At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team, manage branch performance, and build strong customer relationships.
- Company: Join Sussex Plumbing Supplies, a local merchant with national backing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous discounts, pension plan, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment and the freedom to innovate.
- Why this job: Take charge of your own branch and make a real impact in the trade.
- Qualifications: Experience in branch management or sales, with strong leadership skills.
Brand: Sussex Plumbing Supplies (SPS) — part of IBMG
Hours: Full‑time, permanent — typically Mon–Fri with Saturday cover on rota
Reports to: Area General Manager
Who we are
Sussex Plumbing Supplies is a proper independent merchant — local roots, strong stock, and counter teams who actually know their trade. We're part of IBMG, which means national buying power behind a branch that still runs on relationships and reputation. Plumbers come back to us because we sort them out. Simple as that.
The role
We're looking for a Branch Manager to run the show — own the numbers, lead the team, and keep the trade coming back. This isn't a desk job. You'll be on the floor, on the phone to suppliers, and out seeing customers. You'll carry the P&L and you'll have the freedom to grow it your way.
What you’ll actually be doing:
- Own the branch P&L — sales, screen margin, rebates and EBITDA. You'll know your numbers cold and you'll know what's driving them.
- Lead from the front — recruit, coach and back your team so the counter, yard and office all pull together.
- Win and keep trade — grow your key accounts, chase the lapsed ones, and go after the business down the road that isn't buying from us yet.
- Run a tight ship — stock accuracy, availability, pricing discipline and credit control, so the branch is profitable and the shelves are right.
- Work your suppliers — joint visits, deals, promotions and getting the right gear in at the right price.
- Keep everyone safe — H&S, housekeeping and compliance done properly, not as a box-tick.
What you’ll bring:
- A track record of running a branch or a sales operation — ideally in plumbing, heating, bathrooms or builders' merchanting.
- Commercial instinct — you read a P&L, spot the leak, and fix it.
- Genuine leadership — people want to work for you, not just under you.
- Trade credibility — you can talk fittings, boilers and bathrooms with the best of them (or you'll learn fast).
- Drive — you treat the branch like it's your own business.
What's in it for you:
- Competitive salary that reflects what you bring to the counter.
- Generous staff discount across every IBMG brand — kit out your own jobs for less.
- Company pension and a proper holiday allowance that grows with service.
- Real progression — most of our managers started on the trade counter or in the yard.
- Employee Assistance Programme — confidential support whenever you need it.
- A tight-knit branch team that has your back and a laugh while they're at it.
- The autonomy to run your branch your way — we hire managers, not box-tickers.
Branch Manager - Sussex Plumbing Supplies in Eastbourne employer: IBMG (Independent Builders Merchant Group)
At Sussex Plumbing Supplies, we pride ourselves on being a true independent merchant with deep local roots and a strong commitment to our team and customers. As a Branch Manager in Eastbourne, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous staff discounts, and real opportunities for progression within a supportive and tight-knit team. With the autonomy to lead your branch your way, you'll find a rewarding work culture that values genuine leadership and trade credibility.
Contact Details:
IBMG (Independent Builders Merchant Group) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Branch Manager - Sussex Plumbing Supplies in Eastbourne
✨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 IBMG (Independent Builders Merchant 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 IBMG (Independent Builders Merchant Group)!
We think you need these skills to ace Branch Manager - Sussex Plumbing Supplies in Eastbourne
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 IBMG (Independent Builders Merchant 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 IBMG (Independent Builders Merchant 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 IBMG (Independent Builders Merchant Group) that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at IBMG (Independent Builders Merchant 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!
