Branch Manager

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Hours: Monday to Friday, aligned to trade counter hours (currently 08:30–17:00)

Start Date: As soon as possible, with a structured handover before the December 2026 retirement

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience, plus benefits

About the role

The Branch Manager manages the Basingstoke site day to day: the trade counter, stores, workshop, people and standards.

You will be accountable for customer service, stock accuracy, workshop output, a safe, tidy site and for expanding branch sales with the support of Preston HQ and our national sales team.

Key responsibilities

Leadership and people

• Lead the branch team so the trade counter, stores and workshop are covered throughout opening hours.
• Set priorities, coach the team, deal promptly with performance and drive sales growth.
• Manage health and safety on site. Keep the workshop and stores safe and tidy in line with HSE regulations and company policy.
• Be the first point of escalation and liaise with Preston HQ where needed (accounts, quality, purchasing, marketing, despatch).

Customers and trade counter

• Provide a good trade counter service: identify the right product or assembly and complete the sale.
• Process credit-account and cash/card transactions accurately.
• Handle technical enquiries with a practical engineering mindset and work with specialists when the job needs it.
• Build repeat custom from local OEMs, resellers, maintenance teams and walk-in trade.

Stores, inventory and workshop

• Make sure goods-in, picking, packing, stocktakes and system accuracy are done properly.
• Ensure hydraulic, pneumatic and industrial assemblies meet industry-accepted standards, regulations and company quality procedures.
• Meet deadlines and complete the right documentation.

Commercial and administration

• Deliver agreed branch targets for sales, service, stock accuracy and cost control.
• Use internal systems confidently (stock, sales, customer records) and learn new platforms as required.
• Ensure a high-quality customer experience.

What we need from you

Essential

• Proven experience leading a small operational team in trade, merchant, industrial distribution, stores or workshop or transferable leadership skills from a similar role.
• Willingness to work in the team as well as manage it.
• Clear communication with customers and colleagues.
• Computer literate (Microsoft Office) and competent with business systems (stock, sales orders, email, reporting).
• Experience in engineering, industrial or fluid-power sectors, with the confidence to give practical technical advice and handle complaints or escalation.

Desirable

• Pneumatics, hydraulics, hose assembly or similar industrial product knowledge.
• Stock or service-level accountability for a branch or department.
• First aid or health and safety qualifications; ISO 9001 exposure.

What we offer

• An established site and team inside a stable, family business operating for more than 50 years.
• A comprehensive handover with the retiring manager.
• Competitive salary and benefits (confirmed at offer) and supplier product training if required.
• Support from Preston HQ, our national sales team and long-standing suppliers.
• Benefits including private healthcare and a pension scheme.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person