Branch Manager

Our client in the paper, chemical, and industrial distribution industry is looking to employ a Branch Manager to join their team based in North End, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha).

This is a senior leadership role for a hands-on, disciplined, and commercially driven General Manager who will take full accountability for branch performance, operational excellence, profitability, and compliance across sales, warehousing, distribution, fleet, and people management.

Requirements

• 5–10 years’ experience in a General Management or Senior Operations role

• Relevant tertiary qualification

• Proven exposure to sales, warehousing, and distribution environments

• Experience in paper, chemical, FMCG, or industrial distribution – advantageous

• Strong people management and disciplinary experience

• Sound understanding of stock control and sales-related financials

• High integrity and accountability

• Own reliable vehicle and Valid driver’s licence

Responsibilities

Branch and Operations Management

• Full accountability for day-to-day branch operations

• Integrate sales, warehousing, distribution, and fleet functions

• Drive operational efficiencies and continuous improvement initiatives

• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and regulatory standards

Sales and Customer Management

• Lead and support the sales team to achieve revenue and margin targets

• Monitor pricing, discounts, and customer profitability

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers and suppliers

• Resolve escalated customer service issues

• Identify and develop regional growth opportunities

Warehousing, Distribution and Stock Control

• Full responsibility for warehousing operations

• Ensure accurate stock control, rotation, and inventory management

• Minimise stock losses, damages, and variances

• Oversee distribution planning for safe, cost-effective, and on-time deliveries

• Ensure compliance with chemical handling, storage, and transport regulations

Fleet and Site Management

• Manage branch fleet in coordination with national fleet structures

• Control fleet usage, maintenance, licensing, and compliance

• Oversee buildings, equipment, and infrastructure

• Manage contractors and service providers

Health, Safety, Security and Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation

• Implement and monitor health, safety, and environmental procedures

• Oversee site security and loss prevention

• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions

People Management

• Recruitment and onboarding in collaboration with HR

• Performance management, discipline, and attendance control

• Identify training and development needs

• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and teamwork

• Ensure succession planning and adequate staffing levels

Financial and Administrative Management

• Manage branch budgets and operating costs

• Oversee basic accounting functions including sales tracking and cost control

• Monitor stock valuation and variances

• Support credit control and debtor management

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting

Reporting and Strategic Input

• Prepare and present monthly operational and financial reports

• Provide risk assessments and improvement recommendations

• Contribute to branch-level strategic planning and execution