At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic branch, manage finances, and build strong customer relationships.
- Company: Independent plumbing merchant with local roots and national support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous discounts, pension, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team where you can truly make a difference.
- Why this job: Take charge of your own branch and make a real impact in the trade.
- Qualifications: Experience in branch management or sales, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Brand: Sussex Plumbing Supplies (SPS) — part of IBMG
Hours: Full‑time, permanent — typically Mon–Fri with Saturday cover on rota
Reports to: Area General Manager
Who we are
Sussex Plumbing Supplies is a proper independent merchant — local roots, strong stock, and counter teams who actually know their trade. We're part of IBMG, which means national buying power behind a branch that still runs on relationships and reputation. Plumbers come back to us because we sort them out. Simple as that.
The role
We're looking for a Branch Manager to run the show — own the numbers, lead the team, and keep the trade coming back. This isn't a desk job. You'll be on the floor, on the phone to suppliers, and out seeing customers. You'll carry the P&L and you'll have the freedom to grow it your way.
What you’ll actually be doing:
- Own the branch P&L — sales, screen margin, rebates and EBITDA. You'll know your numbers cold and you'll know what's driving them.
- Lead from the front — recruit, coach and back your team so the counter, yard and office all pull together.
- Win and keep trade — grow your key accounts, chase the lapsed ones, and go after the business down the road that isn't buying from us yet.
- Run a tight ship — stock accuracy, availability, pricing discipline and credit control, so the branch is profitable and the shelves are right.
- Work your suppliers — joint visits, deals, promotions and getting the right gear in at the right price.
- Keep everyone safe — H&S, housekeeping and compliance done properly, not as a box-tick.
What you’ll bring:
- A track record of running a branch or a sales operation — ideally in plumbing, heating, bathrooms or builders' merchanting.
- Commercial instinct — you read a P&L, spot the leak, and fix it.
- Genuine leadership — people want to work for you, not just under you.
- Trade credibility — you can talk fittings, boilers and bathrooms with the best of them (or you'll learn fast).
- Drive — you treat the branch like it's your own business.
What's in it for you:
- Competitive salary that reflects what you bring to the counter.
- Generous staff discount across every IBMG brand — kit out your own jobs for less.
- Company pension and a proper holiday allowance that grows with service.
- Real progression — most of our managers started on the trade counter or in the yard.
- Employee Assistance Programme — confidential support whenever you need it.
- A tight-knit branch team that has your back and a laugh while they're at it.
- The autonomy to run your branch your way — we hire managers, not box-tickers.
Branch Manager - Eastbourne employer: Sussex Plumbing Supplies
At Sussex Plumbing Supplies, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and dynamic work culture in Hailsham. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer ample opportunities for advancement and development, ensuring that your ambition is matched with the right support to thrive. Join us to be part of a team that values hard work, collaboration, and success, all while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a vibrant local community.
