Branch Manager

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

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

As the Branch Manager, you will be responsible for driving revenue and gross margin growth, expanding the regional customer base, overseeing branch operations and inventory, leading a high-performing team, and ensuring customers receive responsive, technically informed support.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Growth & Business Development

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

Branch Operations & Financial Performance

• Manage the seamless day-to-day operations of the branch, spanning sales, administration, warehousing, dispatch, and customer collections.
• Take full accountability for branch revenue, gross margins, operating costs, and agreed-upon performance targets.
• Oversee stock availability, inventory accuracy, rotation, ageing, shrinkage management, and damaged goods protocols.
• Coordinate replenishment, stock transfers, collections, and deliveries to efficiently meet customer demands.
• Ensure all quotations, sales orders, invoices, returns, credit notes, and supporting records are processed with high accuracy.
• Partner closely with the finance department regarding customer onboarding, credit limits, payment terms, and the management of overdue accounts.
• Maintain a professional, secure, and fully compliant branch environment adhering to health, safety, and internal control standards.

Customer Experience & Technical Coordination

• Ensure customers receive knowledgeable, responsive support from initial enquiry through to order fulfilment and after-sales service.
• Maintain a strong practical working knowledge of Solar PV, BESS, electrical equipment, and related products across residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and backup-power systems.
• Support product selection and solution scoping, coordinating complex technical requirements with specialized internal teams.
• Facilitate technical support, commissioning assistance, training initiatives, and warranty escalations.
• Handle customer feedback and complaints proactively, implementing effective corrective actions where necessary.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and manage branch staff against clear sales, customer service, inventory, and administrative standards.
• Monitor performance continuously, provide constructive feedback, and foster the ongoing development of product and process knowledge across the team.
• Build a commercially driven, highly collaborative, and customer-focused branch culture.
• Collaborate seamlessly with sales, technical, finance, procurement, marketing, and logistics teams to drive regional growth.

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric certificate is required.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Sales, Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Operations, or Supply Chain is highly advantageous.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in branch management, technical sales, business development, or B2B distribution, ideally within the solar, electrical, energy storage, or related technical product sectors.
• Demonstrated experience managing sales targets, gross margins, inventory control, customer service, and general branch administration.
• A proven track record of securing new business, growing accounts, negotiating successfully, and closing profitable deals.
• A working knowledge of Solar PV and battery storage products, system components, and installer or EPC sales channels is beneficial.
• Proficiency in utilizing CRM, ERP, or stock management systems, alongside strong Microsoft Office skills (particularly Excel).
• A valid driver's licence and a willingness to travel extensively throughout the region are essential.
• An established regional network among solar installers, electrical contractors, agricultural businesses, or commercial clients is a distinct advantage.
• Professional fluency in English is required; proficiency in Afrikaans is advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial acumen and an unwavering drive to achieve profitable growth.
• Hands-on operational leadership capabilities combined with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Customer-centric problem-solving abilities and strong technical coordination skills.
• Exceptional planning, prioritization, reporting, and administrative discipline.
• High levels of personal integrity, accountability, and reliability.

Important Note

Applicants must possess a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in branch management, technical sales, business development, or B2B distribution, supported by a proven background in driving new business development and overseeing commercial performance. A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel throughout the region are absolute prerequisites for this role.