Alsford Timber Ltd

If you are motivated, passionate and really want to make a difference working as part of our extraordinary team then you will fit right in with us here at Alsford. Overview The General Manager is responsible for overseeing an Alsford branch, typically operating remotely from the company's head office. This role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to manage operations independently, while still aligning with the broader goals of the business. As a General Manager, you will be expected to build strong, lasting relationships with both staff and customers, consistently exceeding expectations to achieve sales, budget, and productivity targets while maintaining the highest standards of service. This role suits a commercially minded professional who thrives with the freedom and flexibility to manage their branch as if it were their own business. The General Manager is accountable for managing branch budgets effectively-ensuring that financial resources are allocated in a way that supports the branch's performance and contributes to the overall success of the organisation. A key aspect of the role involves leading, coaching, and developing your team-ensuring that employees receive appropriate training and support to grow both individually and collectively. You will ensure compliance with company policies, particularly those relating to Health & Safety and security, and will be responsible for the induction and ongoing development of all branch staff in line with regulatory standards. The ideal General Manager is an excellent communicator with a proactive, "can-do" attitude. In addition to branch responsibilities, the General Manager may also take on additional projects to support both the local branch and wider business initiatives. Our working hours are Monday to Friday 7.30 am to 5.00 pm & every other Saturday 8.00 am to 1.00pm. Main Roles & Responsibilities The General Manager is expected to carry out the following key responsibilities: Achieve Branch Targets: Deliver against key performance indicators (KPIs), driving sales and ensuring branch budget targets are consistently met. Customer & Trade Relationship Management: Actively maintain and grow strong relationships across trade and customer accounts, ensuring long-term loyalty. Commercial Focus: Demonstrate strong commercial acumen, a results-driven mindset, and a commitment to delivering a consistently high standard of customer service. Team Leadership: Supervise, motivate, and coordinate the branch team, fostering a high-performing culture and demonstrating effective people management skills. Professional Communication: Maintain clear, professional communication at all levels-both internally with staff and externally with customers. Stock Management: Take full ownership of stock levels, ensuring availability of core ranges to meet customer needs and upholding quality control standards. Reporting & Forecasting: As required, analyse sales performance and produce regular management reports to support forecasting and operational planning within budget. Product & Promotions Knowledge: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all Alsford products, services, technologies, and promotional campaigns. Project Involvement: Contribute to various branch-level and wider business projects, supporting continuous improvement and innovation. Team Communication: Organise and lead regular team briefings or meetings to keep all staff informed about business updates, product changes, and operational priorities. Operational Efficiency: Identify opportunities to improve productivity and enhance the overall customer experience. Other Duties: Carry out additional reasonable duties as required by the Regional Operations Manager to support business needs. Education/Qualifications/Experience: Branch Managers need to have a good level of education e.g. relevant City & Guilds, HND, NVQ, and/or equivalent qualification as appropriate for the role. Ideally experience in trade, builders merchant or retail store management for a minimum of 2-3 years. Must have experience in the supervision and management of employees and can effectively manage an annual budget. Job Specific Skills Commercially minded. Experience of delivering results. Product knowledge - essential Ability to interpret and understand figures and act upon the interpretations Administration Knowledge of current Health & Safety legislation PC literate Positive outlook Driving licence is essential What we can offer you: Weat Alsford pride ourselves on being a great place to work, through our values and family feel culture. In return, you will have every opportunity to progress within an expanding business. The Job Package: Annual pay review In house training Birthday bonus - take the afternoon (or morning) off on us! Company's life assurance of 4 x basic annual salary Discounted goods Cycle to work scheme Employee assistance programme 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) Enhanced maternity and paternity pay Refer a friend scheme Click apply today to begin your Alsfordjourney. The Company Alsford is a Builders' Merchant, supplying timber, tools, and building materials to Trade and DIY customers. Alsford Timber Ltd has been around since 1882 and is now the largest Timber and Builders' Merchant in South East England, with 19 branches across Kent, Surrey, London, East Sussex, and West Sussex. We've spent over 130 years creating the Alsford brand you see today because, like you, we believe in building things to last. Pay Pay Every year an annual pay review is held. Training Training Monthly training sessions, management development programmes, in-branch product, and IT training. Health Health Monthly initiatives to promote positive mental and physical health. Life Assurance Life Assurance Paid at 4 times your basic annual salary whilst you work at Alsford. Discount Discount Discounted products to help make your DIY projects at home a little easier. Travel Travel Cycle to work scheme is available to everyone. Profit Share Incentive Scheme Profit Share Incentive Scheme Paid on Company performance over the budgeted profit. Incentives Incentives There are a variety of incentives from Commercial or Ops to get involved with. Holiday Holiday 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing every 5 years. Refer a Friend Refer a Friend Refer a friend and receive a love to shop voucher.