Trade Counter Manager/Assistant Store Manager – Plumbing & Heating

Location: West Cork

Industry: Hardware / Building Supplies / Trade Counter

Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Working Days/Hours: Monday to Friday, half-day Saturday – 8am to 5.30pm

About the Company

Join one of West Cork’s most trusted names in the hardware and building supplies sector. With decades of experience serving both trade and retail customers, this business is known for its strong community ties, technical expertise, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Continued growth has created an opportunity for a capable and customer-focused individual to step into a key leadership role within the store.

The Role

You’ll lead the Plumbing & Heating trade counter and support the overall store management operations. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role, ideal for someone with strong trade knowledge, a commercial mindset, and the ability to motivate a small team. You’ll play a key part in delivering excellent service while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations in a busy environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the Plumbing & Heating trade counter, serving trade and retail customers.
• Support the Store Manager with daily operations, including stock control, merchandising, and team supervision.
• Build and maintain relationships with trade customers, identifying upselling opportunities.
• Handle quotations, orders, and customer enquiries with speed and accuracy.
• Monitor inventory levels and liaise with suppliers on product availability.
• Ensure the trade counter is well presented and fully stocked.
• Assist in training and development of junior team members.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment in line with health & safety standards.

About You

• Proven experience in a plumbing & heating trade counter or builder’s merchant environment.
• Strong product knowledge across plumbing, heating, and general building materials.
• Comfortable working with trade professionals and DIY customers alike.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in a supervisory or assistant management capacity is a distinct advantage.
• Commercially minded with a strong focus on customer service and sales.
• IT literate – familiarity with EPOS systems and stock management software preferred.

What’s on Offer

• A permanent, full-time role in a respected local business
• Competitive salary package – Up to €45k
• Performance-based bonus scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Friendly and supportive work culture
• Opportunity to progress into full store management

How to Apply

If you’re looking to build a long-term career with a well-established supplier in the heart of West Cork, we’d love to hear from you.

Tactical Talent Recruitment, Industry Specialists in Hardware, KBB, and Heating & Plumbing Recruitment