Join our Oldham branch and lead the growth of our plumbing and heating department. If you have strong product knowledge, commercial awareness and a passion for excellent customer service, we would like to hear from you.
You will manage the department, build strong relationships with customers and suppliers, develop new business opportunities and ensure the plumbing and heating range is presented, stocked and sold effectively.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced plumbing and heating professional who wants to make a visible impact within a successful, family-owned business.
About Howarth Timber & Building Supplies
Established in 1840, Howarth Timber Group is the UK’s largest privately owned timber company. From our family-owned roots, we have grown into a nationwide business employing more than 1,000 people across the Group, with 37 merchant branches serving over 50,000 customers. Our knowledgeable local teams, commitment to excellent customer service and investment in training and development are central to our success.
Key responsibilities
• Lead an effective Plumbing & Heating department.
• Use strong knowledge of the full plumbing and heating range to present products confidently and advise customers effectively.
• Keep up to date with new products and industry developments.
• Drive profitable sales growth and develop new business opportunities.
• Manage customer pricing terms and remain aware of customer credit limits.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Work closely with the Branch Manager and branch colleagues to deliver outstanding customer service.
• Manage stock, stock counts, slow-moving lines and obsolete stock, ensuring reports are completed accurately and on time.
• Merchandise the plumbing and heating sales area and comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Invoice and process all sales accurately.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties within the scope of the role.
What you’ll need
• Excellent plumbing and heating product knowledge.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Proven plumbing and heating sales or management experience.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to create profitable sales growth.
• Experience of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• A full UK driving licence.
• Availability to work full-time, Monday to Friday, plus alternate Saturday mornings from 8.00 am to 12.00 noon.
What we offer
We’re proud to have been officially recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026!🎖
As a family-owned business, we want our colleagues to feel valued and supported. Our benefits include:
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• 31 days’ holiday, including bank holidays.
• The option to buy up to five additional days’ annual leave or sell up to three days each year.
• Colleague referral bonus scheme: receive a £500 bonus when someone you refer for an HGV Driver role successfully completes their probationary period. Terms and conditions apply.
• Length-of-service awards.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Company sick pay.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme, including a 24/7 helpline, remote GP appointments and counselling, legal, debt and life-management support.
• Benefits Hub offering discounts on gift cards, travel, cinema tickets and more.
• Generous colleague discount at our merchant branches.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
How to apply
If you are ready to bring your plumbing and heating expertise, commercial focus and commitment to customer service to our Oldham team, we would be pleased to hear from you. To apply, please email your CV to Rob Bailey, Regional Manager, at rbailey@howarth-timber.co.uk.