Assistant Branch Manager
Builders’ Merchants • Sligo • Permanent, Full-Time
THE CLIENT
Our client is a well-established builders’ merchants with a strong national presence across Ireland. Widely recognised as a market leader in the supply of general and specialist building materials, timber, and hardware, they serve the construction trade, DIY sector, and general public. The business has built a strong reputation on the strength of its people, its breadth of product range, and its commitment to customer service excellence.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a pivotal role within the branch structure – the bridge between frontline staff and senior management, and the engine behind day-to-day operational success. Reporting to the Branch Manager, the Assistant Branch Manager will take a lead role across sales, operations, stock management, and people development, stepping up to run the branch in the Branch Manager’s absence.
If you are a driven, hands-on manager who thrives in a busy trade environment and takes real pride in the performance of their team and their branch, this is a role worth exploring.
THE PACKAGE
Salary: €40,000 – €55,000 p.a.
Bonus: Performance related
Overtime: Yes – every second Saturday (approx. 5 hrs)
Pension: Yes
Life Assurance: Yes
Health Insurance: Yes
Phone: Yes
Training & Development: Yes
Employee Assistance Programme: Yes
Annual Health Review: Yes
Saturday Working: Every second Saturday – half day
ROLE PURPOSE
The Assistant Branch Manager supports the Branch Manager in leading the branch towards operational excellence and commercial performance. This encompasses sales growth, margin management, stock control, logistics, staff development, and the maintenance of a safe, well-run environment for both customers and colleagues.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Sales & Customer Experience
• Lead the team in delivering professional, efficient customer service across trade counter, telephone, and digital channels.
• Drive sales and Gross Profit targets through active management of the sales team and personal contribution at counter level.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers, including site visits where appropriate.
• Manage the quotation process fully and in line with company procedures.
• Liaise effectively with external sales representatives on customer enquiries, orders, credit limits, and targets.
• Stay current on all product ranges and proactively seek training where knowledge gaps exist.
Margin & Commercial Performance
• Understand and apply customer and product pricing structures to achieve the best possible margins.
• Sell across the widest possible product range to every customer.
• Leverage supplier support to maximise margin outcomes.
• Relay local market intelligence to the Category Management team as required.
• Support the Branch Manager in eliminating stock shrinkage, damages, and administrative errors.
Finance & Reporting
• Liaise with the Credit Controller on timely collection of outstanding balances.
• Ensure branch operations remain within the agreed Annual Branch Business Plan.
• Contribute to P&L management through control of branch overheads.
People & Team Development
• Lead by example in fostering a culture of accountability, high performance, and continuous improvement.
• Build strong working relationships with all branch staff, prioritising development, retention, and succession planning.
• Ensure all staff are well trained, knowledgeable, and engaged in line with company training programmes.
• Take accountability for health & safety compliance and staff wellbeing at all times.
• Ensure all company policies, procedures, and controls are adhered to consistently.
Stock Management
• Work alongside yard and shop stock controllers to maintain agreed stock ranges and quantities.
• Monitor, measure, and report stock metrics in line with company procedures.
• Organise and control branch stock takes.
• Minimise stock leakage through robust management of theft, damages, and returns.
• Maintain a clean, well-merchandised, and correctly labelled branch at all times.
Branch Operations & Logistics
• Contribute to the Branch Business Plan, including layout, logistics, and transport planning.
• Oversee fleet management, haulage compliance, and transport-related health & safety.
• Manage site facilities, repairs, and maintenance requirements.
• Ensure branch signage and layout meets company standards.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will bring:
• A minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in a management or supervisory role, ideally within builders’ merchants, hardware, or a related trade environment.
• Solid commercial acumen – you understand how a branch makes money and you manage accordingly.
• Strong people management skills – you coach, develop, and hold people to account in equal measure.
• A practical, hands-on approach – you lead from the floor, not behind a desk.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both with customers and colleagues.
• Confidence with standard IT systems and stock management software.
• A working knowledge of health & safety responsibilities in a trade environment.
• The flexibility to work every second Saturday morning as part of the branch rota.
TO APPLY
To be considered for this role, please send your CV to Tactical Talent. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.
Tactical Talent is Ireland’s specialist recruitment partner for the Hardware and Builders’ Merchants industry – and the exclusive recruitment partner of Hardware Association Ireland.