Area Manager - South East Area

As an Area Manager, you will effectively lead and oversee the complete management of each individual depot within a given area, ensuring performance is aligned to committed forecasts, Company expectations and where appropriate provide extensive support and guidance to improve and encourage alignment to expectations. To communicate and share best demonstrated practice, depot management knowledge and the Company’s and statutory obligations. In doing so ensuring that the true ethnicity of Howdens Joinery model is communicated/reiterated to all levels. To deputise for the Regional Manager in their absence.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

1.) To develop sales forecasts/plans which include obtaining and collating individual depot financial forecasts and challenging these as and when appropriate to meet Company expectations.

2.) To ensure effective budgetary management of the depots by clearly communicating/coaching the most efficient use of resources and ensuring positive cost control. This includes coaching newer depots and also those not meeting expectations by refocusing and assisting Depot Managers to take control and understand their level of autonomy in achieving success. Assisting with and/or drafting performance improvement plans.

3.) Responsibility for the overall performance of the area ensuring the delivery of financial results against plans, understanding the Area’s contribution.

4.) To coach and inspire Depot Managers to oversee and be accountable for the complete management of the depot from all the areas that are sales related to those services that are provided by Support Functions.

5.) To integrate information from multiple sources, communicating this to Depot Managers in assisting them to manage their Depots. To also formulate Area plans ensuring that they comply with statutory obligations.

6.) Develop strong partnerships with depot teams, direct reports and support functions.

7.) To have complete understanding of the resources available and remit of Support Functions in assisting the Area and Depot network in achieving success.

8.) Guide upon resource allocation and planning within the Depots and across the Area in order to achieve maximum sales efficiency. Develop management teams to plan for financial growth, loss of key personnel and Depot openings, minimising risk and succession plan. Completing appraisals, reviews and necessary assessment where required and subsequently increase staff capability through training, motivation and coaching to achieve the desired outcome and results. Again guiding sub-ordinates in this area.

9.) Clearly communicate and execute all companywide strategies and initiatives, providing additional guidance where required.

10.) Lead teams and pilots/tests to assist in the development of the Area/Region leading to enhanced business performance and contribution to the overall Company plan.

11.) Display commitment and consideration and have the ability to identify and respond with processes in response to a change in communicated strategy and/or observations from within the area/region regarding changing market conditions/competition.

12.) To lead and exhibit exemplary understanding of the culture and related behaviours ensuring that actions are truly aligned.

13.) To propose, plan and arrange business meetings, forums and trips to encourage sharing of best demonstrated practice and interaction of employees to encourage the generation of ideas and enhancing relationships.

14.) To truly understand the model and build brand recognition and appreciation. (Enhancing the brand image). Providing guidance and reiterating the message at available opportunities to ensure that it is disseminated appropriately.

15.) To maintain a safe and healthy working environment with Health and Safety Regulations and upholding the Company’s core Health and Safety values.

16.) To assist with any other reasonable request in order to fulfil the requirements of the business and smooth operation of the business.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, but outlines the salient points of the role.

Key Performance Indicators

a.] Deliver sales performance to Company expectations

b.] Maximize the sales and profit performance of the Area

c.] Fulfil statutory obligations through awareness and appropriate assessment.

Job Dimensions - Travel to business unit areas as required will be necessary. The post holder must also be flexible in working arrangements and be able to meet the travel requirements according to the demands of the post.  In addition to this, the ability to work independently is essential for success within this role.

Facts and Figures - Dependant on area:

No of staff reporting in: Approx. 30 Depot Managers

Sales target: As per area

Budget: As per area

No of depots to manage: Approx. 30 depots 

The Person

I. Experience working with or in a large organisation with relevant trade industry experience.

II. Complete and up to date knowledge of the full product range

III. Competence in use of Microsoft Office – MS Word, Excel & Outlook, to communicate and produce reports

IV. Knowledge of all the differing roles reporting into this role

V. Extensive managerial experience including integration of a variety of different groups

VI. Manpower and succession planning in line with sales criteria

VII. Excellent communication skills with the ability to connect with all levels

VIII. The ability to provide a dedicated and flexible approach in all areas

IX. Confident, self-motivated, committed and able to use own initiative

X. Approachable and flexible with excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills resulting in the appropriate impact and influence

XI. Forward thinking – visionary

XII. Courage and bravery to take calculated risks and allow pilots/test.

Please note that candidates applying for this role must have a valid right to work in the UK, we do not offer sponsorship of employment for any depot positions at this time. We appreciate your understanding.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitment@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you. 

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