Branch Manager in Suffolk

About Us At UP Building Products, we're proud to be a trusted independent builders' merchant supplying high-quality building materials to trade professionals, construction businesses, and DIY customers across the South East. We offer an extensive range of products from leading manufacturers, including cladding, roofing, guttering, fascia, soffits, drainage, and general building materials. Built on a reputation for excellent customer service, product expertise, and reliable supply, we combine a comprehensive product offering with a knowledgeable and supportive team that goes the extra mile for our customers. With early opening times, strong supplier partnerships, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service, we help our customers get the job done efficiently and successfully. As we continue to grow, we're looking for talented and driven people who share our commitment to service, teamwork, and commercial success. Joining UP Building Products means becoming part of a business where your contribution is valued, your development is supported, and your impact can be seen every day. Why Join UP Building Products? Be part of a growing, respected independent builders' merchant. Work with a wide range of recognised building product brands. Take ownership and make a genuine impact on branch performance. Join a supportive business that values teamwork, expertise, and customer service. Build a rewarding career within a company committed to long-term growth and success. What You'll Be Doing Branch Leadership & Performance You'll take overall responsibility for the successful management of the branch, ensuring it operates efficiently, profitably, and in line with company standards. Key responsibilities include: Driving sales, gross margin, profitability, and overall branch performance. Setting clear objectives and targets for the team and monitoring progress. Identifying opportunities to increase sales, win new business, and strengthen existing customer relationships. Monitoring local market trends and competitor activity. Ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and operational standards. Creating a positive and high-performing branch environment focused on customer service and commercial success. Customer Service & Business Development Building and maintaining strong relationships will be at the heart of your role. You'll: Develop and maintain relationships with trade customers, contractors, housebuilders, and key accounts. Ensure customers receive outstanding service and professional product advice. Support the sales team in developing new business opportunities and increasing customer spend. Resolve customer queries and commercial issues effectively and professionally. Work closely with customers to understand their requirements and recommend suitable products and solutions. Promote company products, services, promotions, and account facilities. Team Management & Development As the leader of the branch, you'll play a vital role in developing and motivating your team. Responsibilities include: Leading, coaching, and inspiring branch colleagues to achieve their full potential. Supporting recruitment and retention activities alongside HR and senior management. Conducting performance reviews and regular one-to-one meetings. Ensuring employees understand their responsibilities, objectives, and expectations. Managing performance and conduct issues appropriately when required. Fostering a professional, supportive, and customer-focused culture. Stock, Yard & Operational Management You'll ensure the branch operates efficiently while maintaining excellent stock availability and operational standards. This includes: Managing stock levels to meet customer demand while controlling working capital. Monitoring stock accuracy, availability, aged stock, and stock losses. Ensuring the branch, warehouse, and yard remain organised, safe, and efficient. Overseeing deliveries and collections to ensure excellent service levels. Minimising stock damage, waste, and operational losses. Working closely with suppliers to maintain product availability and competitive purchasing. Health & Safety Safety remains a key priority across all branch operations. You'll be responsible for: Maintaining high health and safety standards throughout the branch. Ensuring all employees follow company procedures and safe working practices. Promoting a strong safety culture across the branch, warehouse, and yard. Ensuring PPE and safety equipment are used and maintained correctly. Managing accident, incident, and near-miss reporting and investigations. Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and company policies. Financial & Commercial Management You'll use your commercial awareness to drive profitability while maintaining exceptional service levels. Key responsibilities include: Managing branch budgets and operating costs. Monitoring sales performance, gross profit, expenses, and key business metrics. Controlling costs without compromising customer experience or operational standards. Authorising expenditure and customer transactions within company guidelines. Supporting credit control processes and monitoring outstanding debt. Reviewing branch performance reports and implementing improvement plans where necessary. Supplier & Internal Relationships You'll also build strong relationships across the wider business and supplier network by: Developing effective partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers. Sharing customer feedback, local market intelligence, and commercial opportunities with senior management. What Success Looks Like Performance will typically be measured against: Branch sales and gross profit. Sales growth and new account development. Customer satisfaction and retention. Stock availability and accuracy. Branch operating costs. Delivery and service performance. Health and safety standards. Employee engagement and development. Credit control and debt management. Compliance with company policies and procedures. What We're Looking for Essential Previous management experience within a builders' merchant, construction supply, trade, or similar environment. Strong commercial awareness and sales focus. Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams. Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills. Good understanding of branch operations, stock management, and logistics. Strong communication and organisational abilities. Ability to prioritise effectively and perform under pressure. Good numerical and financial awareness. Strong knowledge of health and safety requirements. Desirable Experience managing a high-volume builders' merchant branch. Knowledge of building materials and construction products. Experience managing branch sales, margins, and P&L performance. Experience with trade accounts and credit control. Forklift and yard management experience. Relevant management or industry qualifications. About You You'll be: Commercially minded and results driven. Passionate about delivering exceptional customer service. A confident and inspirational leader. Hands-on, proactive, and willing to get involved in all areas of branch operations. Well organised with strong prioritisation skills. Decisive and solution focused. Professional, approachable, and resilient. Skilled at building long-term relationships with customers, suppliers, and colleagues. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, service, and operational excellence. This is a full-time, permanent opportunity offering stability, responsibility, and the chance to make a real impact within a growing business. Working Hours Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm Contract Type Permanent, Full-Time TPBN1_UKTJ