John Sutton
Mount Nasura ,WA
Summary
Ambitious and results-oriented Senior Manager with over 30 years of experience creating strategic alliances with stakeholders in the public and corporate sectors to effectively align with and support key public sector and business initiatives. Progress-driven planner adept at building and retaining high-performing teams. Leverages effective daily production planning, budgeting and resource management to reach operational objectives. Extensive experience in the use of Orion, Titan, Tune, ERA and eraPower, DMS and showroom software systems. Ability to stay across a very broad range of issues.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
United Auto Limited
Honiara , Solomon Islands
04.2022 - Current
- The Solomon Islands is situated in the south-west Pacific Ocean approximately 2000kms to the northeast of Australia and consists of nearly 1000 islands. United Auto is based in the capital Honiara, the largest island. The population is approximately one million residents.
- United Auto is an established commercial vehicle operation and a highly successful leader in the sales and service of Isuzu Trucks. It is also the distributor and dealer for Nissan, Ford, Kia, Sinotruk, Massey Ferguson, Hyundai Construction Equipment and Tohatsu outboard motors. It has 42 staff and a workshop with 25 bays.
- Prior to arrival conducted desktop financial review of all departments and operations to assess performance in comparison to generally accepted industry KPI's.
- Liaised with key local and foreign government agencies and major commercial operations to review future fleet requirements.
- Conducted aged debtors analysis and implemented provision for bad debts policy that ensured profit was more closely aligned with actual cashflow and debtors were not overstated.
- Implemented strict credit terms policy and converted all 90 day plus accounts to COD.
- Constructed forward order matrix for new vehicle stock.
- Implemented daily rolling parts stock count programme and conducted monthly, quarterly and six monthly stock takes for first 12 months to rectify and control major stock discrepancies.
- Developed sales and service customer satisfaction surveys in conjunction with Nissan Motor Asia Pacific and Ford Global Fleet Sales to measure CSI and bench mark dealership against OEM KPI's.
- Implemented warranty claims process for all dealership OEM's.
- Commenced 24Hr on call service for fleet and priority customers.
- Developed detailed CRM programmes specific to retail and government and commercial fleet customers.
- Revised goods inwards and warehousing procedures to address high stock no location and negative stock inventory.
- Implemented static and dynamic parts pricing policy based on lost sales reporting and stock levels to maximise profit and to minimize obsolescence.
- Introduced workshop efficiency and productivity KPI's.
- Addressed high staff absenteeism.
- Addressed fraudulent activity detected in parts department.
- Set up staff social club and organised regular staff team building days.
- Set up boat charter business crewed by dealership staff catering to day trip tourism and offshore supply to foreign vessels.
- Assisted in design of layout for new dealership constructed in 2024.
- Completed a detailed five year business plan and annual budgets.
- Approached Ford Motor Company and completed a detailed Due Diligence and Business Plan to obtain distributorship for the Solomon Islands.
- Reviewed days supply and min-max stock ordering policies to ensure maximum stock turn and minimal lost sales.
- Proposed and implemented upgrade to Orion DMS and coordinated evaluation and assessment prior to installation.
- Created Deal Book and DOC to monitor daily sales and deliveries and forward order bank.
- Compiled and implemented detailed HR policy hand book.
- Introduced basic OH&S policies.
- Initiated and personally conducted senior first aid training.
- Commenced staff driver training programme for motor vehicles, heavy duty trucks and forklift trucks.
General Manager
Mandurah Nissan
Mandurah , WA
06.2020 - 03.2022
- Upon taking over management of dealership compared budget and previous twelve months financial performance to Deloitte industry benchmarks to identify existing strengths and potential opportunities for growth.
- Constructed online and offline media marketing strategy with business development manager to maximise digital media exposure and local community engagement.
- Implemented strategy to improve overall performance of each department by introducing a used vehicle operation and seeking to obtain a second new vehicle franchise.
- Consistently achieved over 100% of the Nissan new vehicle monthly sales target.
- Consistently achieved a 100% Nissan new vehicle monthly customer satisfaction score.
- Increased finance penetration to over 50% by introducing an effective sales hand over process and implementing a firm policy of "100% of our finance products are offered 100% of the time to 100% of our customers."
- Utilizing Titan DMS database increased workshop number of repair orders by employing a dedicated receptionist to make daily service reminder and delinquent service customer follow-up phone calls.
- Ensured service manager trained service advisors and monitored upsell calls to maximise repair order profitability.
- Monitored technician performance index (productivity x efficiency) and technician labour sales and labour gross. Ensured service manager provided regular training and feedback to improve.
- Significantly reduced parts inventory by writing off obsolete stock and listing all inventory on a national database.
- Employed second parts person to enable parts manager to "get on the road" to establish new and improve existing retail opportunities.
- Directed safety operations and maintained clean work environment to adhere to HR and OH&S requirements.
- Liaised with Nissan Fixed Operations Manager and service manager to improve dealership service customer satisfaction score from a quarterly and monthly average of less than 40% to a quarterly and monthly average of over 90%.
