Assistant Branch Manager in London

Lawsons is proud to be the UK’s largest independent supplier of fencing, timber and building materials. Established in 1921, with over 35 branches and 700+ colleagues across London and the South East, we continue to thrive by building lasting relationships with customers and cultivating a strong, supportive team culture. We are now recruiting an Assistant Branch Manager to join our New Malden branch to support operational excellence and drive local sales growth.

This is a full‑time, permanent role supporting the Branch Manager in the day‑to‑day running of the New Malden branch. The Assistant Branch Manager will help deliver outstanding customer service across trade counter, yard and telesales, support and develop the branch team, maintain stock and presentation standards, and contribute to meeting commercial targets. The ideal candidate will be practical, commercially minded and people‑focused, with experience in builders’ merchants, trade sales or a similar environment.

• Support the Branch Manager with all aspects of branch operations to ensure efficient, safe and profitable performance.
• Supervise, coach and develop colleagues to create a positive, inclusive and customer‑focused team culture.
• Deliver excellent customer service at the trade counter, in the yard and via phone or email, resolving queries and building strong customer relationships.
• Assist with sales activity, identify opportunities for growth, and support promotional and local marketing initiatives to drive branch revenue.
• Oversee stock control, ordering, stock rotation and stock counts to maintain product availability and minimise shrinkage.
• Ensure the branch is presented to company standards, with safe storage of materials, clear signage and tidy yard areas.
• Manage cash handling, customer accounts and relevant administration accurately and in line with company procedures.
• Promote and enforce health & safety policies, complete required risk assessments and ensure colleagues follow safe working practices.
• Cover operational duties as required, including deputising for the Branch Manager, supporting deliveries and helping in the yard during busy periods.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by suggesting and implementing efficiencies in branch processes and customer service.

• Proven leadership experience in a builders’ merchant, trade supplier, or similar retail/wholesale environment (essential).
• Experience of supervising or leading a small team and developing colleagues.
• Strong customer service and commercial awareness with the ability to identify sales opportunities and achieve targets.
• Good organisational skills, able to manage competing priorities and support effective branch operations.
• Practical and hands‑on approach, comfortable working in a yard environment and supporting manual handling tasks.
• Basic IT literacy to use branch systems, EPOS and mobile devices for order processing and stock management.
• Knowledge of building materials, timber or fencing products is desirable.
• Commitment to health & safety, with the ability to maintain high standards and promote safe working practices.
• Flexible and reliable, willing to work occasional early starts and Saturdays as required to support branch needs.
• Professional, respectful and collaborative approach, able to build rapport with customers and colleagues.

• Full‑time, permanent position based at our New Malden branch.
• Typical hours: Monday to Friday (standard weekly hours and shift pattern to be confirmed at interview), with 1 in 2 Saturday mornings working 08.00 – 12.00.
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience (£44,000 – 48,000).
• 27 days’ holiday per year plus bank holidays and a celebration day, with entitlement rising with service in line with company policy.
• Company pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme and access to online GP services via the My Reward platform.
• Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and genuine progression opportunities within the business.

• Work for a long‑established, customer‑focused supplier with a strong local reputation and commitment to quality and service.
• Be part of a supportive, team‑oriented environment where safety and customer service are prioritised.
• Develop your management and commercial skills through structured training and opportunities to progress within the company.
• Play a key role in delivering outstanding service to trade and retail customers across the local area and contribute to the branch’s success.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are driven, customer‑focused and committed to safe working, we would like to hear from you.