Branch Operations Manager
Requirements
The ideal candidate must have proven leadership experience in a distribution environment and at least 5 years of experience in distribution planning and order scheduling. Strong communication, numeracy, and literacy skills are required, along with a full, clean driving licence.
Job Description
Energas is a key part of the Air Liquide Group presence in the UK. Energas are a leading service provider of cylinder gases to a variety of industry sectors in the UK, delivering a local and personal service, combined with global quality products and expert technical support. Energas supply a comprehensive range of cylinder gases to suit the needs of industry from stock. All of our cylinder gases are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from small portable cylinders through to high capacity cylinder packs.
For over 60 years we have provided the best industrial gas supply and service, we continue to strive to exceed our customer’s expectations every day.
We pride ourselves on offering a responsive, high quality and local service.
How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW?
Air Liquide is seeking an experienced Branch Operations Manager for our site in Smethwick, Birmingham, to lead daily operations, maximize site efficiency, and drive commercial success.
In this role, you will champion a strong safety culture, manage local depot operations, inspire a dedicated team, and help drive sales growth across our has and hardgoods product lines.
Responsibilities will include:
Plan, direct, and coordinate daily branch, yard, store, and trade counter operations efficiently and cost-effectively.
Review financial statements, sales and activity reports, and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement, and to determine opportunities for efficiencies and program improvement.
Manage local purchasing, inventory control systems, and oversee accurate, timely stock counts.
Act as a primary key holder responsible for branch security, cash management, balancing cash books, and responding to out-of-hours emergencies.
Enforce Safety, Health, and Environment policies, ensuring the safety of employees, customers, visitors, and contractors remains top priority.
Ensure full compliance with processes and legal obligations, including transport legislation.
Manage fleet operations, including road safety compliance and vehicle load security.
Partner with the wider Sales team to actively sell gas and hardgoods to new and existing customers to meet and exceed revenue targets.
Champion exceptional customer service across trade counter operations and customer deliveries.
Recruit, train, and develop branch personnel while fostering a collaborative "One Team" culture.
Manage staffing schedules, assign daily duties, and drive overall employee engagement.
Are you a MATCH?
The ideal person for this role will be an experienced Leader with proven experience in a distribution environment. You will need excellent communication skills with an ability to lead and motivate others.
We also look for:
Demonstrated experience in leading and coaching others in a management or supervisory position
5+ years experience in distribution planning and order scheduling.
Good standard of numeracy and literacy
Knowledge of ISO9002 is desirable but not essential.
Demonstrated ability of working within a fast paced environment, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction
A full, clean driving licence.
Our Differences make our Performance
At Air Liquide, we are committed to build a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.
We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their background. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.
Skills
About Air Liquide
Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and many other essential small molecules are the invisible pillars of our world and our lives. They have been at the core of the Group’s activities since its creation in 1902. A world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and healthcare, Air Liquide acts as the backbone of numerous economic sectors, serving 4.3 million customers and patients across 59 countries with approximately 65,000 employees. With revenues close to 27 billion euros in 2025, Air Liquide combines strong performance and useful growth. The Group is a leader with a diversified, resilient business model and a strong local footprint across the globe. Through deep engineering expertise and technological innovation, Air Liquide provides scalable solutions that enhance industrial efficiency, accelerate decarbonization, and strengthen value chains. Strategically exposed to growth markets and megatrends, the Group accompanies major industrial and societal transformations to create long term added value and build a sustainable future. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, EURO STOXX 50, FTSE4Good, and Dow Jones Best-in-Class Europe Index indexes.
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