Branch Manager

Branch managers exercise total responsibility for developing a business operation that increases sales, business profitability, market share and customer and employee satisfaction by directing, coordinating and monitoring all sales, branch operations and personnel development activities. There are usually excellent prospects to move into higher positions within the organisation.

With the right education, skills and experience, there are abundant opportunities in the field of branch management. Branch managers plan, organise, coordinate and control branch stores or supermarkets. They work in an office for part of the day where they plan the activities of the store and see to the administrative duties, but they also move through the store to attend to matters that need their attention, and communicate with their staff and the clients in the store. They are in charge of the administration, price-fixing, ordering and rotation of stock. They must ensure that the store's budget tallies with the one set up by the store's head office, and that the store shows a profit. They need to also control theft and breakage.

Branch managers also need to interpret research results with regard to productivity and personnel performance, motivation of staff, staff registers, medical and pension benefits and the payment of wages. They are also responsible for the selection, appointment and training of staff members.

A branch manager needs strong people management skills and the ability to develop a team. Customer service and business development skills are also imperative. The size of the business usually determines the responsibilities of a branch manager, but the branch manager is normally responsible for all aspects of the branch, from security issues to dealing with dissatisfied clients.

A branch manager is sometimes also referred to as a store manager or simply as the manager. This is a middle management position that entails far more than managing a retail operation. It involves managing the entire store, from the receiving of goods / merchandise to customer service. If there is a problem, it will require the attention of the branch manager.

The first and foremost aim is to ensure that customers are served efficiently and are satisfied at all times. All the departments in the store must be integrated so that they run efficiently and interdependently. The job usually also entails ensuring that the head office’s strategy is implemented in the store.

Personal Requirements

a good communicator
good people-management skills
able to work as part of a team
have business-development skills

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate meeting requirements for a business or managerial course.

What to Study

While there is little formal training available at tertiary institutions for this type of job, any business or sales course would be very helpful. Some stores or institutions, however, have their own on-the-job training and a Project Manager’s course would be useful.