Branch Manager - Head Office (Saint John N.B)

At Chandler, we believe strong leadership creates exceptional customer experiences, engaged teams, and sustainable business growth. We are seeking a Branch Manager to lead our Saint John branch operations, one of the largest and most complex branches in our network. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this role offers the opportunity to lead a large distribution and production operation and manage a direct team of 50+ operational team members. 

This is a high-profile role that offers great visibility to senior leadership, and the opportunity to develop the skills and experience necessary for future advancement within Chandler, and more broadly within the J.D. Irving, Limited organization. Success in this position requires an ability to build strong relationships, drive accountability, lead through influence, and create an environment where both employees and customers can thrive.

What We Offer

Chandler is pleased to offer a highly competitive compensation package and work environment, including:

• Excellent career growth and development opportunities 
• Competitive salary and eligibility for annual performance incentive
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as RRSP matching programs
• Wellness program and access to corporate discounts
• Operating hours Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

Responsibilities

As Branch Manager, you will serve as the leader in one of Chandler's most strategically significant markets, responsible for leading people, driving performance, supporting growth, and delivering exceptional customer experience. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading branch operations: Provide oversight over warehousing, inventory management, customer service, facility maintenance, and day-to-day operations to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent execution.
• Managing business performance: Maintain accountability for branch results by monitoring operational and financial metrics, controlling expenses, and supporting profitable growth.
• Building high-performing teams: Recruit, coach, develop, and support supervisors and team members while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Driving operational excellence: Leverage performance metrics, process improvement initiatives, and best practices to improve productivity, service levels, and branch profitability.
• Supporting business growth: Partner closely with sales leadership to strengthen customer relationships, improve service delivery, identify growth opportunities, and support branch sales objectives.
• Delivering an exceptional customer experience: Ensure customers receive responsive, reliable, and professional service while promptly resolving issues and removing barriers to success.
• Optimizing inventory and warehouse performance: Oversee inventory accuracy, product availability, warehouse efficiency, and inventory control processes to support customer demand and operational effectiveness.
• Leading change and continuous improvement: Support the implementation of new processes, systems, and operational initiatives while encouraging innovation and continuous improvement throughout the branch.
• Championing safety leadership: Promote and reinforce a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with company standards, supporting safety initiatives, and maintaining a safe working environment for all employees.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in retail, wholesale, distribution, manufacturing, or other operationally focused environments.
• Proven success leading and developing teams in a fast-paced business environment.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve operational and financial performance objectives.
• Strong communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Post-secondary education in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field would be an asset.

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Chandler is one of Atlantic Canada’s leading business-to-business suppliers since opening in 1959. Across our seven locations we are focused on high value products, services, and solutions that assist our customers in achieving their business goals. With seven divisions our complete offering is second to none. Whether you need a full security or life safety system, safety equipment, industrial supplies, office furniture, restaurant equipment, sanitation supplies, or countless other business solutions, we have got you covered. Our team works hard every day to get you the products and services you need when you need them.