At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage 10 depots, driving sales and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Sussex Plumbing Supplies, a trusted name in plumbing since 2000.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, pension, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and a commitment to health & safety.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive, team-focused environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in area management with strong plumbing knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Polegate SPS 10 Depots Polegate, Worthing, Heathfield, Eastbourne, Rye, Bexhill, Lewes, Uckfield, Hastings & Hailsham
Company: Sussex Plumbing Supplies (part of IBMG)
Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent
About Us
Since 2000, Sussex Plumbing Supplies has been supporting plumbing professionals across the Southeast with a strong reputation for customer service, reliability, and expertise. As part of the Independent Builders Merchants Group (IBMG), we combine local knowledge with national strength.
The Role
We’re looking for a dynamic Area General Manager to lead 10 depots. As an Area General Manager overseeing a number of branches, your responsibilities will include strategic planning, financial management and operational oversight. You’ll manage operations, financials, and teams, while driving sales and maintaining high standards across all sites.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial & Sales
- Manage area budgets to achieve or exceed financial targets (EBITDA focus)
- Develop and deliver business plans to drive sales and margin growth
- Grow customer base (new, existing, and lapsed)
- Manage pricing strategies and maintain profitability
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends
- People Leadership
- Lead, coach, and motivate branch teams
- Partner with HR on recruitment, retention, and employee relations
- Identify and support employee development opportunities
- Ensure HR processes are completed accurately and on time
- Stock & Operations
- Maintain stock accuracy and performance across all branches
- Oversee stock control processes (ERP system)
- Coordinate stock efficiencies across the network
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with H&S legislation and company policies
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping and branch safety
- Oversee vehicle and transport compliance (DVLA, VOSA, Operator Licence)
- Protect company assets and minimise risk
About You
- Minimum 2 years’ area or multi-site management experience
- Strong builders’ merchant / plumbing supplies knowledge
- Proven track record delivering sales growth and profitability
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills
- Strong commercial awareness and decision-making ability
- Demonstrated commitment to health & safety standards
Measures of Success
- Achievement of area EBITDA targets
- Growth of customer base and product mix
- Improved branch performance and margins
- Strong team development and engagement
- Full compliance with company policies
Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 5:00pm
What We Offer
- Competitive salary + bonus
- Pension & paid holidays
- Career development & training
- Staff discount on materials
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Retail discounts (Perks Membership)
- Supportive, team-focused culture
Apply Today
If you’re a driven leader with a passion for sales and customer service, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and take the next step in your builders’ merchant career.
Area General Manager employer: IBMG
At Sussex Plumbing Supplies, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and team-focused culture that fosters employee growth and development. With competitive salaries, bonuses, and a range of benefits including career training and retail discounts, our Area General Manager role provides a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic team across multiple depots in the beautiful Southeast. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding work environment that values your contributions and prioritises your well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area General Manager
✨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 Area General Manager at IBMG!
✨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 IBMG or be willing to refer you for that Area General Manager 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 IBMG who’s on the lookout for their next Area General Manager 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 Area General Manager role at IBMG!
We think you need these skills to ace Area General Manager
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 IBMG. 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 IBMG
✨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 IBMG. 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!
