At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a trade counter, drive sales, and manage a small team while visiting customers.
- Company: Join a top national distributor of flooring products with a strong local presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, company vehicle, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, make an impact, and enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in B2B sales or management; a driving licence is essential.
- Other info: Confidential application process; your CV won't be shared without your consent.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 53000 £ per year.
Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
Salary: £38,000 basic + up to 40% bonus | Company vehicle
Hours: Full-time, 42.5 hours per week. Typically, 7.00am - 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Our client is a leading national distributor of residential and commercial flooring and ancillary products. From their local trade-only branches - backed by regional distribution hubs for next-day delivery of carpet, vinyl, wood and laminate - they give local contractors the speed and stock they need.
The opportunity:
- Drive branch sales - spend at least two days a week on the road (company vehicle provided) visiting flooring contractors and installers to win new accounts and grow existing spend.
- Run the trade counter - lead and coach two Trade Counter Sales Assistants, keeping the branch merchandised and moving, and create an unbeatable walk-in customer experience.
- Own the P&L inputs - monitor KPIs, gross margin and local competitor activity; flex pricing and promotions to protect profit.
- Coordinate logistics - work closely with the regional hub to ensure next-day flooring deliveries land on time and in full.
- Champion H&S and stock accuracy - maintain a tidy, compliant site with accurate perpetual inventory.
What we need:
- Proven success in B2B field sales, branch management or trade-counter leadership.
- Ability to motivate a small team while still 'carrying the bag' yourself.
- Full UK driving licence and comfort spending regular time visiting customers.
- Commercial acumen - you understand margins, mix and the link between service and sales.
- Flooring, building products or merchant background welcome but not essential; attitude and sales drive come first.
What's on offer:
- £38,000 basic plus bonus up to 40% (realistic OTE c. £50k+).
- Company vehicle for business use (with reasonable personal mileage).
- Contributory pension, staff purchase scheme.
- Fast-track career prospects - many TCMs progress into multi-site or regional roles within 18-24 months.
Next steps:
Intrigued? Apply online and one of our team will be in touch for an initial conversation. Confidentiality is guaranteed; we never send a CV without your permission.
Trade Counter Manager in Hemel Hempstead employer: GCS Associates
Contact Detail:
GCS Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Counter Manager in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the flooring industry and the specific products our client offers. Understanding the nuances of residential and commercial flooring will help you engage effectively with potential customers and demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the flooring and building products sectors. Attend local trade shows or industry events to meet potential contacts and gain insights into current market trends, which can be beneficial when discussing strategies for driving sales.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in B2B sales and branch management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully motivated a team and driven sales growth, as this will showcase your suitability for the Trade Counter Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local competitors in Hemel Hempstead. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses will allow you to articulate how you plan to position the branch effectively and protect profit margins, which is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Counter Manager in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in B2B field sales, branch management, or trade-counter leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and manage a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the Trade Counter Manager role. Mention your understanding of the flooring industry and how your skills align with the company's needs, particularly in motivating a team and managing P&L inputs.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements from previous roles. For instance, mention any sales targets you exceeded or successful projects you led that resulted in increased revenue.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a managerial position.
How to prepare for a job interview at GCS Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Trade Counter Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of KPIs and profit margins. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed these in previous roles and how you plan to apply this knowledge to drive sales at the Hemel Hempstead site.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a small team, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in motivating and coaching others. Share specific examples of how you've developed team members in the past and created a positive work environment.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
Since the role involves visiting contractors and installers, emphasise your customer service skills. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with clients and how you plan to enhance the walk-in customer experience at the trade counter.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially regarding logistics and inventory management. Think of scenarios where you've had to coordinate deliveries or manage stock accuracy, and be ready to explain your approach.