Signs a Career as a Branch Manager is for You

A Branch Manager is responsible for overseeing the administrative activities of a dealership. You will manage a team of people to ensure the delivery of a positive customer experience and maximise resources to develop the most efficient running of the business you can. Here are the signs you’d make a good branch manager:

You have…

• excellent organisational skills
• the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• flexibility and adaptability to changing workloads
• strong IT literacy
• teamwork skills and leadership skills
• excellent oral and written communication skills
• good interpersonal, negotiation and relationship-building skills
• attention to detail
• a problem-solving approach
• familiarity with legislation in the areas of employment, equality and diversity, and data protection

You want to…

• use a range of software, including email, spreadsheets and databases, to ensure the efficient running of the office
• manage online and paper filing systems
• develop and implement new administrative systems, such as record management
• record office expenditure and manage the budget
• organise the office layout and maintain supplies of stationery and equipment
• maintain the condition of the office and arrange for necessary repairs
• organise and chair meetings with staff 
• oversee the recruitment of new staff, sometimes including training and induction
• ensure adequate staff levels to cover for absences and peaks in workload, often by using temping agencies
• carry out staff appraisals and manage performance of staff
• delegate work to staff and manage their workload and output
• promote staff development and training
• implement and promote equality and diversity policy
• write reports for senior management and deliver presentations
• respond to customer enquiries and complaints
• review and update health and safety policies and ensure they’re observed
• check that data protection laws are being adhered to in relation to the storage of data, and review and update policies
• arrange regular testing for electrical equipment and safety devices
• attend conferences and training.

You don’t mind…

• mostly office-based work
• living near or commuting to a town/city
• having occasionally difficult conversations with staff
• a pressured environment with a need to meet targets on time

Getting started

It is possible to become a branch manager without a degree or Higher National Diploma in business administration or business management but these qualifications would give you an advantage. Otherwise, relevant work experience is essential.

You may be able to complete a business administration apprenticeship to give you relevant training and experience to pursue a career as a branch manager.

Employment in this role is competitive and so using a recruitment agency is a good idea to secure opportunities.

Activities in your spare time such as volunteering and clubs are another way of demonstrating transferable skills like project management and teamwork.

Search all branch manager jobs on our vacancies page.

Article source: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/office-manager