Branch Manager

Founded in 1983, Kele Inc. is a leading distribution and solutions partner with national reach and a global presence. Built around our customers and powered by our people, Kele provides millions of in-stock parts from more than 300 brands to drive automation & efficiency in nearly every type of facility, from office towers and factories to data centers and hospitals. Our goal is to empower progress for maintenance managers, engineers, contractors, and all those building the future. We do this by delivering parts rapidly, providing custom assemblies upstream, and offering unmatched support to ensure projects run smoothly and downtime is minimized. With 12 locations nationwide and headquarters in Tennessee, Kele combines deep technical expertise, rapid logistics, and a solutions-first mindset to help customers simplify supply chains, meet tight schedules, and deliver high-quality outcomes. Kele fosters a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and customer obsession, empowering associates at every level to contribute, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

About the role

The Branch Manager is responsible for the overall operation, performance, and customer experience of a Kele branch location. This role is highly hands-on and combines customer service, technical product support, order fulfillment, inventory control, and staff leadership. The Branch Manager ensures customers receive fast, accurate, and knowledgeable support for Building Automation System (BAS) products while maintaining safe, efficient, and compliant branch operations aligned with company objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example in delivering exceptional customer service to walk-in and phone-in customers.
  • Identify parts and pricing, enter and follow up on orders, provide product quotes and availability, suggest additional or alternative products as appropriate, and provide product, application, and basic technical support related to BAS components and systems.
  • Maintain a strong working knowledge of Kele catalog products and key vendor offerings, recommend and implement corrective actions to resolve customer concerns and service issues.
• Direct and actively participate in daily branch operations:
  • Receiving inbound product, putting away and stocking, picking, packing, and shipping of outbound orders, processing customer returns and RMAs, ensuring orders are shipped accurately, completely, and on time.
  • Maintain an organized, clean, and safe branch environment.
• Oversee inventory control activities:
  • Accurately count physical inventory, properly stock locations and label, adhere to cycle count processes, investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.
  • Oversee the physical warehouse facility and equipment, recommend improvements to space utilization, layout, racking, and shelving as needed.
  • Safeguard company assets and ensure proper handling of inventory and equipment.
• Lead branch associates:
  • Direct staffing, scheduling, training, and daily work priorities, provide coaching, feedback, and performance input for direct reports, ensure team members follow company policies, procedures, and safety guidelines, foster a positive, customer-focused work environment.
• Purchasing, vendor, and expense management:
  • Coordinate purchasing activities as required to support branch operations, maintain effective working relationships with vendors and internal purchasing teams, analyze, approve, and control branch expenditures to conform to budgetary requirements.
• Policies, reporting, and compliance:
  • Develop, implement, and monitor branch operating policies and procedures to ensure effective and efficient operations while supporting company objectives, prepare and submit daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly operational and inventory-related reports as required, ensure compliance with company policies, operational standards, and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five to seven years of related experience in customer service, branch operations, distribution, or technical sales (BAS or related industry preferred).
• Demonstrated experience leading a small team in a hands-on environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ability to learn and use company systems.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to address technical product questions.
• Working knowledge of Building Automation Systems products and applications.
• Ability to balance customer-facing responsibilities with operational execution.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize work effectively in a fast-paced, small-team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, sit, and use hands for handling materials and keyboarding. Ability to lift and move products up to approximately 50 pounds with or without assistance.
• Physical Demands: Vision abilities include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

Kele Companies offers all full-time associates the following benefits and perks:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• HSA/FSA (medical and dependent care)
• 401(k) with employer match up to 4%
• Immediate vesting
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental life for employees and dependents available
• Paid time off and paid holidays