Parker Building Supplies
Assistant Manager

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Company Description
Parker Building Supplies is an independent builders merchant with 18 branches across Sussex and Kent, supplying a wide range of building materials to trade and retail customers. As part of the Independent Builders Merchant Group, the company combines local expertise with the resources of a larger group to provide reliable service and product availability. Team members work in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment with opportunities to learn about construction products and merchant operations. The company is actively involved in supporting local communities and sports initiatives and is a dedicated fundraiser for the Teenage Cancer Trust, fostering a culture of social responsibility and community engagement.
Role Description
The Assistant Manager role is a full-time, on-site position based at the Hastings branch. This role supports the Branch Manager in the day-to-day running of the branch, including supervising staff, coordinating workloads, and ensuring excellent customer service. Responsibilities include:
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- Overseeing sales and trade counter activity
- Managing stock levels and ordering
- Maintaining store presentation and safety standards
- Helping resolve operational issues


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The Assistant Manager contributes to achieving sales targets and profitability, assists with training and development of team members, and helps implement company policies and procedures. The role requires hands-on involvement in branch operations, regular interaction with customers and suppliers, and effective collaboration with colleagues across the business.
Qualifications
- Experience in team supervision or leadership within a retail, trade, or builders merchant environment, with the ability to motivate and support colleagues.
- Strong customer service and communication skills, with confidence in dealing with trade and retail customers in person and by phone.
- Basic commercial awareness, including understanding of sales targets, margins, and stock control within a branch setting.
- Organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain attention to detail.
- Comfort working in a physically active environment, including handling building materials in line with health and safety guidelines.
- Good numeracy and literacy, with competence using point-of-sale and basic IT systems; experience with merchant or ERP systems is an advantage.
- Previous experience in building materials, construction, or a related trade is beneficial but not essential; willingness to learn product knowledge is important.
- Availability to work full time on site in Hastings, with flexibility to support branch opening hours and occasional peak-period demands.
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