Job Description – Branch Manager
Location : Hemel Hempstead HP2 7DN
Reports To : Operations Manager
Purpose of the Role
To lead, develop, and grow a profitable roofing merchant branch by delivering excellent customer service, achieving sales and margin targets, managing operational performance, and ensuring the safety and development of all branch employees. The Branch Manager is responsible for the overall success of the branch, including sales, stock management, transport, yard operations, customer relationships, and team leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Business Development
- Achieve branch sales, margin, and profitability targets.
- Develop and implement local sales strategies to grow existing accounts and win new business.
- Build strong relationships with roofing contractors, housebuilders, developers, and trade customers.
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends.
- Work closely with internal and external sales teams to maximise opportunities.
- Ensure effective management of quotations and follow-up activity.
- Promote the full range of roofing products and services.
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, motivate, and develop all branch employees.
- Conduct regular team meetings and performance reviews.
- Recruit, train, and retain high-performing staff.
- Manage employee performance, attendance, conduct, and development.
- Foster a positive, customer-focused culture.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
Customer Service
- Deliver exceptional customer service standards.
- Resolve customer complaints promptly and professionally.
- Maintain strong customer relationships and encourage repeat business.
- Ensure customer enquiries and orders are handled efficiently.
Operations Management
- Oversee daily branch operations including trade counter, warehouse, yard, and transport.
- Ensure deliveries are completed accurately and on time.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping and presentation throughout the branch.
- Manage stock levels, stock accuracy, and stock rotation.
- Investigate and resolve stock discrepancies.
Financial Control
- Manage branch costs and expenditure.
- Monitor branch profit and loss performance.
- Control bad debt exposure and credit issues.
- Ensure pricing and margins are maintained in line with company expectations.
- Review key performance indicators and implement improvement plans where required.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety legislation.
- Promote a strong safety culture across the branch.
- Conduct regular site inspections and risk assessments.
- Ensure all employees receive appropriate safety training.
- Manage accidents, incidents, and near-miss reporting.
- Maintain compliance with transport and operator licence requirements where applicable.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Sales turnover growth
- Gross profit and margin achievement
- Branch profitability
- New account generation
- Customer retention
- Stock accuracy
- Health & Safety compliance
- Delivery performance
- Employee engagement and retention
- Credit control performance
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Previous management experience within a roofing merchant, builders merchant, or construction supply environment.
- Proven track record of achieving sales and profit targets.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent commercial awareness.
- Knowledge of roofing products and construction materials.
- Experience managing stock, transport, and warehouse operations.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Good IT skills including merchant systems and Microsoft Office.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience managing a multi-million-pound branch.
- CPC qualification or transport management knowledge.
- Forklift licence.
- Health & Safety qualification (IOSH or equivalent).
Personal Attributes
- Commercially driven
- Customer focused
- Results orientated
- Strong decision maker
- Highly organised
- Positive and motivational leader
- Professional and resilient under pressure
- Excellent relationship builder
- Strong problem-solving ability
Package
- Competitive salary depending on experience £35,000 to 45,000
- 44.5 Hours Per Week
- Monday to Thursday 6:30am to 4:30pm and Friday 6:30am to 4:00pm
- Branch performance bonus
- Company Vehicle
- Pension scheme
- 23 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
Success in the Role
A successful Branch Manager will consistently grow sales and profitability, maintain excellent customer relationships, develop a high-performing team, ensure safe and efficient branch operations, and establish the branch as the preferred roofing merchant within its trading area.
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
