Permanent - Branch Manager - George - South Africa

Job Description – Branch Manager (George Branch)

The Branch Manager develops and leads a dynamic team and is responsible for sustainably growing sales volume and profit while safeguarding all assets. This role manages all aspects of the branch including buying, stocking, selling, customer service, and administration. It requires a dynamic leader with strong interpersonal skills, business acumen, and technical ability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing team through recruitment, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Foster a positive, inclusive work environment that promotes teamwork, collaboration, engagement, and morale.
• Develop and implement strategies to sustainably grow sales, profit, customer base, and market share.
• Oversee all branch operations including buying, stock control, sales, customer service, operations, administration, pricing, margin management, cash-sales, debtors, and financial & risk management.
• Implement and maintain procedures and SOPs to ensure efficient, effective operations and risk mitigation.
• Drive excellence in customer service, ensuring customer satisfaction is always prioritized.
• Implement customer feedback mechanisms and apply insights for service improvement.
• Monitor and report on branch budget, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Analyse and report on financial performance (sales, expenses, profitability) and take corrective action where necessary.
• Manage stock levels to ensure availability, minimize stock-outs, reduce dead stock, and prevent losses.
• Implement efficient supply chain practices to optimize costs and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to safeguard company assets.
• Identify and implement risk management strategies for operational, financial, and regulatory risks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and staff development to enhance efficiency and service.
• Implement and drive the company’s continuous improvement program (20 Keys) for productivity, housekeeping, security, and safety.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with customers, suppliers, support departments, industry partners, and relevant authorities.
• Represent the branch internally and externally, contributing to strategic decision-making at senior level.
• Report fraudulent, suspicious, or unproductive activities.
• Support overall business continuity by assisting in various functions when required

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience:

• Matric (Grade 12) essential; a relevant tertiary qualification advantageous.
• At least 5 years’ management experience with a proven track record in B2B business management.
• Understanding of profitability drivers in a stocking and trading business.
• Industry or product-specific experience is not a prerequisite.
• Entrepreneurial flair, sound judgment, and strong business management skills.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and people management skills.
• Customer-centric mindset with excellent communication ability.
• Data analysis and interpretation skills for decision-making.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Technical aptitude and ability to manage operations end-to-end.
• Proficiency in MS Office, with advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to travel (own transport required).