Assistant Branch Manager

Impulse Recruitment are currently recruiting for a Assistant Branch Manager for a large company based in Cork

This is a Full Time Permanent position and a great opportunity to join a good team

Purpose of Position

1. Reporting to the Branch Manager and assist with all day-to-day duties of running a Branch.
2. An Assistant Manager is a pivotal role that bridges the gap between staff and upper management, ensuring smooth operations and contributing to the achievement of organisational goals.
3. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all staff within the branch.
4. To take a leading role in the daily functions of the Branch, to include Sales and Operations and take the lead in Branch Managers absence.
5. To ensure all customer needs are met and carried out efficiently and effectively in accordance with Company ethos and policy.
6. To foster and practice the Company principle of excellent customer service at all times.
7. To be instrumental in developing the branch to achieve branch revenue and sales goals.
8. To ensure good communication both internally and externally.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE, EVERY DAY, EVERY DETAIL

Main Areas of Responsibility

Sales Management

• Assisting the branch manager to achieve the highest quality customer experience through a joined-up approach with both Sales and Operational Teams.
• Leading the team to achieve sales and Gross Profit (GP) targets by dealing professionally and promptly with all customer types.
• Work closely with the Branch Manager to assist in driving the development of the Branch
• Improve the performance of the Branch across a number of key performance measures.
• Ensure that standards are met for customer service excellence and experience.
• Ensure that the sales teams provide a professional, friendly and enthusiastic customer service experience, in person and via telephone/emails/WhatsApp
• Build up and maintain good working relationships with customers and suppliers through interaction within the branch and site visits
• Effective liaison with external sales representatives regarding customer enquiries/orders/credit limits and their targets
• Quotation Management – ensure procedures are followed fully and effectively as per MBM Procedures.
• Maintain effective lines of communication with all staff, colleagues and departments to ensure excellent customer service.
• Drive key company initiatives such as Customer Service
• To be knowledgeable in all aspects of the Company’s products ranges and to continuously update such knowledge or to request training in such areas as needed.

Margin Management

• Achieve the best margins through clear understanding of Product/Customer Pricing Structures
• Good understanding of local market intelligence to ensure correct lines of communication to relay critical market information to the Category Management Team.
• Achieve the best margin possible through good customer service, knowing your customers and product ranges we can offer.
• Sell as wide a range of products as you can to every customer.
• Supplier Support – Ensure supplier support engagement to achieve maximum margin
• Support the Branch Manager in improving Branch Processes & Procedures to eliminate stock shrinkage, damages and administrative errors.

Finance

• Liaise with Credit Controller on timely collections of due balances
• Ensure branch operates in line with the Annual Branch Business Plan (Budget)
• Control of Branch Overheads as part of P&L involvement

Staff Development

• Take the leading role in ensuring adherence to Health & Safety Standards and procedures

• Accountability for ensuring the health & safety and wellbeing of branch staff
• Ensure staff are valued, well trained and knowledgeable within their roles in accordance with MBM Training Programmes with strong emphasis on our Customer Service.
• Build solid working relationships with staff, encouraging their continuous development thereby establishing strong key employee retention, development and succession.
• Generate a culture of continued improvement through performance coaching and leading by example in terms of commitment, enthusiasm and drive.
• To make yourself familiar with and carry out your employee responsibilities as outlined in Company Policies and Procedures at all times, including the Health & Safety Policy and the Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Ensuring that all policies, procedures and controls are followed at all times.

• To participate fully in all training and personal development initiatives as required by the Company.
• To perform any other duties as and when required by Management.

Stock Management

• Working in conjunction with the yard/shop stock controllers ensuring stock ranges and quantities are maintained at agreed levels and slow-moving stock levels is a key priority.
• Stock Metrics – measure, manage and reporting in conjunction with MBM Procedures.
• All stock must be ordered as per MBM Procedures eg, Timber Ordering Process in line with Group Procedures.
• Maintaining a clean, well-organised and properly merchandised store at all times.

• Control and organisation of Branch Stock Takes
• Ensure stock profile is adequate to service your local customers and their projects.
• Ability to utilise and interrogate stock system information.
• Minimise Stock Leakage through effective control of theft, damages and returns policy (attention to detail)

Branch Layout/Logistics & Transport

• Ownership of Branch Business Plan which includes Branch Layouts and Logistics & Transport
• Health & Safety linked to Infrastructure and Logistics & Transport
• Responsible for site facilities, repairs and maintenance
• Ensure Branch layout, signage and labelling is correct in accordance with MBM Standards.

• Fleet Management & Haulage
• Ensure compliance of all Company Policies & Procedures within the Operations and Driving.

All of the above responsibilities within the Assistant Branch Manager position are supported by Senior Branch Manager central functions such as HR Department (including H&S Compliance), Trading Offices, Category Managers, Finance & IT and Marketing Department.

Key Attributes

• Leadership and Team Management

Effective leadership involves motivating and guiding team members towards achieving common objectives. This includes setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a collaborative environment.

• Strong Communication Skills

Clear and concise communication is vital for conveying information, addressing concerns, and ensuring that all team members are aligned with organizational goals. This encompasses both verbal and written communication, as well as active listening.

• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Abilities

Assistant Managers must be adept at identifying issues, analysing situations, and implementing effective solutions promptly. This requires critical thinking and the ability to make informed decisions that benefit the organization.

• Organizational and Time Management Skills

Managing multiple tasks and responsibilities efficiently is crucial. Strong organizational skills enable Assistant Managers to prioritize duties, meet deadlines, and maintain smooth operations within the team.

• Adaptability and Flexibility

The ability to adjust to changing circumstances and handle unexpected challenges is essential. An adaptable Assistant Manager can navigate through transitions and maintain team morale during periods of change.

• Customer-Focused Approach

Understanding and addressing customer needs is fundamental. Assistant Managers should ensure that their team delivers high-quality service, fostering positive relationships with clients and contributing to business growth.

• Financial Acumen

A basic understanding of budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting is beneficial. Assistant Managers often assist in managing resources and ensuring that operations are cost-effective.

• Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Recognizing and understanding emotions in oneself and others allows Assistant Managers to manage interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically, leading to a harmonious work environment.

• Commitment to Continuous Improvement

A proactive attitude towards personal and professional development ensures that Assistant Managers stay updated with industry trends and enhance their skill set, benefiting both themselves and the organization.

The above Job Description provides a comprehensive list of the main responsibilities of this role but it is not intended to be exhaustive as the job role will evolve and additional responsibilities will become part of it as time goes on.   You may not be involved in carrying out all of the listed duties at all times but your line manager will keep you informed of what your responsibilities are at any given time.