Assistant Branch Manager

Lawsons Ltd.; Guildford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - GBP 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent supplier in Guildford is seeking an Assistant Branch Manager to support the Branch Manager in driving sales and excellent customer service. This hands-on role involves managing daily operations, leading a team, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. The ideal candidate will have supervisory experience in the building materials sector and a solid track record in team development. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and excellent employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary between £38,000 - £40,500

27 days holiday plus UK Bank Holidays

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Ongoing training and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a supervisory role within builders’ merchants or related sector.
• Strong focus on achieving sales targets and managing margin.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support the Branch Manager to achieve sales, margin, and service targets.
• Manage day-to-day branch operations including stock control and logistics.
• Ensure efficient coordination of deliveries and collections.

Skills

Supervisory experience in builders’ merchants

Strong commercial awareness

Leadership and team development

Stock management knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Basic IT literacy

Job description

About Us

Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent supplier of fencing, timber and building materials. Established in 1921, we operate across London and the South East of England with over 35 branches, more than 700 employees and a turnover of £165 million. We are committed to delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.

Role Overview

We are recruiting an Assistant Branch Manager to join our AVS Guildford branch. This is a hands‑on leadership role based in‑branch, responsible for supporting the Branch Manager to deliver excellent customer service, drive branch sales and profit, lead and develop the branch team, and ensure safe, efficient daily operations across counter, yard and delivery functions.

Working hours

Full time, permanent position. Typical hours will be Monday to Friday 07.30 - 17.00 and 1 in 2 Saturday mornings 08.00 - 12.00.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience (£38,000 - £40,500)
• 27 days’ holiday plus UK Bank Holidays and an additional celebration day.
• Pension scheme, Death in Service benefit, and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to the “My Reward” platform including Online GP Access and wellbeing support.
• Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training with clear career development opportunities.
• Supportive, team-oriented culture within a leading independent supplier.

Main Responsibilities

• Support the Branch Manager in achieving branch sales, margin and service targets by driving commercial activity and delivering excellent customer service.
• Lead, coach and develop a mixed team across counter, telesales, yard and delivery, ensuring high standards of performance, attendance and conduct.
• Manage day‑to‑day branch operations including stock control, merchandising, ordering and stock reconciliations to maintain accurate inventory and availability.
• Ensure efficient coordination of deliveries and collections, working closely with the yard and drivers to optimise routes and customer satisfaction.
• Serve customers at the counter and by telephone when required, providing product advice and processing orders accurately.
• Assist with recruitment, induction and performance reviews, setting clear objectives and supporting ongoing learning and development.
• Complete and review branch paperwork and electronic records in line with company systems, ensuring compliance with procedures and accurate reporting.
• Maintain a safe working environment by ensuring adherence to health and safety policies, conducting risk assessments, and promoting safe working practices and correct use of PPE.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost savings and commercial initiatives, and support implementation at branch level.
• Cover for the Branch Manager during absences, making operational decisions and escalating issues to regional colleagues as necessary.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within builders’ merchants, timber, landscaping or a related sector.
• Strong commercial awareness with a focus on achieving sales targets and managing margin.
• Experience of leading and developing teams, with the ability to motivate colleagues and manage performance constructively.
• Good practical knowledge of branch operations including stock management, ordering and logistics.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with a professional telephone manner and the ability to build rapport quickly.
• Organised, resilient and able to prioritise a varied workload while maintaining attention to detail.
• Basic IT literacy to use company systems, CRM and Microsoft Office applications.
• Full UK driving licence preferred. Forklift accreditation and other operational qualifications are desirable but training can be provided where appropriate.

Why Join Lawsons?

• Be part of a well‑established and respected company with excellent career development opportunities.
• Play a key role in a busy, customer‑focused branch with direct influence on performance and service.
• Access to company benefits including pension, employee assistance programme and training opportunities.
• A supportive team environment where your contribution is recognised and valued.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are a confident, commercially minded leader who enjoys working in a fast‑paced, practical environment, we would like to hear from you. #MP