Kia Internet Sales Manager Fairfield, Ohio

Internet Sales Manager

Kia of Fairfield
Location: Fairfield, Ohio
Department: Internet Sales / Business Development
Reports To: General Sales Manager / General Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Kia of Fairfield is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and results-drivenInternet Sales Manager to lead our digital sales and customer engagement efforts.

The Internet Sales Manager will be responsible for managing inbound internet leads, developing and coaching the internet sales team, increasing appointment volume and show rates, and converting online shoppers into dealership customers. This position plays a critical role in creating a seamless transition from the customer's first digital interaction to an in-store visit and ultimately a vehicle purchase.

The ideal candidate is an automotive sales professional who understands today's digital customer, is highly responsive, thrives in a performance-driven environment, and knows how to use CRM tools and follow-up processes to maximize every opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all incoming internet, website, third-party, phone, chat, and digital sales leads.

• Respond to new leads quickly and professionally through phone, text, email, and other approved communication channels.

• Lead and coach Internet Sales Representatives, BDC representatives, and/or sales consultants handling internet opportunities.

• Establish daily, weekly, and monthly appointment-setting and sales goals.

• Monitor lead response times, contact rates, appointment rates, show rates, closing ratios, and overall lead conversion.

• Ensure every internet lead receives consistent, professional, and timely follow-up.

• Develop effective phone, email, and text communication strategies designed to create appointments and sales opportunities.

• Work directly with customers to identify vehicle needs, answer questions, overcome objections, and move customers toward an appointment.

• Assist with negotiations and deal structure when appropriate.

• Maintain accurate and timely CRM activity for every lead and customer interaction.

• Ensure all leads are properly assigned, worked, updated, and followed up with according to dealership processes.

• Monitor unsold showroom traffic and previous internet opportunities for additional follow-up opportunities.

• Conduct daily reviews of new leads, aging leads, appointments, missed appointments, and unsold prospects.

• Work closely with the Sales Managers and sales team to ensure a smooth handoff from internet lead to showroom appointment.

• Coordinate appointments with sales consultants and ensure customers are properly greeted upon arrival.

• Track appointment outcomes and develop strategies to improve show rates and closing percentages.

• Identify lost opportunities and implement follow-up strategies to recover potential sales.

• Monitor online reviews and customer feedback while helping maintain a positive digital reputation.

• Assist with website promotions, digital marketing campaigns, online vehicle merchandising, and special sales events.

• Stay current on Kia products, incentives, financing programs, inventory, pricing, and competitive offerings.

• Train team members on CRM processes, lead handling, communication techniques, and appointment-setting strategies.

• Hold team members accountable for activity, follow-up, appointments, and results.

• Prepare and present internet department performance reports to dealership management.

• Maintain strict compliance with dealership policies and applicable laws and regulations.

Daily Performance Expectations

The Internet Sales Manager will be expected to establish and maintain a high-performance culture focused on measurable results, including:

• Fast response times to new leads.

• Consistent phone, text, and email follow-up.

• High-quality customer communication.

• Appointment generation.

• Appointment show rates.

• Lead-to-appointment conversion.

• Appointment-to-sale conversion.

• Internet lead closing percentage.

• CRM accuracy and accountability.

• Customer satisfaction and online reputation.

• Gross profit and overall dealership profitability.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Proven ability to generate appointments and convert internet leads into sales.

• Strong understanding of automotive CRM systems and digital lead management.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong phone skills and the ability to confidently communicate with customers.

• Highly organized with exceptional follow-up and time-management skills.

• Strong leadership and coaching abilities.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, performance-driven dealership environment.

• Strong computer and technology skills.

• Professional appearance and demeanor.

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and dealership events as required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience managing automotive internet leads from sources such as dealership websites, third-party lead providers, chat, social media, and digital advertising.

• Experience with dealership CRM and DMS systems.

• Demonstrated success improving appointment volume, show rates, and closing percentages.

• Experience training and managing BDC or Internet Sales personnel.

• Kia or other franchise dealership experience is a plus.