An exciting opportunity to grow your career with a Canadian-owned, family-operated building supplies company!
Patene Building Supplies Ltd. is a distributor of drywall, steel framing components, insulation, acoustic ceilings, shingles, masonry and other building materials for the residential and commercial construction industries. We have thirteen (13) branch locations throughout Ontario and Manitoba serving contractor, builder and retail customers.
We are currently seeking a Branch Manager for our Chatham branch.
This role combines direct sales and business development with responsibility for the branch’s overall performance. The Branch Manager will personally develop and maintain customer relationships, pursue sales opportunities and provide day-to-day customer service while leading the branch team and overseeing sales, shipping, inventory, credit and personnel.
We are looking for someone who enjoys working directly with customers, takes initiative to grow the business and remains actively involved in daily branch operations.
Key Responsibilities
Sales and Business Development
- Personally develop and manage customer accounts, building strong relationships with contractors, builders and retail customers.
- Identify and pursue new business through prospecting, customer visits and regular follow-up.
- Prepare quotations, follow up on bids and convert opportunities into sales.
- Assist customers with product selection, pricing, availability, orders and delivery requirements.
- Grow sales and market share through competitive pricing, product knowledge and strong customer service.
- Develop a thorough understanding of the local market, including customer needs, competitive pricing and available products.
- Maintain regular contact with key customers and identify opportunities to expand the products and services they purchase.
- Monitor competitor activity and customer feedback, communicating pricing concerns and market opportunities to the General Manager.
- Apply company pricing guidelines while responding to local market conditions.
- Develop the branch team’s product knowledge and ability to identify sales opportunities.
Customer Service and Branch Operations
- Lead daily branch activities to provide prompt, accurate and professional customer service.
- Take an active role in customer service and order entry, providing coverage and support as needed.
- Coordinate with shipping and yard staff to ensure proper staffing, accurate orders and timely deliveries.
- Resolve customer complaints and service concerns promptly and follow through to completion.
- Ensure branch transactions are properly documented and submitted to Head Office on time.
- Maintain an organized, professional showroom and customer service area.
- Work cooperatively with Head Office and other Patene branches to support customers and company objectives.
Inventory Management
- Maintain inventory levels that support customer demand and company inventory objectives.
- Review overstocks, aged inventory and obsolete products, and develop plans to sell, transfer or otherwise address these items.
- Monitor inventory accuracy, turnover, product damage, storage and security.
- Ensure the yard and warehouse operate efficiently, with attention to cleanliness, organization and safe material handling.
Credit and Accounts Receivable
- Monitor branch accounts receivable and work with customers and Head Office credit staff to support timely payment.
- Ensure credit applications are complete and submitted for approval.
- Address customer disputes promptly to resolve issues affecting payment.
- Ensure branch employees follow company credit policies and account restrictions.
People Leadership
- Set clear expectations and provide daily direction, coaching and support to branch employees.
- Coordinate training and coverage to maintain service and operational continuity.
- Review employee performance and address concerns constructively and promptly.
- Participate in recruitment, hiring and other staffing decisions in consultation with the General Manager and Head Office.
- Encourage teamwork, accountability and communication within the branch and across Patene.
Health and Safety
- Ensure safety remains a priority in all branch activities.
- Promote compliance with company policies and applicable health and safety requirements.
- Ensure monthly safety meetings are held and appropriate minutes are maintained and circulated.
- Monitor working conditions and work practices, addressing hazards and unsafe behaviour promptly.
- Ensure incident reports and workers’ compensation documentation are completed and submitted as required.
Qualifications
- Relevant sales experience in building materials, wholesale distribution or a related industry.
- Demonstrated ability to develop business, maintain customer relationships and grow sales.
- Previous management, supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Knowledge of building materials and their applications, preferably including products distributed by Patene.
- Ability to assess local market conditions and competitive pricing to support sales growth and customer retention.
- Understanding of inventory management and accounts receivable.
- Strong communication, organization and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities while remaining responsive to customers and employees.
- Willingness to take an active role in both sales and daily branch operations.
- Proficiency with computerized order entry and inventory systems, Microsoft Office and related business tools.
- A valid driver’s licence and ability to travel locally for customer visits.
Experienced building materials sales professionals with leadership experience who are ready to move into branch management are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume outlining your relevant sales, industry and leadership experience.
