Branch Manager Designate

About Lawsons

Lawsons is the UK's largest independent fencing, timber and builders' merchants. Founded in 1921, we operate across London and the South East with 35 branches, over 700 employees and a turnover of £165 million. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.

Position Overview

We are recruiting for a Branch Manager Designate based at our AVS Bishops Stortford branch. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity for an experienced retail or branch manager to transition into full branch leadership. The role will involve working closely with the existing branch manager and wider regional team to learn all aspects of branch operations, people management, commercial performance and customer service, with the aim of taking full responsibility for the branch within an agreed development timeframe.

Working Hours

This is a full-time, permanent position. Typical hours are Monday to Friday 07:30–17:00, with 1 in 2 Saturdays working 08:00–12:00.

Main Responsibilities

• Work alongside the current branch manager to learn branch processes, commercial targets and people management responsibilities.
• Support the delivery of sales and margin targets through effective stock management, pricing and merchandising.
• Assist with the recruitment, coaching and development of branch colleagues, promoting a positive, customer-focused team culture.
• Cover day-to-day branch operations including customer service, trade counter duties, yard control and health & safety compliance.
• Support stock control processes including stock takes, goods received checks and reporting variances.
• Help ensure accurate completion of branch paperwork, tills, delivery notes and other required records in line with company procedures.
• Contribute to effective rostering and labour management to meet customer demand and control costs.
• Uphold company policies, safe systems of work and health & safety standards at all times.
• Act as an ambassador for Lawsons on site and when dealing with customers and suppliers.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience in a supervisory or management role within a builders' merchant, timber/fencing merchant, builders' merchant or similar retail/wholesale environment.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience of driving sales, margin and stock performance.
• Good people management skills with the ability to coach, motivate and develop colleagues.
• Practical understanding of yard operations, manual handling and basic plant/equipment use; forklift or telehandler licences advantageous but not essential.
• Excellent communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
• Organised, proactive and able to prioritise in a busy environment.
• Basic numeracy and IT literacy to manage returns, stock records and daily reports.
• Full UK driving licence desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience + car allowance.
• 27 days holiday pro rata plus 8 Bank Holidays and 1 celebration day.
• Company pension scheme and Death In Service cover.
• Employee Assistance Programme and My Reward benefits including online GP access.
• Structured on-the-job training and development to support progression to full branch manager responsibility.
• Uniform and PPE provided where required.

Why You Should Consider Joining Us

• Join a respected, long-established company with strong regional presence and commitment to colleague development.
• Work in a supportive, team-focused environment with clear development plans and on-the-job training.
• Play a key role in the future success of your branch and benefit from opportunities for career progression within the business.
• Benefit from employee wellbeing support and an employee rewards package.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are an experienced branch supervisor or manager with commercial drive, practical experience and the ambition to progress to branch leadership, we would like to hear from you.