What are the responsibilities and job description for the Branch Manager position at Soni?
Branch Manager
Location: Fully Onsite in Chattanooga, TN
Schedule: Monday – Friday
Employment Type: Full-time, Direct Hire
Soni Resources is seeking an experienced Branch Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of an HVAC distribution/service branch. This individual will oversee branch sales, customer service, inventory, staffing, financial performance, and administrative activities while ensuring the location consistently meets operational and business objectives.
The Branch Manager will be responsible for leading and developing the branch team, managing budgets and resources, monitoring key performance indicators, and executing company strategies at the local level. This role requires a strong customer focus, sound business judgment, knowledge of the HVAC industry, and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader who can build strong customer and vendor relationships, improve operational efficiency, develop employees, and identify opportunities to increase sales and profitability.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily branch operations, including inside sales, customer service, warehouse activities, inventory, staffing, and administrative functions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, vendors, internal departments, and business partners to ensure responsive and professional service.
- Increase branch sales and profitability by developing existing house accounts and identifying opportunities for additional business.
- Promote a customer first culture by addressing customer needs, resolving issues, and continuously looking for ways to improve the overall customer experience.
- Establish, manage, and monitor branch budgets, financial objectives, sales goals, and operational targets.
- Review payroll and employee timecard reports for accuracy and compliance.
- Monitor petty cash and company credit card activity.
- Oversee branch cash and check deposits in accordance with company procedures.
- Review, approve, and ensure timely delivery of customer quotes and proposals.
- Maintain regular communication with the Director of Operations regarding active projects, anticipated completion dates, labor hours, parts, materials, and other relevant project details.
- Partner with branch employees to provide customers with timely updates, prepare quotes, locate specialty or hard-to-find parts, and complete administrative tasks necessary for efficient branch operations.
- Assist with employee recruiting, candidate screening, interviews, and performance evaluations based on branch staffing requirements.
- Conduct performance reviews and establish development or improvement objectives for direct reports in accordance with company guidelines.
- Ensure employees follow all applicable safety regulations, company policies, and established operating procedures.
- Verify that required employee safety training is completed and maintained.
- Recruit, onboard, coach, and develop branch personnel while creating a positive, accountable, and results-driven work environment.
- Work closely with the sales team to create and execute strategies designed to meet or exceed branch revenue and profitability objectives.
- Implement corporate policies, procedures, initiatives, and business strategies at the branch level.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
- Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, products, components, and industry practices.
- Experience with HVAC counter sales, inside sales, and/or warehouse operations.
- Familiarity with HVAC controls, system components, and applicable industry standards.
- Proven experience managing a branch, profit center, or P&L operation with responsibility for revenue growth and profitability.
- Ability to effectively delegate responsibilities, manage competing priorities, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to develop and maintain customer relationships.
- Demonstrated initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and the ability to make timely business decisions.
- Working knowledge of accounting fundamentals, P&L statements, budgets, and invoicing.
- Strong customer service and conflict-resolution skills, particularly when working with dealers and customers.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365 applications.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Management, Retail Management, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Minimum of 4 years of managerial experience in lieu of a degree.
- Approximately 4 years of HVAC industry experience preferred.
- Previous experience with branch operations, sales leadership, warehouse management, or P&L responsibility is highly desirable.
Compensation: $95,000 - $102,000
Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications.
Salary : $95,000 - $102,000