Assistant Branch Manager

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• Strong previous experience in a supervisory / assistant manager or management role within a builders’ merchant, timber merchant, landscaping supplier or related trade environment.
• Experience with in 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…