Business Manager in Preston

If you’re an independent thinker, quick learner, and a strong leader who knows how to set standards and get the best from a team, this could be the role for you. Grove Group are looking for a hands-on Business Manager to take ownership of our Preston site and drive performance across a fast-paced trade counter and warehouse operation.

Grove Group is one of the UK’s most respected suppliers to the vehicle repair and refinish industry, with over 100 years of experience supporting body shops and distribution partners nationwide. We’re now looking for an experienced, hands-on Manager to lead our Preston branch. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a practical environment, enjoys building high-performing teams, and isn’t afraid to set clear expectations. If you're a skilled people manager who can bring energy, structure and accountability to a team, we want to hear from you.

About the Role

Our branches operate like busy trade counters with a warehouse behind them. On any given day the team could be:

• Serving customers at the trade counter
• Mixing automotive paints
• Preparing and dispatching deliveries
• Managing stock and supplier orders

You’ll lead a small team of 3, ensuring the branch runs smoothly, efficiently and professionally. The current staff boast over 60 years’ combined industry expertise, meaning you can focus on what matters most: leading the team and driving standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• You will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the branch, from stock and service to team performance and customer relationships.
• Lead and manage the team, setting clear standards, providing training, conducting appraisals and addressing performance where required.
• Oversee daily branch operations, ensuring the trade counter, warehouse activities and paint mixing services run smoothly and efficiently.
• Manage stock control, maintaining accurate stock levels, investigating discrepancies and ensuring products are available to meet customer demand.
• Support order processing and deliveries, ensuring goods are prepared accurately and dispatched promptly to customers.
• Deliver excellent customer service, responding to enquiries, resolving issues and building strong relationships with trade customers.
• Maintain branch administration and financial controls, including cash handling, banking, credit control procedures and accurate documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, including health & safety, security and operational procedures.
• Work closely with the sales team to support branch targets, promote company products and contribute to new business opportunities.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, including sales, purchasing and accounts, to keep branch operations running smoothly.
• Maintain a professional, organised branch environment, ensuring high standards of housekeeping and presentation at all times.

Who we are looking for:

First and foremost you will be a strong people manager. You might come from a background such as:

• Branch Manager
• Operations Manager
• Automotive / motor trade management
• Warehouse or distribution leadership

Most importantly, you will:

• Be confident managing teams and addressing performance issues.
• Have experience improving standards and driving cultural change.
• Be organised, practical and hands-on.
• Be comfortable working in a fast‑paced operational environment.
• Have excellent communication and leadership skills.

You must be authorised to work in the UK. No agencies please.