Company: Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
Location:
Posted: May 11th, 2026
We are recruiting an Assistant Branch Manager to join our Ascot branch. This is a branch-based, customer-facing role responsible for supporting the Branch Manager in the day-to-day operation of the branch, ensuring excellent customer service, efficient branch performance and adherence to company policies. The successful candidate will be organised, commercially aware and able to lead and motivate a small team to deliver high standards across sales, operations and safety.
Key Responsibilities
Support the Branch Manager in running the branch, covering staff supervision, rostering and performance management to ensure smooth, efficient operations.
Deliver excellent customer service to trade and retail customers, handling enquiries, quotations and resolving issues promptly and professionally.
Drive sales and margin growth through effective merchandising, upselling, managing stock levels and promoting relevant products and services.
Oversee operational tasks including goods inwards, inventory control, stock checks and ensuring the yard and sales area are safe, tidy and well presented.
Assist with delivery scheduling, co-ordination with transport colleagues and support drivers where required to ensure on-time, accurate deliveries.
Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and health and safety legislation; complete required risk assessments and promote a safety-first culture.
Prepare and maintain accurate branch records, sales reports and paperwork; escalate discrepancies and support month-end and stock reconciliation activities.
Contribute to recruitment, induction and ongoing training of branch colleagues, coaching team members to develop their skills and performance.
Act as duty manager in the Branch Manager’s absence, taking responsibility for day-to-day decisions and customer satisfaction.
Person Specification
Proven experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within builders’ merchants, retail, landscaping or a related industry.
Strong customer service focus with excellent verbal communication skills and a professional, approachable manner.
Good commercial awareness, numeracy and experience of working to sales targets and margin objectives.
Organised and able to prioritise competing demands, with experience of managing rotas and day-to-day branch operations.
Knowledge of stock control, basic merchandising and inventory procedures; comfortable using IT systems for tills, stock and reporting.
Committed to health and safety, with an understanding of safe working practices and willingness to follow and enforce company procedures.
Flexible, reliable and able to work as part of a small team; able to cover varied duties including occasional weekend or early/late shifts when required.
Full UK driving licence preferred.
Demonstrates leadership potential and a desire to develop through training and internal progression opportunities.
Working Hours, Salary and Benefits
Full-time, permanent position based at our Ascot branch.
Typical contracted hours are Monday to Friday and 1 in 2 Sat mornings 08.00 - 12.00. Flexibility is required to meet business needs.
Competitive salary, reflective of experience (£48,000 - £52,000)
27 days holiday per year plus bank holidays and a celebration day, rising with service in line with company policy.
Company pension scheme.
Employee Assistance Programme and access to online GP services.
Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and clear progression routes within the business.
Work for a well-established, family-owned company with a strong local reputation and commitment to service.
Be part of a supportive team environment where safety, customer service and colleague development are priorities.
Opportunity to develop your career through structured training and progression to Branch Manager roles.
Play a key role in delivering outstanding service to customers in Ascot and the surrounding area.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are organised, customer-focused and ready to take the next step in your management career, we would like to hear from you.
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