Area General Manager

Area General Manager

Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Independent Builders Merchant Group

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

Join our dynamic team at the Independent Builders Merchant Group in Godstone, where we prioritise safety and reliability in every delivery. As an HGV Class 2 HIAB Driver, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that values your contributions and offers opportunities for professional growth. Enjoy a stable, permanent position with regular hours, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance while being part of a dedicated team committed to excellent customer service.

Independent Builders Merchant Group

Contact Details:

Independent Builders Merchant Group Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Area General Manager

Strategic Planning
Financial Management
Operational Oversight
Sales Growth
Budget Management
Team Leadership
Coaching and Motivation