Role: Business Manager
Company: Charles Hurst Peugeot
Track Record:
HOW I BECAME A BUSINESS MANAGER VICTORIA BEATTIE
The post: Business Manager at Charles Hurst Peugeot
Persistence and perseverance helped business manager Victoria Beattie carved out a successful career in a predominantly male dominated industry.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I started off as sales professional in the Charles Hurst Peugeot dealership and was in that role for almost 15 years, originally as a mobility specialist before progressing to a sales executive and then senior sales specialist. After recently completing an HNC in Business at Belfast Metropolitan College and being enrolled in the Lookers Leadership programme I was then ready to take up a role as business manager with the company.
What first attracted you to the motor trade?
I first started in admin within the motor industry, but quickly realised I enjoyed dealing with the public on a face to face basis and helping them make the right choice. I loved it from day one and wanted to push myself, developing into many different roles to give me a wide variety of knowledge within the Peugeot Showroom.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed for your job?
Absolutely, both the Financial Conduct Authority and the Specialist in Automotive Finance requires me to be competent before any discussion of any products with customers. They use a comprehensive annual assessment that incorporates all financial aspects of the business, where we will be interacting with customers.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
You definitely need to be a good people person, both for staff and customers. My organisation skills and attention to detail need to be at the highest level to ensure that the documentation associated with the customer purchase is accurate and to give the customer the best possible experience when buying their car.
Why do you think you’ve been successful?
So many people move around in the industry but I’ve believed in the Peugeot brand since I started back in 2001. I have developed a phenomenal customer database and our work ethic is ‘customers for life’. We provide an excellent service at the dealership and this is reflected through our high ranking customer testimonials and customers who continually come back to our dealership. Since completing my studies, I now have a more mature outlook on business and management — thanks to the first class tutors at Belfast Met. My course covered a broad scope for anyone wanting to further their career development within a business environment and I’d highly recommend further education to anyone who wants to grow in their current employment.
Who’s been your biggest influence?
My biggest influence within the company has been general manager, Ian McAlister. From the outset I received an outstanding level of support and encouragement which inevitability made the transition from motability specialist, sales executive, senior sales specialist right through to business manager a seamless process. The flexibility Ian has given me whilst studying for my HNC has been brilliant.
Where do you see the future, both short-term and mid-term?
The future is bright! We recently launched our Just Add Fuel finance scheme that has hit the ground running, bringing a whole new generation of customer to our Peugeot showroom, so it’s an exciting time. We have a great team and aim to provide customers with an exceptional experience and find them the best car that to suit their individual needs. In the long-term I’d like to continue to develop within the automotive industry through the many career develop opportunities available within Charles Hurst.
What does a typical day entail?
I work in a business where every day is usually different and challenging. My journey to work takes about 20 minutes and I normally like to be in for 8.30am. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday we hold review meetings with the sales team which allow us to make any necessary changes to the business, such as the introduction of special offers, sourcing used car stock and making sure that our current customers are on the best package available. The remainder of the day will be both proactive and reactive. With a large number of customers now inquiring online they want quick responses and it’s my job to coordinate this and make sure that we give them the best answer to their questions. We also open until 8pm in the evenings for those customers who can’t come down to the dealership on a busy day so I would normally cover two evenings per week. Home time on an early night means that I have time to catch a film with friends, head out for dinner or visit family. On my weekends off I like to take a trip up to Portrush for a nice meal in the Wine Bar, as well as taking in the stunning scenery whilst having a run on the beach.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
What I enjoy most about my job is helping customers find the best vehicle for them. We have people that come from all over the province and even the mainland so we are constantly meeting new people which I love. We also have a great, energetic team and it creates a fantastic atmosphere to come to work.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Follow your dreams and try to learn as much as you can. I started off in the automotive industry as a motability specialist and have developed my skills throughout the whole dealership. Persistence and perseverance is the key to success and that, with the support and guidance of my manager, has got me to where I am today, the first female business manager at Charles Hurst Peugeot.