At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead branch operations in northern England, focusing on safety, customer experience, and profitability.
- Company: Air Liquide, a global leader in the gas industry with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Opportunities for growth, autonomy, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values inclusion and encourages personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving operational excellence and fostering a safety-first culture.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in operational management, preferably in high-pressure environments.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Air Liquide is a global leader in the gas industry not by chance, but through our constant advances in the technological field. We believe our talented people and their passion for our Business is what brings success to our group. Working at Air Liquide UK means having opportunities to evolve in an environment that actively promotes and encourages its people, recognises expertise, and offers genuine opportunities that provide colleagues with autonomy and accountability.
How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? Air Liquide is currently searching for a proactive Head of Branches to join the team and be responsible for branch operations in northern England. In this role, you will hold ultimate accountability for branch operations including safety, customer experience, employee experience, branch efficiencies and profitability, PG Distribution (including HG’s), retail showroom and trade counter, warehouse activities, internal sales and sales growth.
The accountabilities:
- Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
- Culture of Safety: Establish and enforce an absolute safety-first culture across all branch activities, ensuring compliance to process, laws and local dangerous goods regulations.
- Hazard & Audit Management: Ensure routine safety inspections are carried out, audit actions completed, adherence to ADR regulations, near miss reporting and incident investigations.
- Road Safety: High focus on road safety, driver training, driver and vehicle compliance and fleet management alongside the Road Safety team.
- P&L, Operations & Supply Chain
- P&L Management: Own the operational budget, sales revenue, capital expenditure (CapEx), and cost-control initiatives for the branch.
- Asset & Cylinder Logistics: Ensure management of inventory, PG storage, and local route planning to optimize delivery efficiency and customer experience.
- Continuous Improvement: Streamline store/warehouse operational workflows, order fulfillment, and counter sales procedures to raise productivity and lower cost-to-serve.
- Commercial Growth & Customer Experience
- Revenue Generation: Encourage collaboration with field sales reps and key account teams to drive sales of industrial gases and hardgoods.
- Customer Relationship Management: Collaboration with Customer Experience and Customer Service teams to ensure customer retention.
- Team Leadership & People Operations
- Direct Management: Lead, recruit, coach and mentor a multidisciplinary branch team consisting of Branch Operations Managers, distribution teams including delivery drivers, branch operatives, internal sales specialists and yard operatives.
- Performance Development: Conduct regular performance reviews, foster technical training programs and promote career succession planning.
- Retail & Customer Service: Oversee the training and mentoring of the branch counter teams to ensure fast, expert technical support for walk-in industrial and trade customers.
Are you a MATCH?
Bachelor Degree optional but not essential. Equivalent combination of experience and/or training and education will be considered. The ideal candidate brings strong operational leadership, commercial drive, financial acumen and an uncompromising commitment to safety and environmental standards ideally across a multi site operation within a chemical, industrial manufacturing, or high-pressure gas distribution environment.
Safety Leadership: Proven track record of leading, auditing, establishing, and upholding strict safety protocols in high-risk environments.
Business & Financial Acumen: Strong capability in P&L analysis and branch sales growth.
At Air Liquide, we are committed to build a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their background. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.
Head of Branches North in Salford employer: Air Liquide
Air Liquide UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, fostering a culture of safety and innovation. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the company offers meaningful opportunities for career advancement while encouraging autonomy and accountability in a supportive environment. As an HSE Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping safety practices across the North of the UK, with the added benefit of engaging with a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in health and safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Branches North in Salford
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Branches North at Air Liquide!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Air Liquide or be willing to refer you for that Head of Branches North position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Air Liquide who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Branches North star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Branches North role at Air Liquide!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Branches North in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Air Liquide. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Air Liquide
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Air Liquide. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