- Engaged and supported local community by personally re-locating to Mandurah and joining the local Chamber of Commerce and local surf life saving club.
- Appointed Vice President of the local surf life saving club.
- Promoted the dealership and brand by organising and attending local "field day" shows.
General Manager
Rockingham Toyota
Rockingham , WA
01.2019 - 05.2020
- Managed highly profitable metropolitan Toyota automotive franchise with 40 staff.
- Directed and supervised seven direct report managers responsible for new vehicle sales, used vehicle sales, wholesale, finance, accessories, service workshop and parts.
- Established clear performance goals and metrics for revenue, P&L, customer service and customer retention.
- Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of staff and managers.
- Complied with human resource company policies and government regulations to prevent and detect contraventions and protect organisation from fines and lawsuits.
- Directed safety operations and maintained clean and safe work environment to adhere to corporate, franchise, MTA and OH&S requirements.
- Co-developed and implemented successful business owner transition strategy to ensure maximum staff retention.
- Arranged sponsorship for Fremantle and Secret Harbour Surf Lifesaving Clubs.
- Project managed build of two Toyota Hilux SR5 "Surf Rescue" trucks.
General Sales Manager
Auto Classic
Victoria Park , WA
04.2017 - 12.2018
- Managed new and used vehicle sales for high volume BMW automotive franchise with two direct report sales managers and 16 sales staff.
- Identified weaknesses and implemented sales and business practices training to improve performance.
- Co-developed and implemented successful business owner transition strategy to ensure maximum staff retention.
- Mentored and directed employees by conducting one-on-one meetings with salespeople.
- Encouraged team members to meet and exceed objectives by setting goals, tracking performance daily and implementing improvement strategies.
- Updated and maintained dealership website and social media accounts.
- Reviewed KPIs daily and implemented critical adjustments to increase performance for each metric.
- Established customer-centric focus throughout Auto Classic culture to build loyalty and retention.
- After reconciling inventory and sales reports initiated and conducted out of hours internal fraud investigation in liaison with Financial Controller and IT Manager resulting in dismissal of two staff and recovery of approximately $1 million in assets.
- Hired and motivated team members, working closely with salespeople and customers to negotiate and close deals.
General Sales Manager
Scarborough Toyota
Scarborough , WA
06.2016 - 03.2017
- Managed new, fleet and used vehicle sales for high volume Toyota automotive franchise with three direct report managers and 14 sales staff
- Attracted, trained and retained high-performing sales staff.
- At direction of company directors mentored General Manager transition from OEM management to automotive retail management.
- Worked closely with salespeople and customers to negotiate and close deals.
- Stayed up-to-date on extensive company products and services.
- Reviewed inventory data on daily basis to make adjustments, evaluate forecasts and meet demands.
- Maintained department profitability while controlling expenses and promoting customer satisfaction.
- Reviewed KPIs daily and implemented critical adjustments to increase performance for each metric.
- Arranged sponsorship of Scarboro Surf Lifesaving Club.
- Project managed build of Toyota Hilux SR5 "Surf Rescue" truck.
General Sales Manager
Barbagallo Group
Osborne Park , WA
06.2015 - 05.2016
- Liaised with business owners and Human Resources Manager to devise and implement strategy to obtain evidence of fraudulent activity by long term employee.
- Implemented succession plan after dismissal of long term employee for fraudulent activity.
- Implemented succession plan after resignation of long term employee.
- Developed and implemented CRM strategy
- Developed and implemented automated leads strategy
- Exceeded sales goals and improved profitability by aligning sales strategies and business plans with market trends.
- Partnered with marketing team to align sales strategy with brand messaging across all communication channels.
General Manager
Regents Renault and Isuzu
Osborne Park , WA
10.2011 - 04.2015
- At request of directors of Regents Motor Group devised business plan and full budget for new multi-franchise automotive dealership.
- Presented business plan to directors of Renault Australia and Isuzu Australia.
- In competition with three major rival automotive groups acquired Osborne Park PMA franchises for Renault and Isuzu.
- Project managed lease and renovation of premises, acquisition of vehicle stock and parts, fit-out of nine bay service workshop and hiring of 28 staff to commence operations of new automotive dealership.
- Devised multi-media marketing program within budget.
- Managed development and expansion of greenfield business from zero to $25 million turnover and 3% benchmark profitability.
General Manager
Bob Allen Group
Wanneroo, WA
12.2004 - 09.2011
- Assisted directors of Bob Allen Group with business plan to construct greenfield Mazda automotive franchise.
- Project Managed construction and fit-out of showroom and 15 bay service facility.
- Interviewed and hired 35 staff
- Developed and expanded business to turnover of $45 million, consistently achieving or exceeding OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) sales targets and CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) and CRM (Customer Retention Management) scores.
- Achieved or exceeded all industry and OEM KPI's (Key Performance Indicators) including profitability of 6% which was double industry benchmark profitability of 3%.
