Branch Assistant (Southampton)

Gerald Summers Ltd; Southampton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Acorn Industrial Services Ltd in Southampton is seeking a Branch Assistant at our regional distribution centre. You will handle trade counter customer enquiries, process orders, stock duties, and assist with deliveries to customers.

Work involves liaising with suppliers and colleagues to ensure orders are fulfilled accurately, maintaining a safe, clean branch and warehouse, and promoting relevant products to customers. 40 hours per week, salary negotiable.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in customer-facing roles or trade counter.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to advise on products and stock availability.
• Good attention to detail when processing orders and stock checks.
• Team player with proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Serve and interact with customers at the Trade Counter with a professional service.
• Advise customers on product selection, availability, and alternatives.
• Process orders, quotations, returns, and enquiries accurately.
• Respond to customers by telephone, email, and in person.
• Pick, pack, and prepare orders for collection or delivery.
• Receive, check, and store incoming goods safely.
• Maintain clean and safe working environment across branch and warehouse.
• Support branch sales by identifying customer needs and promoting products.

Skills

Customer focus

Communication skills

Teamwork

Stock handling

Problem solving

Tools

Order processing system

Stock management software

IT skills

Job description

Branch Assistant Required at Southampton Regional Distribution Centre

Location: Test Valley Business Centre, 20-21 Test Ln, Southampton SO16 9JW

A vacancy has arisen at our busy regional distribution centre in Southampton for a Branch Assistant. The position will be suited to an inspired individual who is looking to further their career within this specialist industry. The role would include dealing with telephone enquiries and orders from our existing customer base and delivering daily orders to customers.

To support the day-to-day operations of the branch, ensuring excellent customer service, efficient stock handling, and smooth support across trade counter, warehouse, and administrative activities. A key part of the role will involve interacting with clients at the Trade Counter and advising them on suitable products to meet their requirements.

The Successful Applicant Would Be Responsible For

• Serve and interact with clients at the Trade Counter, providing a professional, helpful, and knowledgeable service.
• Advise customers on product selection, availability, specifications, and suitable alternatives where appropriate.
• Process customer orders, quotations, returns, and enquiries accurately and efficiently.
• Support customers by telephone, email, and in person, ensuring queries are handled promptly.
• Pick, pack, and prepare orders for collection, delivery, or dispatch.
• Receive, check, and put away incoming goods, ensuring stock is stored safely and accurately.
• Maintain a clean, tidy, and safe working environment in the branch, trade counter, and warehouse areas.
• Support branch sales activity by identifying customer needs and promoting relevant products and services.
• Liaise with suppliers, internal teams, and customers to ensure timely fulfilment of orders.
• Operate branch systems and complete required paperwork in line with company procedures.
• Follow all health and safety requirements, including safe manual handling and use of equipment.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties required to support the effective running of the branch.

Experience (and/or) Qualifications Required

• Previous experience in a customer-facing, trade counter, warehouse, branch, or sales support role.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to advise customers confidently on products, or willingness to develop product knowledge.
• Good attention to detail and accuracy when processing orders and handling stock.
• Ability to work as part of a team and support colleagues across branch activities.
• Good organisational skills and a proactive approach to work.
• Basic IT skills and ability to use order processing or stock systems.

Desirable Skills

• Experience within industrial supplies, bearings, power transmission, engineering products, or a similar trade environment.
• Forklift truck licence or willingness to obtain one.
• Knowledge of stock control and warehouse procedures.
• Experience handling customer quotations and sales enquiries.

Salary and benefits package is negotiable and will be discussed at interview level, taking into consideration level of experience. Working pattern is 40 hours per week.

Gill Cockroft

HR Manager

Acorn Industrial Services Ltd

Unit A, Denby Way, Hellaby Industrial Estate, Rotherham, S66 8HR