Jul 11, 2026

Branch Manager

SUSSEX PLUMBING SUPPLIES · PART OF IBMG

Branch Manager

Brand:  Sussex Plumbing Supplies (SPS) — part of IBMG

Location: Eastbourne — Sussex

Hours:  Full-time, permanent — typically Mon–Fri with Saturday cover on rota

Reports to:  Area General Manager

Who we are

Sussex Plumbing Supplies is a proper independent merchant — local roots, strong stock, and counter teams who actually know their trade. We’re part of IBMG, which means national buying power behind a branch that still runs on relationships and reputation. Plumbers come back to us because we sort them out. Simple as that.

The role

We’re looking for a Branch Manager to run the show — own the numbers, lead the team, and keep the trade coming back. This isn’t a desk job. You’ll be on the floor, on the phone to suppliers, and out seeing customers. You’ll carry the P&L and you’ll have the freedom to grow it your way.

What you’ll actually be doing

  • Own the branch P&L — sales, screen margin, rebates and EBITDA. You’ll know your numbers cold and you’ll know what’s driving them.
  • Lead from the front — recruit, coach and back your team so the counter, yard and office all pull together.
  • Win and keep trade — grow your key accounts, chase the lapsed ones, and go after the business down the road that isn’t buying from us yet.
  • Run a tight ship — stock accuracy, availability, pricing discipline and credit control, so the branch is profitable and the shelves are right.
  • Work your suppliers — joint visits, deals, promotions and getting the right gear in at the right price.
  • Keep everyone safe — H&S, housekeeping and compliance done properly, not as a box-tick.

    What you’ll bring

  • A track record of running a branch or a sales operation — ideally in plumbing, heating, bathrooms or builders’ merchanting
  • Commercial instinct — you read a P&L, spot the leak, and fix it
  • Genuine leadership — people want to work for you, not just under you
  • Trade credibility — you can talk fittings, boilers and bathrooms with the best of them (or you’ll learn fast)
  • Drive — you treat the branch like it’s your own business

What’s in it for you

  • Competitive salary that reflects what you bring to the counter
  • Generous staff discount across every IBMG brand — kit out your own jobs for less
  • Company pension and a proper holiday allowance that grows with service
  • Real progression — most of our managers started on the trade counter or in the yard
  • Employee Assistance Programme — confidential support whenever you need it
  • A tight-knit branch team that has your back and a laugh while they’re at it
  • The autonomy to run your branch your way — we hire managers, not box-tickers

Apply

Sound like you? Hit Apply NOW!

Sussex Plumbing Supplies — part of the Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG).

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Every application is welcome on merit.