagen Group UK
1994.01 - 1999.01

Training Operations Manager

Volkswagen Group UK
1993.01 - 1994.01

District Manager

Volkswagen Group UK
1991.01 - 1993.01

Regional Customer Service Manager

Volkswagen Group UK
1989.01 - 1991.01

Some College (No Degree) -

The Castle School

Some College (No Degree) - Mechanical Engineering

City And Guilds
Paul Routh