Branch Manager

Overview

First Supply, a fifth-generation family-owned company, has served the Upper Midwest for over 125 years. Guided by our Employee Value Proposition, Where Tradition Meets Innovation, we foster a workplace where people learn, grow, and contribute to a company that values its heritage while embracing progress. Our teams take pride in supporting customers and communities, creating meaningful work and rewarding careers every day. 

 

First Supply is seeking a dynamic, driven individual to independently manage one of our branch locations. This is a hands-on, single-person operation with responsibility for all aspects of the branch, including daily operations, sales, customer service, and maintaining a strong local First Supply brand presence. The Branch Manager is responsible for achieving financial objectives while building strong customer relationships and ensuring the branch operates efficiently and effectively.

Become a part of a family owned company and join a team that offers an opportunity for professional growth! If you enjoy interacting with customers and thrive in a results-oriented environment, we would love to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Manage all daily branch operations, including opening/closing procedures, counter sales, order processing, and customer service.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with contractors, builders, and other trade customers to drive repeat business and branch growth.
• Process customer orders accurately, including quoting, order entry, will-call pickups, and coordinating special orders or vendor drop-shipments.
• Receive, verify, and put away incoming inventory shipments; maintain accurate stock levels and organized warehouse/showroom space.
• Perform regular cycle counts and reconcile inventory discrepancies to maintain accuracy and minimize shrinkage.
• Load and unload delivery vehicles and may perform local deliveries as needed, depending on branch volume.
• Monitor branch performance against sales, margin, and inventory targets; report results to district/regional leadership.
• Identify opportunities to grow branch sales through customer outreach, promotions, and product knowledge.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe branch environment in compliance with company policies and OSHA requirements.
• Escalate larger issues (staffing, facilities, major account concerns) to regional management as needed.

Qualifications

• College degree in related field or equivalent experience preferred
• 5+ years of progressive management experience with demonstrated success
• 3+ years experience in a wholesale distribution enterprise
• 2+ years experience with plumbing or HVAC or fluid handling
• Solid computer proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office and Excel
• ERP experience preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to interact with customers effectively in person and by telephone

 

About First Supply

First Supply® is a leading main channel wholesale distributor, providing industrial customers and building contractors with an extensive line of products and services. We offer a wide range of manufacturer product lines across the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, builder, waterworks, pump/well & septic, industrial, and municipal markets. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, First Supply has more than 700 employees across 29 operating facilities serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan.

First Supply also owns and operates 18 Kitchen & Bath Stores across five Midwestern states under the Gerhard's Kitchen, Bath & Lighting and KOHLER® Signature Store by First Supply brands. Gerhard's is the largest, most versatile kitchen and bath store in the Upper Midwest, offering a wide variety of styles—from contemporary to traditional—along with unmatched service. The KOHLER Signature Stores are immersive kitchen and bath showrooms that provide a distinguished experience where designers and homeowners can get hands-on with hundreds of exclusive KOHLER products.

 

With a 128-year legacy and a people-first culture, First Supply is committed to building a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow their careers. That commitment has earned national recognition, including a spot on USA Today’s 2024 Top Workplaces in the USA, as well as honors as a Woman-Led Top Workplace and an Industry Top Workplace for Distribution.

 

First Supply LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.