John Cribb & Sons Ltd is an independent, family-owned electrical wholesaler founded in 1981. We operate 11 branches across Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and the Isle of Wight, with a strong reputation built on stock availability, trade counter service, and customer relationships.
Area Manager
We are now looking for an experienced Area Manager to take direct accountability for branch performance across our network, reporting straight to the Directors with no corporate layers in between.
The Role
This is a genuine, hands-on management role with real authority. You will be the operational link between our Directors and branch managers — visiting branches regularly, holding managers accountable, driving staffing and recruitment, and ensuring every branch in our network performs to its full potential.
You will have direct access to the business owners. There are no committee decisions, no regional sign-offs, and no corporate bureaucracy.
What You Will Be Doing
- Visiting branches across the network on a structured basis — including Saturday morning visits — to maintain independent oversight of branch trading, standards, and team performance
- Holding branch managers directly accountable for sales performance, staffing levels, active account development, counter standards, and operational compliance
- Taking ownership of branch recruitment — ensuring branches remain properly staffed, maintaining a pipeline of candidates, and driving recruitment activity proactively
- Identifying high-performing counter staff and assistant managers across our 11 branches, building an internal pipeline for future Branch Manager succession
- Coaching branch managers to build active customer account bases, win back lapsed accounts, and develop proactive sales habits rather than reactive counter service
- Conducting structured monthly 1-to-1 reviews with branch managers against agreed targets, with clear follow-through and documented actions
- Auditing branch standards on every visit: counter presentation, stock availability and control, vehicle and premises condition, health and safety compliance, and customer experience
- Reviewing branch performance data — sales, margin, delivery logs, vehicle usage, and staffing levels — and challenging managers constructively where the numbers require it
- Reporting directly and honestly to the Directors on branch performance, your assessment of management capability, and your recommended actions
What We Are Looking For
- A minimum of 3 years' management experience within the electrical wholesale sector strongly preferred.
- We will also consider candidates from closely allied trade distribution sectors who have proven Area Manager experience and a demonstrable track record of improving branch performance and delivering commercial results.
- The personal confidence to challenge experienced branch managers directly, have difficult conversations, and follow through on agreed actions
- A genuine understanding of trade counter operations: customer account management, margin discipline, stock availability, and the commercial rhythms of a wholesale branch
- Strong recruitment instincts — you understand that a properly staffed branch is the foundation of everything else and you treat vacancies as urgent
- Organised and self-directed, plan your branch visits effectively, and produce clear written reports without being chased
- Full UK driving licence (essential)
Why This Role Is Different
If you have spent time working for a national electrical wholesaler and found yourself frustrated by corporate process, limited authority, and decisions that take weeks to reach you — this is a different kind of role.
You will report directly to the business owners and be able to see the results of your work in real time across the branch network. Your impact will be visible and measurable from day one.
Hours of Work
- Monday to Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm
- Saturday: 8:00am – 12:00pm (working 1 in 2, on a rotational basis across branches)
Package & Benefits
- Competitive salary reflective of experience and track record (Area Manager level)
- Performance-related bonus based on network results
- Company electric vehicle
- Company pension scheme
- Direct reporting to the business owners
If you have the sector background, the commercial drive, and the personal confidence this role requires, we would like to hear from you.
Please include a cover letter with your application.
Benefits:
- Company car
- Employee discount
Application question(s):
- Please advise some dates/times you are available for interview
- Do you have a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Branch Manager or Area Manager in electrical wholesale, plumbing merchant, builders merchant, or similar trade distribution? Please briefly state your most relevant experience.
- Can you give one specific example of how you improved sales, margins, or performance in an underperforming branch?
- What are your salary expectations?
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: On the road