Police Officer
WA Police Service
Perth , WA
12.1994 - 12.2004
- Acting Senior Sergeant - Organised Crime - Asset Investigation
- Senior Constable - Major Crime - Macro Taskforce
- First Class Constable - Independent Patrol Group - OMCG Taskforce
- Constable - Traffic Operations Group - Pursuit Vehicle Driver/Pursuit Motorcycle Rider
- Constable - General Duties
- Wrote detailed arrest and accident reports.
- Apprehended suspects, prepared case reports, and testified in numerous courtroom hearings.
- Prepared cases for trial and appeared and testified in court as witness.
- Liaised with DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) and other law enforcement agencies to optimise favorable outcomes.
- Diffused tense situations by remaining calm.
- Adhered to all safety protocols and properly handled all equipment, weapons and materials.
- Mitigated risk while accurately analysing and evaluating criminal information and processing crime scenes.
- Mediated domestic-related disturbances and protected victims from harm.
- Reviewed and evaluated evidence to determine validity and admissibility for court hearings.
- Testified under oath in administrative hearings and criminal court cases.
- Responded to civil unrest, search and rescue operations.
- Patrolled designated districts in patrol cars, on bicycles and on foot.
- Inspected patrol vehicle and weapons daily and arranged for routine and special maintenance.
- Responded to major vehicle accidents with fatalities or serious injuries.
- Instructed suspects on field sobriety tests and used portable equipment to perform tests.
- Boosted community safety by performing motor vehicle accident investigations including DUIs and fatal crashes while conducting field sobriety tests at DUI checkpoints.
- Directed team of 8 police employees in Asset Investigation and enforced policies for optimal performance.
- Assisted DPP draft the Criminal Property Confiscation Act 2000.
- Investigated complex money laundering schemes.
Accountant
Nelson Parkhill BDO
Perth , WA
02.1990 - 11.1994
- Created detailed financial models and applied analytical tools to facilitate variance analysis.
- Prepared and reviewed financial statements, resolving discrepancies after careful analysis.
- Identified operational process inefficiencies and recommended necessary improvements.
- Prepared monthly and year-end closing statements, financial documents and reports.
- Collaborated extensively with financial controllers during preliminary and year-end audit processes.
- Analysed financial statements and income statements to review company's financial performance.
- Performed information system audits to manage internal controls and assess risks.
- Devised and initiated corrective strategies to improve compliance.
- Determined and detailed gaps in process, procedure and system controls.
- Assessed potential risks, evaluated controls and conducted compliance testing.
- Created and implemented audit program that could identify risks and assess compliance requirements.
- Met with business leaders and owners to discuss audits and findings.
- Assisted with asset recovery of liquidated corporations
Education
Bachelor of Business - Accounting & Finance
Edith Cowan University
Joondalup 01.1990
Certificate of Senior Business Management -
Deloitte Academy Of Excellence
Perth 12.2014
Diploma of Policing - Academy Dux -
WA Police Academy
Maylands 05.1995
10 Years Service Medal -
WA Police Service
12.2004
Bronze Medallion - Requalified -
Royal Life Saving Australia
Port Bouvard SLSC 01.2022
WA MDL HR R PTD Authorisation -
Western Australia Motor Drivers Licence
Skills
- Communication skills
- Cross-functional team management
- Performance improvements
- Project management
- Team building and motivation
- Team training and development
- Sound judgment
- Calm under pressure
Referees
Dennis Lee
Chief Executive Officer
Tongs Corporation (United Auto Limited)
Brisbane Office
Mob: 040-518-6176
Tania Sydney-Smith
Chief Operating Officer
The Lane Group (Mandurah Nissan)
Mob: 0419 914 271
Mark McDonnell
Dealer Principal
Melville Toyota (Rockingham Toyota)
Mob: 0438 775 175
Timeline
General Manager
United Auto Limited
04.2022 - Current
General Manager
Mandurah Nissan
06.2020 - 03.2022
General Manager
Rockingham Toyota
01.2019 - 05.2020
General Sales Manager
Auto Classic
04.2017 - 12.2018
General Sales Manager
Scarborough Toyota
06.2016 - 03.2017
General Sales Manager
Barbagallo Group
06.2015 - 05.2016
General Manager
Regents Renault and Isuzu
10.2011 - 04.2015
General Manager
Bob Allen Group
12.2004 - 09.2011
Police Officer
WA Police Service
12.1994 - 12.2004
Accountant
Nelson Parkhill BDO
02.1990 - 11.1994
Bachelor of Business - Accounting & Finance
Edith Cowan University
Certificate of Senior Business Management -
Deloitte Academy Of Excellence
Diploma of Policing - Academy Dux -
WA Police Academy
10 Years Service Medal -
WA Police Service
Bronze Medallion - Requalified -
Royal Life Saving Australia
WA MDL HR R PTD Authorisation -
Western Australia Motor Drivers Licence