At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily branch operations, manage sales, and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Company: Bennetts, a family-owned business with over 70 years of experience in automotive parts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a rapidly expanding company.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the automotive industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in a supervisory role and strong knowledge of automotive parts.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
About The Role
As an Assistant Branch Manager you will support the day‑to‑day running of our busy branch. Working closely with the Branch Manager, you will help manage operations, support the sales and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and branch efficiency. This role requires strong leadership, good knowledge of automotive parts or services, and the ability to drive both operational performance and team development.
Hours of work: Monday to Friday 8am – 5.30pm and alternate Saturdays’ 8.30am – 1pm
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Branch Manager in daily operations, including sales, logistics, and customer service
- Help lead, motivate, and develop branch staff
- Ensure high standards of customer service are delivered consistently
- Monitor and help achieve sales targets, KPIs, and profitability goals
- Assist with stock management, ordering, and stock control
- Help manage delivery schedules and ensure timely distribution of parts
- Handle customer queries, complaints, and complex sales
- Ensure compliance with health & safety and company policies
- Step in as acting Branch Manager when required
- Contribute to local marketing and trade account development initiatives
Requirements:
- Previous experience in a supervisory or senior sales/operations role
- Strong knowledge of car parts, automotive servicing, or related products
- Leadership and team management skills
- Excellent communication and customer service abilities
- Commercial awareness and experience working to sales targets
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Punctual, reliable and trustworthy
- IT literate with experience using stock control or sales systems
- Full UK driving licence
About Us
Bennetts is a third‑generation family business, founded in 1954, and built on strong values of value and customer service. While the company has grown significantly, those principles remain at its core. Today, the L Bennett and Sons Group operates across the UK, supplying car parts, tools, and workshop equipment to both trade and public customers, from independent garages to main dealers and specialists. With over 55 branches and growing, over £30 million in stock and a fleet of 350+ vehicles, Bennetts supports everything from routine servicing to complex repairs. As an independent, family-owned business, Bennetts reinvests in its people, infrastructure, and systems, enabling quick decisions and consistent service. Looking ahead, Bennetts remains focused on quality products, dependable service, and supporting workshops with confidence, staying true to the values that have driven its success for over 70 years.
Assistant Branch Manager in Barking employer: L. Bennett & Son Limited
Bennetts is an excellent employer that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for Warehouse Operatives to thrive. With a commitment to employee growth and development, the company offers opportunities for advancement within its expanding network of branches across the UK. As a family-owned business, Bennetts prioritises strong values and customer service, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful work experience in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Branch Manager in Barking
✨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 L. Bennett & Son Limited, 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 L. Bennett & Son Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Branch Manager in Barking
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 L. Bennett & Son Limited, 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 L. Bennett & Son Limited 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 L. Bennett & Son Limited that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at L. Bennett & Son Limited
✨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!