After graduating, I was unsure what career
path I'd choose. I decided I was interested
in sales and it was something I'd like to
explore. I researched different opportunities
before deciding upon Car Sales. After
looking at different opportunities in Car
Sales, I applied and was successful securing
a position at Robins and Day Hanwell and
quickly learned that Robins and Day is a
large group with huge opportunities for the
future.
Career so far:
My first role within Robins and Day was as
a Sales executive, where I learnt different
aspects of the business in detail which was
great as I've always been ambitious and was
looking to learn as much as quickly as soon
as I could.
After 14 months, I was appointed as a senior
sales executive. In this role, I deputised in
the Sales manager's absence, where I gained
invaluable knowledge for the future.
A year later I was successfully appointed
as a Business manager at Robins and Day
Chiswick, the group's largest dealer. In
this role, my responsibility was managing,
controlling and increasing earnings of the
finance and insurance department. My
approach resulted in increasing the sales
of finance and insurance. I was offered
further opportunity for progression after
two years when I was promoted to Assistant
Sales Manager. Due to my experience, the
transition to looking after every aspect of the
sales department continued seamlessly but
not without its challenges!
After two years, I moved to my current role
as General Sales Manager.
This role is extremely varied, enjoyable
and challenging. I'm solely responsible for
performance and profitability of the largest
sales department in Robins and Day. I have
an in depth knowledge of the brand and a
good understanding of the new and used car
market. Working closely with my sales team
we have achieved brilliant results!
In 2010 I was awarded Sales Manager
of the year award, which was a fantastic
achievement. It really highlights that the
group offers fantastic opportunities and
development for those who want to progress
in their careers!
Sara Stringer
I was always interested in cars when
growing up, cleaning my grandad's car and
learning it's important to check the basics.
One of my first jobs was dealing with
vehicles being bought and sold. Afterwards,
I moved around other roles, but missed the
income of selling and meeting different
people. This prompted me applying for a
sales position selling a variety of products,
where I learnt how to be bold and stand
proud.
My Regional Manager was female and it
was fascinating that in a predominately male
management environment she was the one
they all answered to. I did really well, and
thought I could sell anything with the same
processes. I remember applying for my first
Car Sales position in Redditch for a small
Citroen garage. I remember the phone call
to say I'd been successful….my heart sank,
how could I compete? Would the men think I
knew nothing? Would they accept me? What
do I know about Citroen Cars! It was the
best challenge I ever gave myself, I showed
no emotion in that showroom and did my job
the best I could whilst gaining respect. The
money was a huge motivation, I was unable
to earn the wages I did doing anything else.
I was loyal to one brand and had faith in the
product, which gave me more confidence
when talking to customers. This brought
rewards from return business. Yes we make
money for the company and for ourselves
but people buy from people and companies
need to make a profit to keep the wheels
turning.
I believe life experiences are more valuable
than learning from books or exams. No day
is ever the same, I'm never sat behind my
desk all day. The hours are long, and you
need the support and trust of those around
you, but in return you get great benefits,
good pay, chances to progress and be part of
an evolving world. I've seen changes in the
workplace with more women progressing
their careers.
Asked if I would recommend the career I
chose the answer would be a definite yes!
Login to Top Employers 