Summary: 

The position reports directly to the District Manager of the company.  This role is responsible for the successful operation of a distribution center that executes warehousing, production, customer service and administration activities.  The position requires the ability to develop, implement, control and adjust market-specific plans to successfully implement the company’s growth strategy while simultaneously leading a management team to achieve operational goals and efficiency targets for the distribution center. 

The focus and scope of this job is to ensure that the branch: 

1. Successfully executes the company’s strategic plan in a comprehensive and systematic manner.  Approximately 50% of the Branch Manager’s time should be devoted to this work. 

2. Develops and executes coordinated plans to improve the operational and financial performance of the branch. 

3. Achieves branch results that align with the company’s strategic goals. 

Personal initiative, coupled with a sense of competitive drive, and the ability to stay focused on results despite changing conditions, is the key to achieving the performance objectives of this job.  Because the business environment changes rapidly, the work involves innovation and creativity in planning and problem solving.  Sound decision-making is required to implement practical, timely solutions. 

Self-assurance and the confidence to purposely drive toward results while leading and engaging the commitment of others is essential.  A leadership style that is firm and goal-oriented, and yet motivates, trains, and engages others in an enthusiastic way is important.  The emphasis on building rapport and relationships with individuals and groups requires an outgoing, poised and persuasive communication style. 

Because the pace of the work is faster than average, the ability to thoroughly assess and analyze information to make sound decisions is critical.  The scope of the job requires a strong leader who can quickly build trust and associate engagement.  An effective Branch Manager is skilled at communicating the company’s vision and goals as well as the importance of each associate’s role in contributing to company success. 

The job requires the ability to act independently with a high degree of commitment, urgency, and confidence.  Dedication and commitment and the pursuit of high standards of achievement are expected in this position.  As the company is in the midst of strategic change, the position requires an individual that flexible, resilient and who is excited by the opportunities that growth brings. 

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Results Management: 

• Demonstrates effective budgeting, goal-setting, planning, coordination and execution. 

• Achieves consistent positive result in Safety, Operations and Service. 

• Communicates company, branch and individual performance to all associates on a regular basis. 

Strategic Change Management: 

• Leads the transformation process at the branch. 

• Instills a culture of continuous improvement in all areas of the site. 

• Develops and implements a Branch Improvement Plan, including a S.W.O.T. analysis (strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats) and activities to drive improvement. 

Operations Management: 

• Builds and maintains a Safety-First operations culture. Ensures work place safety for all associates and executes the safety plan and associates involvement initiatives. 

• Develops customer and market-based service level agreements with the goal of leading the market. 

• Implements Lean concepts to drive flawless execution of warehousing, production and delivery activities. 

Human Resources Management: 

• Builds a culture of high performance and high engagement. 

• Develops and implements branch workforce (staffing) plans. 

• Implements effective interviewing, assessment and selection techniques to identify the best available talent. 

• Provides a clear vision, effective training, targeted coaching and high-potential mentoring. 

• Manages performance through effective goal-setting, timely feedback and prompt corrective action if needed.   

• Develops and implements branch succession plans and associated activities with the goal of provide career advancement opportunities to our best talent. 

Pace and variety of activities: 

• Works with a sense of urgency for goal achievement. 

• Leads in a fast-paced environment. 

• Manages multiple projects and competing priorities. 

• This position requires approximately 5-10% travel. 

Work Style: 

• Must be results-focused and able to generate innovative and creative solutions to problems.  

• Must build quick rapport with employees, customers, supply partners, and key stakeholders. 

Decision-making: 

• Must be able to take calculated risks and have the ability to influence others to action.                      

• Must possess general business acumen. 

Communication: 

• The ideal candidate must be extroverted, confident, and possess the ability to effectively communicate the benefits of valued-added service and products to employees, customers, and vendors. 

Leadership style: 

• Must exhibit a directive leadership style to achieve better than average business results. 

• Able to delegate details as needed and establish follow-up meetings to determine status. 

• Foster teamwork, empowerment, growth, and development of subordinates. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Manage 3-5 subordinate managers who supervise an employee population ranging between 15 to 140 employees per branch.  

• Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of branch associates.  

• Ensure the safety of all employees through diligent execution of the company’s safety program. 

• Ensure all supervisory responsibilities are carried out in accordance with corporate policies and applicable laws.  

• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

Education and Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree preferred Three to five years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Successful candidates must have a successful track record of leading a distribution center.   Experience in the millwork and building materials industry is desirable. 

Language Skills: 

Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Additionally, must have the ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers or members of the business community. As required, this person will make presentations to the Board of Directors, Senior Leadership Team, and public groups. 

Other Skills/Certification: 

Experience in managerial assignments in the distribution industry are desirable. 

Proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Word and Excel). 

Mathematical Skills: 

Must have experience in interpreting financial statements and the budgeting process. 

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move 10 or more pounds. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While the noise level in the office is minimal, work in the shop and warehouse may require safety equipment such as earplugs, eye protection, steel toe shoes, etc. 

Personal Characteristics for Success: 

• A proven leader that people believe in and want to follow. 

• Highly driven and disciplined with sense of urgency for goal achievement. 

• A change agent, able to persuade and coach subordinates to change their behavior. 

• A person who thrives in rapidly changing environment. 

• Enjoys work in a decentralized environment. 

• Willing to consistently challenge the status quo. 

• Skilled at building a high performance team - attracting, selecting, developing, empowering and holding leaders accountable for results. 

• An individual with high integrity