Christian - Branch manager in fire protection
Christian has been Branch Manager at CWS Fire Safety for the Bielefeld branch since 2016. Today he shares his story and shows that you can also develop as a branch manager at CWS Fire Safety. In addition to his role as branch manager, he will pass on his expertise to four other branches as regional manager.
Tasks of a branch manager
The work of a branch manager is varied. This includes:
- Optimising processes in the branch
- Supporting key account customers
- Monitoring the key performance indicators of the branch
- Hiring new employees
- Conducting feedback meetings with employees
Christian's path: becoming a branch manager
After completing his business studies, Christian gained valuable experience working for a manufacturer in the field of preventive fire protection. After holding various positions as an internal sales and marketing manager, Christian decided to take up the position of branch manager: "You need to be broadly based for the position of branch manager. My previous professional career reflected this well, which prepared me well for the new challenge as branch manager."
Fun and challenges as a branch manager
What Christian enjoys most about his job as branch manager is the combination of working with people and the technical aspects of fire protection. "The personal touch plays an important role in my job. In addition to meetings where operational topics take centre stage, chats with technicians over a cold drink are also a must."
When asked what challenge he has particularly grown with, Christian mentions the situation at the Bielefeld branch in 2021. ‘We didn't reach the target figures at the branch and we had to change something,’ says the branch manager. ‘We got all employees more involved and fought our way out of the situation together as a team.’ It was a tough but also instructive time for the entire branch. We all grew together and emerged stronger from the situation.
Start-up feeling at CWS Fire Safety
The branch manager particularly likes the start-up feeling at CWS Fire Safety. "There are not yet fixed regulations everywhere and you have a lot of opportunities to influence things. Solutions are worked out together and you can try out a lot. The mentality here is fun," explains Christian.
The branch manager experiences an open corporate culture here. "Concerns can be voiced freely and there is a high tolerance for mistakes, especially in the branches. I'd rather have employees who make decisions and make mistakes than employees who don't make any decisions at all. The main thing is that mistakes are talked about and not repeated."
Why work as a branch manager in fire protection?
‘It's an exciting, varied and important industry,’ explains the branch manager. The importance of fire protection for the safety of a society drives Christian. "I have high quality standards for the work of our technicians. The work must be carried out responsibly and the fire protection products must be installed flawlessly."
Tips for future branch managers
Christian has clear tips for those interested: ‘You should be good with people, willing to go above and beyond and have an affinity for numbers,’ he advises anyone interested in the position of branch manager in fire safety at CWS Fire Safety.
Become part of the team
Would you like to join CWS Fire Safety as a branch manager in fire protection? We have over 20 branches in Germany, we are growing strongly and would like to have more people who, like Christian, are committed to protecting people. Send us your application for Branch Manager (m/f/d) now. We look forward to hearing from you!