Manager Strategic Initiatives Jobs in Springfield, MA

Position Purpose:

 Manage and oversee branch associates, supervise branch operations, and ensure efficient day-to-day branch performance. Drive sales growth, operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and profitability while fostering a positive, safety-focused, and high-performance work environment. Improve productivity and streamline branch activities to maximize results and achieve organizational goals. Develop, coach, and retain talent while building a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Partner with company leadership, customers, and vendors to identify growth opportunities, strengthen market presence, and support strategic initiatives. Maintain current knowledge of plumbing, heating, HVAC, and related industry trends, products, and best practices. 

Essential Functions: 

• Recognize employee achievements and encourage excellence in the work environment.
• Provide leadership, direction, and support to branch associates while fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performance work environment.
• Oversee and manage counter sales, shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations to maximize sales goals and operational efficiency.
• Responsible for associate evaluations, performance management, and disciplinary actions in accordance with company policies.
• Develop and implement sales plans and branch strategies to achieve revenue, profitability, and growth objectives.
• Conduct regular sales and operations meetings.
• Brief employees on current sales goals, promotions, product initiatives, and other relevant company information.
• Evaluate employee performance and provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and development opportunities.
• Develop and mentor associates through coaching, training, and career development initiatives.
• Identify training needs and coordinate learning opportunities to enhance employee skills and productivity.
• Monitor employee engagement and retention and take proactive steps to maintain a positive workplace culture.
• Interact with customers on a regular basis to ensure satisfaction, identify opportunities, and gain valuable feedback.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers to support long-term business growth and customer loyalty.
• Resolve customer concerns and service issues promptly and professionally.
• Ensure exceptional customer service standards are consistently maintained throughout all branch operations.
• Manage budgets, allocate branch funds, and define financial objectives.
• Achieve financial objectives by preparing annual budgets, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and implementing corrective actions.
• Review branch performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) regularly, taking corrective action as needed to achieve sales, profitability, and operational goals.
• Analyze financial reports and operational results to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate with other branches to share knowledge, resources, and best practices while supporting company-wide goals.
• Partner with outside sales teams, leadership, customers, and vendors to support strategic growth initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue, market share, and customer penetration within the branch service area.
• Locate areas for improvement and implement corrective actions that address challenges and support organizational growth.
• Ensure effective inventory management practices, including inventory accuracy, product availability, stock rotation, and loss prevention.
• Coordinate with purchasing, warehouse, and leadership teams to maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess inventory.
• Maintain operations by initiating, coordinating, and enforcing company programs, operational standards, policies, and procedures.
• Organize marketing activities, customer events, and promotional programs to support branch performance and customer engagement.
• Network within the community and industry to improve the presence and reputation of the branch and company.
• Recruit, vet, interview, hire, onboard, and develop new employees.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety requirements, and applicable industry regulations.
• Promote and maintain a safe working environment through regular communication, training, and enforcement of safety standards.
• Adhere to high ethical and professional standards.
• Stay current on plumbing, heating, HVAC, and related industry products, trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Lead branch meetings focused on safety, customer service, sales initiatives, operational performance, and employee development.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance customer experience, employee effectiveness, and branch profitability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Experience, Education & Skills:

• Proven leadership experience in branch management, distribution, wholesale supply, building materials, HVAC, plumbing, or a related industry.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of management principles, employee development, performance management, and coaching best practices.
• Proven ability to achieve sales, profitability, and operational performance goals.
• Ability to analyze financial statements, budgets, branch performance metrics, and operational data to drive informed business decisions.
• Strong aptitude for numbers, spreadsheets, financial reporting, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Experience managing budgets, controlling costs, and improving branch profitability.
• Understanding of inventory management principles, including forecasting, inventory accuracy, stock levels, and loss prevention.
• Familiarity with industry regulations, safety standards, and company compliance requirements.
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills with the ability to resolve customer concerns effectively.
• Ability to identify business opportunities, develop action plans, and implement solutions that support growth objectives.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and business management systems.
• Results-driven, customer-focused, and committed to operational excellence.
• Ability to recruit, hire, train, coach, and retain high-performing employees.
• Ability to successfully manage personnel while balancing multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Working knowledge of plumbing, heating, HVAC, and related products preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.