At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn branch operations and support sales while managing a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Lawsons, the UK's largest independent fencing and builders' merchants.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, 27 days holiday, and employee wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team culture in a respected company.
- Why this job: Step into leadership with structured training and clear career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail management and strong people skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Lawsons
Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent fencing, timber and builders’ merchants. Founded in 1921, we operate across London and the South East with 35 branches, over 700 employees and a turnover of £165 million. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.
Position Overview
We are recruiting for a Branch Manager Designate based at our AVS Bishops Stortford branch. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity for an experienced retail or branch manager to transition into full branch leadership. The role will involve working closely with the existing branch manager and wider regional team to learn all aspects of branch operations, people management, commercial performance and customer service, with the aim of taking full responsibility for the branch within an agreed development timeframe.
Working Hours
This is a full-time, permanent position. Typical hours are Monday to Friday 07:30–17:00, with 1 in 2 Saturdays working 08.00 - 12.00.
Benefits for the Successful Candidate
- Competitive salary dependent on experience + car allowance.
- 27 days holiday pro rata plus 8 Bank Holidays and 1 celebration day.
- Company pension scheme and Death In Service cover.
- Employee Assistance Programme and My Reward benefits including online GP access.
- Structured on-the-job training and development to support progression to full branch manager responsibility.
- Uniform and PPE provided where required.
Main Responsibilities
- Work alongside the current branch manager to learn branch processes, commercial targets and people management responsibilities.
- Support the delivery of sales and margin targets through effective stock management, pricing and merchandising.
- Assist with the recruitment, coaching and development of branch colleagues, promoting a positive, customer-focused team culture.
- Cover day-to-day branch operations including customer service, trade counter duties, yard control and health & safety compliance.
- Support stock control processes including stock takes, goods received checks and reporting variances.
- Help ensure accurate completion of branch paperwork, tills, delivery notes and other required records in line with company procedures.
- Contribute to effective rostering and labour management to meet customer demand and control costs.
- Uphold company policies, safe systems of work and health & safety standards at all times.
- Act as an ambassador for Lawsons on site and when dealing with customers and suppliers.
Qualifications and Skills
- Proven experience in a supervisory or management role within a builders’ merchant, timber/fencing merchant, builders’ merchant or similar retail/wholesale environment.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience of driving sales, margin and stock performance.
- Good people management skills with the ability to coach, motivate and develop colleagues.
- Practical understanding of yard operations, manual handling and basic plant/equipment use; forklift or telehandler licences advantageous but not essential.
- Excellent communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
- Organised, proactive and able to prioritise in a busy environment.
- Basic numeracy and IT literacy to manage returns, stock records and daily reports.
- Full UK driving licence desirable.
Why You Should Consider Joining Us
- Join a respected, long-established company with strong regional presence and commitment to colleague development.
- Work in a supportive, team-focused environment with clear development plans and on-the-job training.
- Play a key role in the future success of your branch and benefit from opportunities for career progression within the business.
- Benefit from employee wellbeing support and an employee rewards package.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are an experienced branch supervisor or manager with commercial drive, practical experience and the ambition to progress to branch leadership, we would like to hear from you.
Branch Manager Designate in Ware employer: Lawsons
Lawsons is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and team-focused environment where you can thrive as a Branch Manager Designate. With a commitment to colleague development, structured on-the-job training, and clear career progression opportunities, you will play a vital role in the success of your branch while enjoying competitive benefits and employee wellbeing support. Join us in our Bishops Stortford location and be part of a respected company with a strong regional presence since 1921.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Branch Manager Designate in Ware
✨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 Lawsons, 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 Lawsons!
We think you need these skills to ace Branch Manager Designate in Ware
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 Lawsons, 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 Lawsons 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 Lawsons that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons
✨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!
