At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team, drive sales, and deliver exceptional customer service.
- Company: Join Parker Building Supplies, part of a strong independent merchant network.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, staff discounts, ongoing training, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Step into a key role with real impact and growth potential in branch management.
- Qualifications: Sales or supervisory experience, strong communication skills, and a desire to lead.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
- Hastings
- Full Time, Permanent
- Parker Building Supplies (Part of IBMG)
Ready for the Next Step in Your Merchant Career?
Since 1984, Parker Building Supplies has been supporting trade and retail customers across the South East with quality building materials and exceptional service.
As part of the Independent Builders Merchants Group (IBMG), we combine local knowledge with the strength of a leading independent merchant network.
- We're looking for an ambitious
- Assistant Branch Manager to join our
Hastings branch and play a key role in its ongoing success.
About the Role
This is the second-in-command position within the branch and an excellent opportunity for someone looking to progress into branch management.
Working closely with the Branch Manager, you'll help lead the team, drive sales, support day-to-day operations, and ensure customers receive outstanding service.
When the Branch Manager is absent, you'll confidently step up and take responsibility for the running of the branch.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Deliver excellent customer service and drive sales performance
- Serve customers, provide quotations and convert enquiries into sales
- Support the day-to-day management of the branch
- Lead the branch in the Branch Manager's absence
- Support, motivate and develop colleagues across the counter, yard and delivery teams
- Build strong customer relationships and identify opportunities to grow business
- Encourage repeat business and help re-engage inactive customers
- Monitor stock levels, availability and merchandising standards
- Ensure high standards of health & safety and housekeeping are maintained
- Help deliver branch targets and commercial objectives
What We're Looking For
- Previous sales, trade counter or supervisory experience
- Builders' merchant, plumbing or heating industry experience is highly desirable
- A strong desire to progress into branch management
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- Confident decision-maker who remains calm under pressure
- Positive, hands‑on leadership style
- Self‑motivated with a proactive approach
- Ability to lead by example and support a high-performing team
- Working Hours
- Monday to Friday
- Alternate Saturdays
What's in It for You?
- Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with service
- Staff discount across all IBMG brands
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
- Supportive and close-knit branch team
- Clear progression pathway to Branch Manager
Why Join Parker Building Supplies?
At Parker Building Supplies, we invest in our people.
Many of our managers started on the trade counter, in the warehouse or out in the yard.
If you're looking for a business where hard work, commitment and ambition are recognised and rewarded, this could be the perfect next step.
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Assistant Branch Manager in Hastings 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.
Contact Details:
Independent Builders Merchant Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Branch Manager in Hastings
✨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 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 Independent Builders Merchant Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Branch Manager in Hastings
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 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 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 Independent Builders Merchant Group that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at 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!
