Job Title: Branch Manager
Location: Merced, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, Salary (Exempt)
Pay Range: $75,000 – $85,000 annually (DOE) plus bonus
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
About Bobcat Central, Inc.
Bobcat Central, Inc. has been family owned and operated since 1976, serving as a trusted compact equipment dealer across California’s agricultural center and the Sierras. With locations in Stockton, Fresno, Merced, Sacramento, and Reno, we offer parts, service, rental, and sales of Bobcat® equipment, attachments, and Felling® trailers. Our commitment to quality, quick response, and competitive pricing has made us a leader in supporting industries such as construction, agriculture, landscaping, home services, and ground maintenance.
Founded by the Franzia family, our legacy is built on innovation, customer satisfaction, and community involvement. We pride ourselves on delivering industry-leading equipment solutions backed by a team that values integrity, accountability, operational excellence, and customer service.
Position Summary
The Branch Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, performance, and profitability of the branch location, including the Parts, Service, Rental, and Sales departments. This leadership role is responsible for driving operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, employee development, and financial performance while ensuring alignment with company standards, core values and strategic goals.
The Branch Manager serves as the primary operational leader for the branch and is responsible for managing staff performance, supporting department leaders, maintaining compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, and fostering a safe, productive, and team-oriented work environment.
Success in this role is defined by the ability to lead high-performing teams, achieve operational and financial objectives, maintain strong customer relationships, and drive continuous improvement across all branch functions.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
- Company-issued cell phone and laptop
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Optional supplemental benefit plans
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
- Leadership development and career growth opportunities
- Supportive, team-oriented work environment focused on performance and accountability
Key Responsibilities
Branch Operations & Leadership
- Oversee daily operations of the Parts, Service, Rental, and Sales departments
- Drive branch profitability, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction
- Monitor branch performance metrics and KPI scorecards to ensure operational goals are achieved
- Identify opportunities for operational improvements, revenue growth, and cost control
- Serve as the primary branch leader and company representative within the assigned territory
- Promote teamwork, accountability, and consistent communication across departments
- Address and resolve escalated customer concerns and service-related issues professionally and promptly
- Ensure branch operations comply with company policies, procedures, and standards
Financial & Performance Management
- Manage branch financial performance, including departmental expenses and profitability
- Monitor labor efficiency, overtime, productivity, and operational costs
- Assist leadership with budgeting, forecasting, and operational planning
- Analyze operational reports and performance metrics to identify trends and improvement opportunities
- Maintain focus on achieving profitability goals while supporting customer and operational needs
Employee Leadership & Development
- Recruit, train, develop, coach, and manage branch employees
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback
- Promote employee accountability, engagement, and professional development
- Address employee performance concerns, corrective actions, and conflict resolution as necessary
- Foster a professional, respectful, and team-oriented workplace culture
- Support employee retention and workforce development initiatives
Service Department Oversight
- Monitor technician productivity, efficiency, and labor performance
- Ensure quality repairs, accurate diagnostics, and timely completion of work orders
- Support scheduling and workflow planning to maximize shop productivity and turnaround times
- Assist with technical support and escalation as needed
- Monitor warranty processes and ensure claims are submitted accurately and timely
- Coordinate with the Parts department to ensure timely availability of parts for repairs
- Promote training and technical development for service personnel
- Ensure completed work meets company and manufacturer quality standards
Parts Department Oversight
- Support and monitor Parts department operations and staff performance
- Ensure timely support for internal service needs and external customer requests
- Monitor inventory management practices and operational efficiency
- Promote communication and collaboration between Parts and Service departments
Rental & Sales Coordination
- Partner with Rental and Sales leadership to support branch operational goals
- Assist in identifying market opportunities and territory needs
- Provide operational support and performance feedback regarding branch sales and rental activities
- Support customer relationship management and business development efforts
Safety, Compliance & Facility Management
- Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and professional work environment
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, Cal-OSHA, EPA, and company safety standards
- Support facility maintenance, fleet coordination, and operational compliance initiatives
- Promote safe work practices and accountability across all departments
- Ensure required inspections, checklists, and compliance procedures are consistently followed
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, or related field preferred
- 5+ years of leadership or management experience in equipment, dealership, automotive, rental, construction, agricultural, or related industries preferred
- Spanish speaking a plus
- Experience managing operational performance, budgets, and employee teams
- Background in heavy equipment, compact construction equipment, or agricultural equipment preferred
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
Required Skills & Competencies
Leadership & Team Management
- Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills
- Ability to motivate teams and promote accountability and performance
- Experience managing conflict resolution and employee relations matters
- Ability to build and maintain a positive team culture
Operational Management
- Strong organizational and operational planning abilities
- Ability to manage multiple departments and competing priorities effectively
- Capable of analyzing operational performance and implementing improvements
- Results-oriented mindset focused on efficiency and profitability
Financial & Business Acumen
- Understanding of departmental financials, budgeting, and operational reporting
- Ability to analyze performance metrics and control operational costs
- Experience monitoring productivity, labor efficiency, and operational KPIs
Customer Service & Communication
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong customer relationship management and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to professionally manage escalated customer concerns
- Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization
Systems & Technology
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Experience with dealership management systems and operational software, CDK, IntelliDealer, VitalEdge a plus
- Familiarity with payroll and timekeeping systems preferred
Adaptability & Professionalism
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and changing operational environment
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment
- Commitment to continuous improvement and ongoing professional development
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to bend, climb, kneel, and maintain balance
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
- Ability to work in office, warehouse, shop, and outdoor environments in varying conditions
- Ability to travel between branch locations and attend meetings or training as needed
Success Indicators
Operational Performance
- Branch consistently meets or exceeds operational and financial goals
- Departments maintain productivity, efficiency, and profitability targets
- Operational issues are addressed proactively and effectively
Leadership Effectiveness
- Employees demonstrate accountability, engagement, and strong performance
- Branch maintains positive morale and professional workplace culture
- Leadership provides consistent coaching, communication, and support
Customer Satisfaction
- Customer concerns are resolved professionally and timely
- Branch maintains strong customer relationships and service standards
- Customer retention and satisfaction remain high
Safety & Compliance
- Branch maintains compliance with company policies and safety regulations
- Safe work practices and facility standards are consistently upheld
- Operational and compliance issues are addressed promptly
Business Growth & Continuous Improvement
- Branch identifies and implements operational improvements
- Leadership supports long-term growth and business development initiatives
- Processes and workflows are continuously evaluated for efficiency improvements
Compensation & Compliance
- Pay Range: $75,000 – $85,000 annually (DOE)
- Exempt Position: This position is classified as exempt in accordance with applicable California wage and hour laws
In accordance with California law, the salary range for this position is listed above. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.
Bobcat Central Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on any characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
