Company Overview

Lawsons is the UK's largest independent fencing, timber, and builders' merchants, boasting 35 branches, 700 employees, and a £165 million turnover. Founded in 1921, we operate across London and the South East of England.

Role Purpose

The Assistant Branch Manager role is integral to supporting the Branch Manager in leading and motivating the team to meet and exceed sales, gross margin, and other key business targets. This role aims to grow branch sales and margins by proactively pursuing sales opportunities and developing relationships with new and existing customers.

Work Hours and Location

This position requires working Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 17:00 and every second Saturday from 08:00 to 12:00, totalling 44.5 hours per week.

The position is located at our New Malden Branch -

Unit 16, Adams Industrial Estate, St Johns Rd, New Malden, KT3 3SQ

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary from £45,000 - £49,000, depending on experience
• 27 days Holiday + Bank Holidays + 1 Celebration day
• Pension Scheme
• Death In Service Scheme
• Employee Assisted Programme
• Access to My Reward, including Online GP Access

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Branch Manager in the day-to-day running of the branch, ensuring smooth and efficient operations across all departments.

• Comply with company audit requirements
• Effectively respond to customer needs
• Promptly and accurately handle trade counter and telephone sales and quotations
• Conduct outbound calls to prospective clients to generate sales and qualify lead
• Drive sales growth through effective team leadership, identification of local business opportunities, and proactive customer engagement.

• Source materials to meet customer requirements for items not in stock
• Maintain exceptional standards of customer service in line with Lawsons Best Practice, Standards, and Policies
• Address customer queries effectively and courteously in a timely manner
• Assist in stock counts, ensuring stock levels are maintained and merchandised
• Prevent product loss by being vigilant
• Provide feedback to management on market trends and customer preferences

Candidate Profile

• Prior experience in a supervisory or management role within a builders’ merchant, trade counter, warehouse, retail, or similar environment (preferred).

• Demonstrates a positive, friendly attitude and enjoys management tasks to drive sales.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team to achieve business objectives.

• Promotes and adheres to company culture, values, and professionalism
• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills and confidence when approaching customers
• Excels in communication, influencing, and negotiating
• Experience in developing positive trade customer relationships
• Strong IT skills
• Solid commercial awareness and a focus on driving sales and branch performance
• Highly motivated with a target-driven attitude
• Proficient in multitasking and effective time management
• Competent in using CRM systems and phone systems
• Professional approach with a commitment to company values.