Area Manager

Pedders Suspension & Brakes is an Australian family owned and operated company with a distinguished history and a strong future. Opportunities to become specialists, work with quality products and people, and obtain career progression are available to those who are passionate, committed, and willing to invest in their future.

When you join us, you aren't just joining a market leading automotive business that is known for delivering premium products and services, you're joining a family. We pride ourselves on making sure that our people have the chance to grow and develop their careers and realise their full potential.

We're on the lookout for an experienced and driven leader to join us as an Area Manager to oversee our company-owned stores within Victoria and New South Wales.

As an Area Manager, you'll lead store profitability, operational performance and growth across stores, ensuring consistent execution of brand standards, and supporting the teams to deliver outstanding customer service.

This is a Melbourne based role and will be required to provide hands-on support to store teams in the event of store manager short term absences in Victorian store locations. 

This is a key role where you'll help shape the customer experience and contribute directly to the success of the Pedders network.

• Supervise and support day-to-day operations of company-owned stores, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and alignment with company standards.
• Conduct regular store visits, operational and compliance audits to maintain compliance and adherence to safety, quality and brand standards, which may require travel between states when needed.
• Manage and oversee the Minimum Stock Range across stores, ensuring accurate stock levels and maximising sales opportunities.
• Monitor store performance to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
• Represent Pedders to local businesses and at local trade events and seminars, to promote products and services, build relationships, and attract new clients.
• Perform people leadership and workforce planning activities, including managing store recruitment, overseeing performance management processes and fostering a culture of collaboration and development.
• Assume store manager responsibilities at Victorian store sites as required during periods of absences.

• Prior experience managing multi-site teams in the automotive industry.
• Strong people management and leadership skills with ability to motivate and influence.
• Demonstrated inventory management experience.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
• Strong analytical, commercial and negotiation skills.
• Proven financial management skills, including report preparation and debtor management.
• Current, unrestricted Driver's License.

• Limited private use company vehicle provided. 
• Bonus structure – recognition of your great performance and behaviours that align to our Pedders' Values. 
• Learning & Development Initiative – we believe strongly in continuous learning and pay for up to 5% of your base salary each year towards approved professional development courses as well as up to 5 days paid L&D leave to undertake courses.   
• Confidential EAP provided to all employees and their family members.
• Access to health and wellbeing initiatives - annual flu shot, general health check-up and skin check. 
• Favourable staff discounts for staff and immediate family members.

Preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment screening, including reference checks, a national coordinated criminal history check, and other background checks as required for the role.

If you are ready to take the next exciting step in your career, then please express interest now by submitting your cover letter and resume highlighting why you're a good match for this role.