Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
Assistant Branch Manager
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About Lawsons
Lawsons is a leading independent builders’ merchant supplying building materials, timber, landscaping products and associated services to trade and retail customers. We are committed to providing high quality products, expert advice and exceptional customer service through our branch network.
Role Overview
We are recruiting an Assistant Branch Manager to join our AVS Basingstoke branch. This is a hands-on leadership role supporting the Branch Manager with the day-to-day operation and commercial performance of the branch. The successful candidate will help lead the branch team, develop strong customer relationships, maintain high standards of service and ensure that sales, operational and health and safety procedures are consistently followed.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Branch Manager with the daily management and smooth operation of the Basingstoke branch.
- Lead, motivate and support branch colleagues to deliver excellent customer service and achieve sales and operational targets.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with trade and retail customers, understanding their requirements and identifying opportunities to grow sales.
- Assist with sales enquiries, quotations, orders and customer account queries, providing accurate product and service advice.
- Promote the full range of building materials, timber, landscaping products and related services to meet customer needs.
- Work closely with the sales office, trade counter, yard, transport and administration teams to ensure orders are processed accurately and delivered or collected as agreed.
- Support stock management activities including stock checks, replenishment, product availability and the safe storage of materials.
- Help monitor branch performance, sales activity, margins and customer service standards, taking action where required.
- Deal with customer queries and complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly or escalating them to the Branch Manager when appropriate.
- Assist with the training, induction and development of branch colleagues, sharing product knowledge and best practice.
- Support the recruitment, supervision and performance management of colleagues in line with company procedures.
- Ensure the branch, yard and surrounding areas are maintained to a clean, organised and professional standard.
- Comply with company policies and procedures, including health and safety, manual handling, vehicle and yard safety, data protection and customer service standards.
- Act as Branch Manager when required, supporting the continued operation and performance of the branch.
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Person Specification
- Strong previous experience in a supervisory / assistant manager or management role within a builders’ merchant, timber merchant, landscaping supplier or related trade environment.
- Experience within the building materials, timber, landscaping or merchanting sector is essential.
- Good knowledge of building materials, timber, landscaping products or associated trade supplies.
- Confident leader with the ability to motivate colleagues, delegate effectively and lead by example.
- Strong customer service and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with trade and retail customers.
- Commercially aware, with a proactive approach to achieving sales, margin and branch performance targets.
- Organised and able to manage competing priorities in a busy branch environment.
- Accurate when handling customer, pricing, stock and order information.
- Comfortable using computers, email, Microsoft Office and sales, stock or branch management systems.
- Practical and willing to support colleagues across the trade counter, sales office and yard when required.
- Good understanding of workplace health and safety, with a commitment to maintaining safe working practices.
- Full driving licence is desirable.
- Reliable, professional and committed to delivering high standards of service and operational performance.
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Working Hours, Salary and Benefits
- ⏰ Working hours are Monday - Friday 07.30 - 17.00 plus 1 in 2 Saturday mornings 08.00 - 12.00.
- 💎 Competitive salary dependent on experience (£38,000 - £42,000)
- 🏖️ 27 days holiday entitlement plus UK Bank Holidays and an additional celebration day.
- 💰 Company pension scheme.
- ❤️ Life Assurance / Death in Service.
- 🎁 My Reward benefits platform, including retail discounts, wellbeing support and Online GP access.
- 🩺 Employee Assistance Programme.
- 📈 Training, development and genuine career progression.
- 🤝 Supportive, team-focused working environment.
Why Join AVS?
Join an established and respected supplier serving trade and retail customers across the building materials and landscaping sectors.
- Play an important leadership role within a busy and customer-focused Basingstoke branch.
- Work with an experienced team in a supportive and practical environment.
- Develop your product knowledge, commercial skills and leadership experience through structured training and on-the-job development.
- Build lasting relationships with customers and contribute directly to the success of the branch.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are an experienced building materials professional with strong leadership skills and a commitment to excellent customer service, we would like to hear from you. #MP
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