Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent supplier of timber, fencing and building materials. With over 35 branches and 700+ colleagues across London and the South East, we deliver quality products, expert advice and excellent customer service. We are recruiting for an Assistant Branch Manager to be based at our Ascot branch to join a busy local team that supports trade and retail customers.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated, commercially minded and customer-focused Assistant Branch Manager on a permanent basis. This sales‑oriented role supports the Branch Manager in driving branch sales performance, leading the sales team, developing customer relationships and ensuring excellent service standards. The successful candidate will combine strong sales acumen with practical branch management skills, a commitment to health & safety and the ability to motivate colleagues to achieve targets and deliver a first-class customer experience.

Main Responsibilities

• Support the Branch Manager in achieving branch sales targets through proactive leadership, coaching and performance management of the sales team.

• Drive sales activity by developing relationships with trade and retail customers, identifying opportunities, providing expert product advice and promoting appropriate solutions to grow revenue.

• Lead by example on the shop floor and in the yard, assisting with customer enquiries, quotations, upselling and order fulfilment to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.

• Manage daily branch operations when required, including staff rostering, site presentation, stock availability checks and ensuring efficient processes are followed.

• Support stock management activities such as monitoring inventory levels, coordinating replenishment with the supply chain team and ensuring accurate stock records are maintained.

• Ensure all sales paperwork, pricing and commercial records are completed accurately and in line with company procedures, including use of branch IT systems.

• Promote and enforce all health & safety policies, ensuring colleagues use PPE, follow safe systems of work and report hazards or incidents promptly.

• Contribute to local marketing and trade development initiatives, including liaising with local contractors, architects and specifiers to generate new business.

• Deliver regular coaching and product training to colleagues to raise technical knowledge, sales skills and overall service quality.

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Branch Manager or regional management to support branch performance and customer satisfaction.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven sales experience within a builders’ merchants, timber or building materials environment, with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets.

• Experience of supervising or leading a small team, with strong coaching and people development skills.

• Good commercial awareness, with the ability to identify sales opportunities, manage margins and deliver profitable growth.

• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to build and maintain strong trade and retail customer relationships.

• Basic knowledge of stock control and branch operations, including order fulfilment and stock replenishment processes.

• IT literate with experience of CRM or branch sales systems and standard Microsoft Office applications.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, solutions‑focused approach.

• Valid UK driving licence desirable; flexibility to assist with occasional deliveries or local customer visits as required.

• Practical, hands‑on attitude with a commitment to health & safety and the ability to work in a busy branch environment.

Working Hours

This is a full-time, permanent position. Typical hours are Monday to Friday with 1 in 2 Saturday mornings 08.00 - 12.00 as required to support the branch trading pattern.

Exact working hours will be discussed at interview and may include occasional early starts for trade support.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience and responsibilities. (£48,000 - £52,000)

• 27 days’ holiday pro rata plus Bank Holidays and 1 celebration day.

• Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover.

• Employee Assistance Programme and access to wellbeing support including online GP.

• Training and development opportunities, including sales, leadership and product training with clear progression pathways within Lawsons.

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing support with opportunities for career progression across the business.

Why Join Lawsons at Ascot?

• Work for a respected, long-established company with a strong regional presence and commitment to colleague development.

• Join a supportive team where commercial drive and excellent customer service are valued.

• Take on a varied role with responsibility for growing sales, developing people and influencing branch performance.

• Be part of a business that prioritises safety, quality and long‑term customer relationships.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you meet the essential requirements and are available to work from our Ascot branch, we would like to hear from you. #MP