The Branch Manager manages the Basingstoke site day to day: the trade counter, stores, workshop, people and standards. You will be accountable for customer service, stock accuracy, workshop output, a safe, tidy site and for expanding branch sales with the support of Preston HQ and our national sales team.
Leadership and people
- Lead the branch team so the trade counter, stores and workshop are covered throughout opening hours.
- Set priorities, coach the team, deal promptly with performance and drive sales growth.
- Manage health and safety on site. Keep the workshop and stores safe and tidy in line with HSE regulations and company policy.
- Be the first point of escalation and liaise with Preston HQ where needed (accounts, quality, purchasing, marketing, despatch).
Customers and trade counter
- Provide a good trade counter service: identify the right product or assembly and complete the sale.
- Process credit-account and cash/card transactions accurately.
- Handle technical enquiries with a practical engineering mindset and work with specialists when the job needs it.
- Build repeat custom from local OEMs, resellers, maintenance teams and walk-in trade.
Stores, inventory and workshop
- Make sure goods-in, picking, packing, stocktakes and system accuracy are done properly.
- Ensure hydraulic, pneumatic and industrial assemblies meet industry-accepted standards, regulations and company quality procedures.
- Meet deadlines and complete the right documentation.
Commercial and administration
- Deliver agreed branch targets for sales, service, stock accuracy and cost control.
- Use internal systems confidently (stock, sales, customer records) and learn new platforms as required.
- Ensure a high-quality customer experience.
Essential
- Proven experience leading a small operational team in trade, merchant, industrial distribution, stores or workshop or transferable leadership skills from a similar role.
- Willingness to work in the team as well as manage it.
- Clear communication with customers and colleagues.
- Computer literate (Microsoft Office) and competent with business systems (stock, sales orders, email, reporting).
- Experience in engineering, industrial or fluid-power sectors, with the confidence to give practical technical advice and handle complaints or escalation.
Desirable
- Pneumatics, hydraulics, hose assembly or similar industrial product knowledge.
- Stock or service-level accountability for a branch or department.
- First aid or health and safety qualifications; ISO 9001 exposure.
- An established site and team inside a stable, family business operating for more than 50 years.
- A comprehensive handover with the retiring manager.
- Competitive salary and benefits (confirmed at offer) and supplier product training if required.
- Support from Preston HQ, our national sales team and long-standing suppliers.
- Benefits including private healthcare and a pension scheme.
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