Lawsons is proud to be the UK’s largest independent supplier of fencing, timber and building materials. Established in 1921, with over 35 branches and 700+ colleagues across London and the South East, we continue to thrive by building lasting relationships with customers and cultivating a strong, supportive team culture. We are recruiting for an Assistant Branch Manager to join our Coulsdon branch to support day‑to‑day operations and help deliver exceptional service to trade and retail customers.
Role overview
As Assistant Branch Manager at our Coulsdon branch, you will support the Branch Manager in delivering excellent customer service, managing branch performance and leading a small team. The role requires strong commercial awareness, practical knowledge of builders’ merchant operations, and the ability to lead by example in a fast‑moving, customer‑facing environment.
Working hours
This is a full‑time, permanent role. Typical hours are Monday to Friday with 1 in 2 Saturdays 08.00 - 12.00 to meet customer and operational needs. Specific hours will be discussed at interview and may vary depending on branch requirements.
What’s in it for you
* Competitive salary (£35,000 - £38,000 dependent on experience)
* 27 days’ holiday plus UK Bank Holidays and one additional celebration day.
* Pension scheme and death in service benefit.
* Access to the "My Reward" platform including employee assistance and wellbeing support.
* Industry‑leading training and genuine opportunities to progress within the company.
* Supportive, team‑oriented working environment and clear safety culture.
Main responsibilities
* Support the Branch Manager to run the branch efficiently, including sales, stock management and customer service delivery.
* Lead, coach and motivate branch colleagues to deliver high standards of service and maintain a positive team culture.
* Assist with recruiting, onboarding and training new team members to ensure competency and compliance with company procedures.
* Manage day‑to‑day customer enquiries, both trade and retail, providing product knowledge and resolving issues promptly and professionally.
* Support stock control activities including stock takes, recycling, returns and ensuring the yard is safe, tidy and organised.
* Ensure accurate completion of sales documentation, electronic transactions and branch records.
* Promote commercial opportunities, upselling where appropriate and contributing to local marketing initiatives.
* Maintain compliance with health & safety policies, company procedures and statutory requirements, including risk assessments and safe systems of work.
* Cover for the Branch Manager as required, including opening/closing responsibilities and decision‑making in their absence.
Skills & experience
* Proven experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within builders’ merchants, timber, landscaping or related retail/warehouse environment.
* Strong customer service skills with a professional, courteous manner and ability to build long‑term relationships.
* Commercially minded with the ability to drive sales, control costs and contribute to branch targets.
* Good organisational skills, reliability and the ability to prioritise in a busy environment.
* Experience of stock control processes, basic numeracy and familiarity with electronic tills/EPOS systems.
* Effective people management and coaching skills with the ability to lead by example.
* Knowledge of health & safety requirements relevant to builders’ merchants, including manual handling and safe working practices.
* Full UK driving licence desirable; experience with fork‑truck or plant operations is advantageous but not essential.
Key accountabilities
* Support achievement of branch sales and profitability targets through excellent customer service and effective team management.
* Maintain accurate stock records and support loss prevention measures to protect branch assets.
* Ensure compliance with company policies, operational procedures and statutory obligations.
* Foster a positive, safety‑focused working environment and contribute to continuous improvement at branch level.
Why join Lawsons Coulsdon?
* Be part of the UK’s leading independent merchant for fencing, timber and building materials.
* Work in a varied and rewarding role with visible impact on customer service and branch performance.
* Access to comprehensive training, competitive benefits and clear opportunities for career progression.
* Join a supportive team where safety, respect and professional development are prioritised.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are a dependable, customer‑focused individual with leadership potential and practical merchant experience, we would like to hear from you.
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