CCF is a nationwide distributor of insulation and interior building products to the UK construction industry, and the role of Branch Manager at CCF is highly rewarding, with great benefits and plenty of opportunities for career progression.
Will Parish is the Branch Manager at CCF in Northampton. He joined The Travis Perkins Group at the end of 2021 after 14 years of experience in other retailers. Six months in and he is already thriving in his role, working for one of the branches of a market-leading business.
Read Will’s story and see whether you or someone you know is ready to take the leap into a thriving business:
What made you want to move from retail to CCF?
“I began my working life in retail during my teens and built some great experience in my early years. I started out as a checkout colleague then onto various department manager roles in a supermarket, then went on to a motoring and cycling products retailer as an Assistant Store Manager working my way up to Retail Store Manager running stores across Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the following two years gave me time to gain some perspective on where I was in my career. Retail had given me a solid foundation of skills, but I was ready for something new and challenging – and in particular to manage a larger operation.
At first, I naturally had a few reservations to change industries but I quickly realised that there are lots of similarities to what I have done previously. It turned out to be the best career move I have ever made; I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner!”
What do you enjoy most about your role?
“Definitely the people I work with. My managers and directors are great to work for, and general colleague engagement across the business is excellent. We 100% feel like one business striving for the same results. People on the outside looking in might not realise it, but construction materials are crucial to the infrastructure of our country. More importantly, they’re critical to improving the environment we live and work in. Everyone at CCF knows this and is genuinely motivated by supporting the industry.
I’m also really enjoying upskilling my team. People at CCF are keen to better themselves and learn more every day so it’s really rewarding to help people along this journey. One of our values is ‘We Give Our Best to be the Best’ and that really does shine throughout the company.
Alongside this, we also have great relationships with our customers which makes everyday fun as well as rewarding. CCF is just a brilliant place to work!”
What does your day-to-day role include?
“Every day is different as a Branch Manager! I start by communicating with the team, setting targets and goals for our branch, as well as helping them to also identify training needs. I look at warehouse standards, celebrate successes and review any opportunities in that area, and a fundamental part of my role is to, of course, build relationships with customers and suppliers.”
Have you got any advice for someone thinking of joining CCF?
“If it’s a new industry for you, see it as an opportunity. Don’t worry about not immediately knowing the ins and outs of construction materials and building products, CCF has a robust training framework led by industry experts who will get you up to speed in no time. Just do it, you will not regret it!”
If you’ve been inspired by Will’s experience becoming a Branch Manager at CCF, and you’d like to make a career move browse our available jobs at CCF today to find out more and apply!
