Branch Manager

An established renewable energy technology and solar solutions distributor is seeking an experienced Branch Manager to take full ownership of the commercial and operational performance of its Gqeberha branch.

The business supplies an integrated portfolio of Solar PV modules, inverters, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), electrical protection, and mounting solutions, supported by system design, product training, technical assistance, and exceptional after-sales service.

The Branch Manager will be responsible for driving revenue and gross margin growth, developing the regional customer base, managing branch operations and inventory, leading the branch team, and ensuring customers receive responsive, technically informed support.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Growth & Business Development

• Develop and execute a regional sales plan aligned with commercial targets, branch budgets, and product priorities.
• Identify, approach, and onboard EPCs, solar installers, electrical contractors, resellers, agricultural clients, and commercial businesses across the region.
• Build and manage a qualified sales pipeline, prepare quotations, negotiate commercial terms, and convert opportunities into profitable sales.
• Grow existing accounts through regular engagement, product education, project support, and cross-selling across the solar, storage, electrical, and mounting-system portfolio.
• Protect gross margins by carefully managing pricing, discounts, and credit within approved parameters.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, sales forecasts, and activity reports while providing valuable market intelligence on demand, pricing, competitors, and customer requirements.

Branch Operations & Financial Performance

• Manage day-to-day branch operations spanning sales, administration, warehousing, dispatch, and customer collections.
• Take full accountability for branch revenue, gross margin, operating costs, and agreed performance targets.
• Manage stock availability, accuracy, rotation, ageing, shrinkage, and damaged goods.
• Coordinate replenishment, stock transfers, collections, and deliveries to seamlessly meet customer requirements.
• Ensure quotations, sales orders, invoices, returns, credit notes, and supporting records are processed accurately.
• Partner with the finance department on customer onboarding, credit limits, payment terms, and overdue accounts.
• Maintain a professional, safe branch environment in compliance with health and safety regulations and internal controls.

Customer Experience & Technical Coordination

• Ensure customers receive knowledgeable, responsive support from initial enquiry through to order fulfilment and after-sales service.
• Maintain a practical working knowledge of Solar PV, BESS, electrical products, and their applications across residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and backup-power systems.
• Support product selection and solution scoping, coordinating complex technical requirements with relevant specialist teams.
• Coordinate technical support, commissioning assistance, training, and warranty escalations.
• Manage customer complaints proactively and implement effective corrective actions when required.

People Leadership

• Lead and manage branch employees against clear sales, customer service, stock control, and administrative standards.
• Monitor performance, provide constructive feedback, and continuously develop product and process knowledge across the team.
• Foster a commercially driven, highly collaborative, and customer-focused branch culture.
• Collaborate closely with sales, technical, finance, procurement, marketing, and logistics teams to support broader regional growth objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric certificate is required.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Sales, Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Operations, or Supply Chain is advantageous.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in branch management, technical sales, business development, or B2B distribution, preferably within the solar, electrical, energy storage, or related technical product sectors.
• Demonstrated experience managing sales targets, gross margins, stock control, customer service, and branch administration is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to secure new business, develop customer accounts, negotiate effectively, and close profitable deals.
• Working knowledge of Solar PV and battery storage products, system components, and installer or EPC sales channels is advantageous.
• Proficiency in using CRM, ERP, or stock management systems, alongside Microsoft Office (particularly Excel).
• A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel throughout the region are essential.
• An established regional network among solar installers, electrical contractors, agricultural businesses, or commercial clients is advantageous.
• Professional fluency in English is required; Afrikaans proficiency is advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial acumen and a drive to achieve profitable growth.
• Hands-on operational leadership style with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Customer-focused problem-solving capabilities and technical coordination skills.
• Strong planning, prioritisation, reporting, and administrative discipline.
• High levels of personal integrity, accountability, and reliability.

Important Note

Applicants must have a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in branch management, technical sales, business development, or B2B distribution, together with demonstrated experience developing new business and managing commercial performance. A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel throughout the region are strictly required.