At a Glance
- Tasks: Support branch operations, deliver excellent customer service, and drive local sales growth.
- Company: Join Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of fencing and building materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27 days holiday, pension scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and develop your management skills in a thriving environment.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in retail or trade sales, strong customer service skills.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 48000 € per year.
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.
Role Overview
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.
Main Responsibilities
- 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.
Person Specification
- 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.
Working Hours, Salary and Benefits
- 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.
Why Join Lawsons New Malden?
- 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.
Assistant Branch Manager in Newport employer: Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
Lawsons is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and team-oriented work culture at our New Malden branch. With a commitment to employee growth through structured training and genuine progression opportunities, we prioritise safety and outstanding customer service, making it a rewarding place to develop your management and commercial skills while contributing to the success of a long-established company with a strong local reputation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Branch Manager in Newport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for an Assistant Branch Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Lawsons and understand their values and culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in customer service and team management. Practice common interview questions so you can showcase your skills confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on experience! If you've worked in builders’ merchants or similar environments, be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve contributed to sales growth or improved customer service. Real-life stories make a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Lawsons team. Let’s get you that Assistant Branch Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Branch Manager in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Assistant Branch Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in builders’ merchants or similar environments, and don’t forget to showcase your customer service skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Lawsons. Mention your practical approach and how you can contribute to the team culture and operational excellence at the New Malden branch.
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness:In your application, demonstrate your understanding of sales opportunities and how you’ve successfully driven growth in previous roles. This will show us that you’re not just about managing operations but also about boosting branch revenue.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Lawsons. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Lawsons' products, especially fencing, timber, and building materials. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or improved customer service in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in supervising and developing colleagues will demonstrate that you're ready to support the Branch Manager effectively.
✨Customer Service is Key
Be ready to discuss how you would handle customer queries and build relationships. Think of specific instances where you went above and beyond for a customer, as this aligns perfectly with the company’s focus on outstanding service.
✨Demonstrate Your Practical Approach
Since the role involves hands-on work in a yard environment, be prepared to talk about your practical skills and experiences. Mention any relevant manual handling tasks you've managed and how you ensure safety and efficiency in such settings.
