At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage multiple branches, driving sales and ensuring operational excellence.
- Company: Join Sussex Plumbing Supplies, a trusted name in plumbing since 2000.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, pension, paid holidays, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Monday to Friday hours with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading teams and driving growth in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in area management with strong plumbing supplies knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: 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. Drive profitable growth against budget while leading and developing teams.
Area General Manager employer: Independent Builders Merchant Group
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 dynamic teams across the Southeast while driving sales and operational excellence in a well-respected company. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the builders' merchant industry and enjoy a fulfilling career with us.
Contact Details:
Independent Builders Merchant Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area General Manager
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Independent Builders Merchant Group.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Independent Builders Merchant Group.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Area General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Independent Builders Merchant Group.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Independent Builders Merchant Group. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Independent Builders Merchant Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Independent Builders Merchant Group, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Independent Builders Merchant Group, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Independent Builders Merchant Group could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Independent Builders Merchant Group as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
