At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Branch Manager and lead the team to ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Join Huws Gray, a trusted name in home improvement and building supplies.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23 days holiday, performance bonuses, and discounts on various retailers.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in local communities.
- Qualifications: Customer-facing experience and a positive attitude are key; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 38556 £ per year.
Support the Team. Help Drive the Branch Forward. Be Part of Something Bigger at Huws Gray. Whether you're in the trade or simply love a good home improvement project, chances are you've heard of us. We’re the Huws Gray Group – home to a family of trusted brands including Huws Gray, Huws Gray Plant & Tool Hire, Civils & Lintels, The Timber Group, PDM, NDI, and Anglia Tool Centre. Across the UK, our branches support local communities with everything they need for building, improving, and creating – and that success is built on the dedication of our people. We’re now looking for an Assistant Branch Manager to join the team at our Newcastle branch. This is a key operational role, supporting the Branch Manager and helping ensure the branch runs safely, smoothly, and to a high standard every day.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting the Branch Manager in the day-to-day running of the branch
- Acting as the main point of contact and leading the branch when the Branch Manager is away
- Leading by example to deliver high standards of customer service
- Making sure branch procedures, systems, and ways of working are followed
- Being a visible role model for health, safety, and compliance
- Supporting, coaching, and motivating colleagues
- Helping build strong customer relationships and resolving issues professionally
- Taking practical action to support branch performance, efficiency, and profitability
What you’ll bring:
- You don’t need to tick every box - if you’ve got the right attitude and are ready to step up, we want to hear from you.
- Experience in a customer-facing, operational, or sales environment
- Confidence to support and lead a team on a day-to-day basis
- A hands‑on approach and a strong focus on standards and safety
- Good communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure
- A willingness to support others and take responsibility when needed
Previous experience in a builders’ merchant or a supervisory role is an advantage, but it’s not essential - we’ll support you with the training you need to succeed.
Flexible working
We’re happy to explore flexible working options. Feel free to talk to us about this during the interview process. While we may not be able to meet every request, we’ll always listen with an open mind – and there’s no judgement in asking.
What’s in it for you:
- 23 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays (31 days per year)
- Company bonus scheme, based on performance
- Contributory pension and life assurance
- Discounts on high street retailers, supermarkets, restaurants, gyms, and cinemas
- Colleague discount across our group brands
- Attraction and travel discounts
- Training and development programmes to support your growth
We offer on-the-job training and opportunities to work towards recognised qualifications, including apprenticeships. At Huws Gray, we believe a diverse and inclusive workforce makes us stronger, smarter, and better at serving our customers. We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive workplace, whether you’re based in one of our branches, on the road, or in one of our offices. If you need any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know.
Assistant Branch Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Huws Gray Group.
Huws Gray is an exceptional employer that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture at our Newcastle branch. With a commitment to employee growth through training programmes and recognised qualifications, we offer a rewarding environment where your contributions are recognised and celebrated. Enjoy flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and a range of discounts, all while being part of a diverse team dedicated to serving local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Branch Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Huws Gray Group., so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Huws Gray Group.!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Branch Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Huws Gray Group., customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Huws Gray Group. and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Huws Gray Group. that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Huws Gray Group.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
