Job reference - 1505390

• Drive the future of this established automotive and commercial vehicle dealership in the Pacific
• Responsibility for the performance of all departments in the dealership
• Workforce development: lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of 45 skilled and semi-skilled employees

 
United Auto, a division of Tongs Corporation, is seeking a General Manager to lead their retail new and used automotive and commercial vehicle operations in Honiara.
 
With a team of 45 staff that you would lead and mentor in the dealership. United Auto is the Solomon Islands' gateway for sound, established automotive brands.
 
Other business interests for Tongs Corporation include involvement in multiple industries with some 300-employees in the wider group.
 
 
The role
As General Manager, you will oversee United Auto's retail sales and superior after-sales support for a portfolio of brands, including Nissan, Kia, Isuzu passenger and Isuzu trucks.
 
You will be responsible for the full performance of the dealership, ensuring that your management of the dealership is conducted with integrity and professionalism. On top of this, you will also manage the "factory-to-Honiara" relationships and ensure customer satisfaction remains of a high standard in the region.
 
 Key responsibilities:

• Operational leadership: manage day-to-day operations across new vehicle sales (passenger and heavy commercial), parts, and service departments. Active involvement in all departments, this is not a backroom management role.
• Strategic growth: develop and execute business plans to expand market share across the automotive and heavy commercial sectors.
• After-sales excellence: maintain a "customer-first" service culture, ensuring our workshop and parts departments provide excellent support for the local community.
• Workforce development: lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of 45 skilled and semi-skilled employees, fostering a collaborative and engaged workforce.
• Community & stakeholder engagement: act as the face of United Auto, building strong relationships with businesses, the local Honiara community, associations and community groups.
• There is also a content of supply chain & importation activity

 
The ideal candidate
We are looking for an adaptable, resilient, and commercially astute leader who thrives in a dynamic environment with the capacity to manage and engage in all aspects of the business.

• Experience: prior experience as a Branch Manager, General Manager, or Dealer Principal, or equivalent management expertise within a franchised dealership environment. The ability to manage the retail activities across light passenger and adapt to heavy commercial operations. Candidates must possess motor industry experience with the capability to lead the team.
• Adaptability: ability to navigate the unique challenges of a Pacific Island market and mentor and grow the workforce to increase productivity and profit.
• Communication: exceptional interpersonal skills with the cultural intelligence to lead a local team and negotiate with global manufacturers.

 
The lifestyle: Honiara, Solomon Islands
Living in Honiara offers a unique blend of a professional leadership role in a tropical environment.

• Adventure at your doorstep: enjoy world-class diving, fishing, golf, a wide range of social activities with lagoons just minutes from the city.
• Warm community: Engage with the famously generous and welcoming Solomon Islander culture.

 
What's on offer
The package: a competitive management level remuneration package is on offer, including housing, contributions to power, water and other utilities, a company vehicle, performance incentives, airflights enabling travel to and from the Solomons Islands including annual travel within reasonable boundaries.
 
This all combines to provide a comfortable expatriate lifestyle within the United Auto's business.
 
This is an exciting opportunity to use your management skills within a unique environment with many benefits self-evident.
 
How to apply
The closing date for applications is the 23rd of April 2026.
 
Click the apply now section and upload your resume. Please note the closing date of applications at which time all applications will be assessed.
 
Your application will be automatically acknowledged at the time of application and again at the commencement of processing.
 
United Auto have access to all applications though enquiries and follow ups should be directed to Automotive Employment NZ.
 
A job description is also available by emailing keith@automotiveemployment.co.nz or russell@automotiveemployment.co.nz
 
Please also feel free to call for a confidential chat - Russell Phillips on +64 27 479 0000 or Keith Naude on +64 21 271 3202 either through normal mobile calls or, if you are based offshore, via WhatsApp during New Zealand business hours.