Branch Manager

Johnstone Supply LLC•North Charleston, SC

About The Position

The Branch Manager directs and coordinates branch operations to provide outstanding customer service, grow market share, maintain operational productivity, and achieve the branch’s budget, mission, and goals. The role is responsible for branch financial performance, budgets, inventory, capital expenditures, staffing, transportation, quality and productivity, customer service, safety, regulatory compliance, facility organization, training, administration, and security. The Branch Manager develops a customer-focused business culture and may mentor, train, and support other Branch Managers if assigned. The position manages the customer experience by setting and monitoring service standards, building customer relationships, coordinating with Outside Sales, resolving complaints, and maintaining showroom and facility presentation. It leads the branch team through hiring, performance management, coaching, training, scheduling, safety oversight, and employment-policy compliance. The Branch Manager owns the branch P&L, sets and monitors sales and profitability goals with leadership, develops operating plans and budgets, manages pricing and inventory, oversees returns and warranty processing, and controls operating costs. The position may oversee warehouse and delivery operations, maintains branch assets and security, balances the cash drawer and prepares daily bank deposits, and keeps leadership informed about branch operations. The role may also represent Johnstone Supply at trade associations, events, and local meetings.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and 5 or more years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 1 year of direct experience managing a large team in a wholesale operations setting.
Experience safely and competently operating a forklift and other warehouse equipment.
Experience with inventory management systems.
Experience with OSHA safety regulations and procedures.
Valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the company; must remain eligible to drive under applicable laws and FMCSA regulations.
Forklift certification, or willingness to obtain certification on the job.
Knowledge of wholesale distribution branch operations, including order fulfillment, inventory control, customer service, showroom merchandising, shipping and receiving, and sales.
General knowledge of the HVACR industry, contractor customer needs, and product applications.
Knowledge of inventory management principles, including procurement, storage, forecasting, and handling dead inventory.
Knowledge of marketing and showroom merchandising techniques.
Knowledge of financial operations, including P&L, operating costs, return on investment, and budgets.
Basic mathematical and financial analysis skills, including the ability to use spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel, pivot tables, and charts and interpret financial reports.
Knowledge of applicable regulations, including OSHA, Workers’ Compensation, hazardous materials handling, and DOT requirements.
Ability to work safely and operate power equipment, including a forklift, electric pallet jack, and cherry picker; ability to operate a lift gate safely.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and maneuver heavy products or equipment within safety guidelines.
Ability to use relevant technology, including RF equipment, ERP software, and company computers.
Ability to work in an ambiguous, stressful environment and develop and implement operational plans.
Leadership, team motivation, communication, planning, organization, and supervisory skills, including hiring, training, coaching, evaluating, and disciplining employees as appropriate.
Strong multitasking, prioritization, time-management, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills; ability to work efficiently with urgency.
Project management skills, including setting objectives, timelines, and deadlines and planning actions to meet them.
Process improvement, problem-solving, customer service, relationship-building, tact, and diplomacy skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and prepare work procedures, paperwork, documentation, reports, business correspondence, and marketing materials.
Written and spoken English proficiency is required for work, safety, and accurate communication.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Experience managing inventory control.
Knowledge of the HVAC wholesale industry, principles, and practices.
Multilingual skills are valued.

Responsibilities

Direct, promote, and coordinate branch operations to deliver customer service, grow market share, ensure productivity, and achieve budget and business goals.
Set customer service standards, monitor service quality, assist customers directly as needed, and resolve complaints and disputes professionally.
Build customer relationships and work with Outside Sales to identify customer needs, develop sales programs and promotions, and share customer buying information.
Maintain the cleanliness and appearance of the showroom, warehouse, and facility exterior, including showroom merchandising.
Lead and develop the branch team by setting expectations, monitoring performance, conducting reviews, coaching, and providing regular training.
Interview and hire qualified candidates, maintain adequate staffing, create work schedules, approve vacation, and cross-train employees.
Communicate and enforce safety programs, coach employees on safe practices, comply with applicable regulations, and ensure equipment is maintained and operated safely.
Ensure branch compliance with company employment policies and applicable state and federal employment laws.
Establish sales and profitability goals with leadership, own branch P&L performance, develop operating plans and budgets, and take corrective action as needed.
Review product costs and pricing decisions to meet profitability targets.
Manage inventory security, accuracy, customer availability, and cycle-counting procedures.
Oversee product returns and warranty processing in accordance with customer needs and company procedures.
May oversee warehouse and delivery operations, including receiving, labeling, put-away, order fulfillment, and delivery scheduling.
Maintain branch property, equipment, and other assets; establish security procedures and regular equipment maintenance schedules.
Control operating costs, including labor, supplies, freight, and utilities.
Balance the cash drawer daily and prepare the daily bank deposit.
Keep leadership informed about branch operations through regular status reports.
May represent Johnstone Supply at trade associations, events, and local meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned and support the company’s broader needs when necessary.

Benefits

Competitive wage.
Competitive paid time off (PTO).
Safe Harbor 401(k) with 100% employer match up to 5% of base pay and immediate vesting.
Holiday pay for 7.5 holidays per year.
Paid parental bonding time.
Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision plans.
Employer-paid life insurance and short-term disability.
Voluntary long-term disability, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
24/7 access to virtual care and telehealth options.
Health Savings Account with employer contribution and flexible spending accounts.
Wellbeing program with an opportunity to earn reduced medical costs.
Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families.
Tuition reimbursement.
Employee referral bonus program.
Employee service milestone recognition program.