- Camping
- Travelling (uk)
- Motorcycle trips
- Family time
Edward Gray
Reading,Berkshire
Summary
Results-oriented Senior Operations Leader with over 10 years in the builders’ merchant, distribution, and trade sectors. Delivered significant revenue growth and enhanced branch profitability through strategic planning and effective team development. Cultivated long-lasting customer and supplier relationships, achieving £1.56M in additional revenue and a 23.4% improvement in bottom-line performance in the latest financial year.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Branch Manager
Jewson
Bracknell
08.2025 - 04.2026
- Directed branch leadership, enhancing commercial performance and ensuring operational delivery.
- Drove branch profitability through proactive customer engagement and commercial planning
- Oversaw daily branch operations in sales, logistics, stock management, and customer service.
- Developed and coached a high-performing team focused on accountability and results
- Ensured compliance with operational, safety, and company standards to maintain branch integrity.
Branch Manager
Jewson
Henley-on-Thames
08.2023 - 08.2025
- Delivered £1.56M incremental revenue growth (FY Aug 2024–Aug 2025)
- Improved branch bottom-line performance by 23.4%
- Led branch turnaround and commercial growth strategy.
- Strengthened local contractor and trade relationships, resulting in increased market share
- Optimised stockholding and purchasing to enhance branch efficiency
- Developed team capability through targeted coaching and performance management strategies
Branch Manager
Jewson
Wokingham
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Achieved sales, margin, and service KPIs
- Managed full branch P&L and operational performance
- Motivated team through structured training sessions
- Minimised waste while enhancing stock efficiency
Business Development Manager
Jewson
Henley-on-Thames
04.2021 - 08.2022
- Cultivated strategic relationships with clients and managed key accounts
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities in trade and contractor sectors
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance account retention and increase spend
Branch Manager
Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery, part of Travis Perkins
Reading
12.2019 - 04.2021
- Managed branch profitability, led team to enhance customer experience
- Delivered operational improvements, contributing to sales growth
- Oversaw showroom operations, managed inventory and scheduled installations
Assistant Manager / Kitchen Designer
Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery
01.2015 - 12.2019
- Designed and sold bespoke kitchen projects, enhancing customer satisfaction and driving sales.
- Cultivated customer relationships, resulting in increased repeat business.
- Assisted in improving branch commercial performance through targeted strategies.
- Promoted from Kitchen Designer to Assistant Manager, then Branch Manager, demonstrating leadership growth.
Education
National Diploma - Music Technology
Thames Valley University
Reading01-2011
GCSEs -
Little Heath School
Skills
Branch operations
- P&L management
- Revenue Growth
- Margin Improvement
- Operational Excellence
- Inventory & Supply Chain Management
- Sales strategy
- Customer retention
- Customer relationship management
- Logistics Coordination
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Strategic Planning
- Commercial Leadership
- Project management
- Staff recruitment
- Team motivation
- Performance coaching
Interests
Timeline
Branch Manager
Jewson
08.2025 - 04.2026
Branch Manager
Jewson
08.2023 - 08.2025
Branch Manager
Jewson
08.2022 - 08.2023
Business Development Manager
Jewson
04.2021 - 08.2022
Branch Manager
Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery, part of Travis Perkins
12.2019 - 04.2021
Assistant Manager / Kitchen Designer
Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery
01.2015 - 12.2019
National Diploma - Music Technology
Thames Valley University
GCSEs -
Little Heath School