We are seeking a highly motivated and organised BRANCH MANAGER to join our dynamic team at our BARNARD CASTLE Country Store. This exciting opportunity is ideal for someone passionate about serving and supporting the Rural and Agricultural industry and who wants to lead the day to day running of the country store alongside an established team, ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction and standards are achieved as well as actively promoting and driving sales.
ABOUT US
Every day we provide rural and agricultural communities with the support they need to succeed. Whether they are after a healthier herd or flock, increased yields, faster growth rates, a decent return on their land or even just a helping hand. We have the people, products, and services to help our customers get from where they are now to where they want to be. This is why every role at Carr's Billington is hugely important to our shared success and why we welcome talent from across diverse backgrounds to work across our retail, feed, machinery, fuel, and central support divisions.
Carr's Billington Agriculture is a subsidiary company of The Billington Group, who are also the proud owner of Criddle & Co., English Provender Company and Billington Foods.
THE JOB
Purpose of the Role:
To lead and inspire the Retail Branch Team to deliver exceptional performance across sales, customer service, operational excellence, and team development. The Branch Manager is accountable for driving profitability, optimising resources, and ensuring the branch operates in full compliance with company policies and industry standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Sales & Profitability
* Lead the branch to achieve and exceed sales and profitability targets through strategic planning, proactive sales initiatives, and effective team leadership.
* Identify and capitalise on new business opportunities both in-branch and on-farm, ensuring a strong local presence and customer engagement.
* Monitor and analyse sales performance data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
Operational Excellence
* Ensure all branch operations are executed efficiently, safely, and in line with company procedures and industry regulations.
* Manage stock levels effectively, including aged stock, to meet retail stock targets and minimise waste or loss.
* Maintain accurate records and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability in all branch activities.
Customer Experience
* Champion a customer-first culture, ensuring every customer interaction is positive, professional, and solution-focused.
* Support the team in delivering high standards of service, both in-store and on-farm, to build long-term customer loyalty.
* Handle escalated customer issues with professionalism and urgency, ensuring swift resolution and customer satisfaction.
Team Leadership & Development
* Inspire, mentor, and develop branch colleagues to reach their full potential, fostering a culture of continuous learning and high performance.
* Conduct regular performance reviews, set clear objectives, and provide constructive feedback and coaching.
* Identify and nurture key talent, supporting succession planning and contributing to the company's reputation as an employer of choice.
Financial & Credit Management
* Manage branch budgets and control costs to ensure profitability and financial sustainability.
* Monitor and manage customer debt in line with company credit policies, taking proactive steps to mitigate risk.
Compliance & Risk Management
* Ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, assurance schemes (UFAS, FIAS, NOPS), and company policies, including Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.
* Conduct regular audits and risk assessments, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALITIES REQUIRED
Essential - To succeed in this role, the Branch Manager must demonstrate:
Dynamic Leadership: Energises and motivates the team with a clear vision and purpose.
Focus & Organisation: Manages time and priorities effectively, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Hard Work & Diligence: Leads by example, showing commitment and attention to detail in all tasks.
Proactivity & Curiosity: Anticipates challenges, seeks out opportunities, and stays informed about industry trends.
Accountability: Takes ownership of outcomes and drives continuous improvement.
Strong Communication: Articulates ideas clearly and confidently across all levels and channels.
Commercial Acumen: Understands the financial drivers of the business and makes informed decisions to support growth.
Desirable
* Holds a full UK driving licence.
* AMTRA qualification, but training can be given to achieve this.
* Confident and competent user of Microsoft applications systems and fully IT literate.
* Previous experience of using D365
BENEFITS
As part of The Billington Group, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including:
* An attractive salary package.
* Annual salary reviews in September each year.
* A minimum of 25 days annual leave.
* Opportunity to work for a well-established family-owned business with ambitions for growth and innovation.
Your Health
Health Assured: Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which offers counselling and health and wellbeing advice.
Sick pay: Generous company sick pay entitlement.
Health Cash Plan: A health cash plan allowing colleagues to claim back money spent on everyday health care such as optical, dental, physiotherapy and much more.
Your Lifestyle
Staff Discount: Colleagues are eligible for a generous staff discount on selected products at our Country Stores.
Cycle to work scheme: A salary sacrifice scheme saving you tax on the purchase of a new bicycle and associated equipment.
Flexible life assurance and critical illness cover: Choose to increase the level of life assurance cover already provided to you by the company or add critical illness cover, all at preferential rates.
My Savings Hub: Access to an exclusive member's discount website with over 3,500 brands where you can save money and earn cashback on spends from grocery shopping to holidays.
Salary finance benefits: Savings schemes, preferential rate loans and wage advances all through payroll as well as tools for financial education.
Your Future
Pension: Enrolment into the Company pension scheme after 3 months of employment.
Training & Development: Role specific training and ongoing training and development opportunities identified through our annual appraisal process.