Commercial Branch Manager (Industrial Engineering & Manufacturing) -Durban at Kontak Recruitment

• Seeking a commercially driven and operationally strong Commercial Branch Manager to lead a high-performing industrial branch servicing the manufacturing, mining, materials handling, processing, and engineering sectors.
• This role requires a hands-on leader with a strong background in industrial B2B sales, branch management, and business development. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving revenue growth, improving branch profitability, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring operational excellence across all areas of the branch.
• The ideal candidate will come from an industrial engineering, manufacturing, materials handling, screening, filtration, conveyor, or related technical products environment and will possess the commercial acumen required to drive sustainable business growth.

Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma or Degree in Business Management, Sales, Marketing, Commerce, Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years' experience managing a commercial or industrial branch
• Minimum 8 years' experience in B2B industrial sales
• Proven leadership and people management experience
• Strong experience in business development and key account management
• Experience managing branch budgets, profitability, and operational performance
• Experience working with ERP and CRM systems
• Valid driver's licence and own vehicle

Duties and Responsibilities:
Sales & Business Development

• Develop and implement branch sales strategies aligned to company objectives.
• Drive revenue growth across multiple industrial product categories and service offerings.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities within key industry sectors.
• Develop and grow strategic customer accounts while strengthening long-term relationships.
• Monitor sales pipelines and support the conversion of opportunities into profitable business.
• Conduct regular customer visits and assist the sales team with high-value opportunities.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging industry opportunities.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual sales and gross profit targets.
• Manage branch profitability through effective cost control and commercial decision-making.
• Review and approve quotations, pricing structures, and commercial proposals.
• Analyse sales, margin, and profitability reports to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Drive accountability for branch financial performance.

Branch Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop branch employees to achieve high performance standards.
• Set clear objectives, KPIs, and performance expectations for the team.
• Conduct regular coaching sessions and performance reviews.
• Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and customer excellence.
• Support succession planning and employee development initiatives.

Customer Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers and industry stakeholders.
• Ensure exceptional customer service and customer retention.
• Resolve customer concerns and service-related issues effectively.
• Support the sales team in maintaining long-term customer partnerships.

Operations & Supply Chain Coordination

• Oversee the day-to-day operational performance of the branch.
• Ensure efficient order processing from quotation through to delivery.
• Coordinate activities between sales, procurement, warehouse, logistics, and production teams.
• Monitor stock availability and inventory control processes.
• Drive operational efficiency and adherence to company procedures.

Reporting & Administration

• Prepare and submit weekly and monthly branch performance reports.
• Manage sales forecasting and pipeline reporting.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and business reporting.
• Provide management with updates on branch performance, sales activity, profitability, and operational matters.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and pricing structures.
• Maintain health and safety standards across branch operations.
• Support stock audits, operational reviews, and compliance initiatives.

What’s in it for you?

• Senior leadership opportunity within a growing industrial business
• Direct impact on branch growth, profitability, and operational success
• Opportunity to lead and develop a high-performing team
• Exposure to multiple industrial sectors including manufacturing, mining, and processing
• Strategic role combining commercial leadership, operations, and business development
• Opportunity to contribute to long-term business growth and expansion