Assistant Store Manager- Sales & Service

Kent Building Supplies; Sydney; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional retail building supply chain in Cape Breton is looking for an Assistant Store Manager for Sales & Service. This role requires overseeing multiple departments to enhance customer experience and drive store performance. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of retail management experience, strong decision-making skills, and a commitment to a safety-conscious environment. The position offers a competitive salary with performance-based bonuses and a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus program

Competitive salary

Opportunities for career growth

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in retail leadership or management.
• Commitment to working in a safety-conscious environment.
• Proven ability to lead in a fast-paced retail environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and evaluate sales performance across departments.
• Partner with management to maintain effective inventory levels.
• Lead change initiatives with clear communication.

Skills

Retail leadership experience

Inventory management

Strong decision-making skills

Excellent communication skills

Customer service

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Kronos

D365

Job description

Job Description

The Assistant Store Manager – Sales & Service is a key leadership role at KENT, focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience and driving store performance. This position oversees several departments, including Lumber & Building Materials, Flooring, Kitchen & Bath, Appliances, the Project Centre, and the Cut Shop. The role is responsible for achieving financial goals, supporting team development, and fostering an inclusive and engaging workplace culture. Team members in this role are eligible for a performance-based bonus program that recognizes leadership, operational excellence, and collaborative success. This role offers a competitive salary with eligibility for annual bonus incentives.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and evaluate sales performance across customer-focused departments, applying financial insights and strategic thinking to drive results.
• Partner with the Store Manager and Office Manager to maintain effective inventory levels.
• Ensure departmental operations align with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance store efficiency and service delivery.
• Lead change initiatives with clear communication and training to support smooth transitions and team alignment.
• Promote a culture of safety by actively participating in Health & Safety initiatives and collaborating with the safety team to ensure compliance.
• Build strong, respectful relationships across the team, encouraging collaboration and mutual support.
• Ensure proficiency in software usage to enhance productivity and streamline daily operations: Microsoft Suite applications, including Excel, Word and Outlook. Operate Kronos for timekeeping and attendance management and D365 for managing customer interactions, sales processes, and inventory tracking.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in retail leadership or management.
• Experience with inventory management and building materials is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated commitment to working in a safety-conscious environment.
• Familiarity with employment standards and HR practices.
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to assess broader business impacts.
• Proven ability to lead in a fast-paced retail environment using critical thinking and business insight.
• Forward-thinking approach focused on continuous improvement and risk mitigation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational capabilities.
• Commitment to providing outstanding customer service.
• Demonstrated proficiency in leveraging software tools to improve productivity and streamline daily operations, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), Kronos for timekeeping and attendance management, and D365 for managing interactions, sales workflows, and inventory tracking.

About Us

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply. We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About The Team

Kent is the largest retail building supply chain in Atlantic Canada. With 48 locations and an ecommerce website, our mission is to be the best source of home improvement products through superior customer service and know-how, quality products, and everyday great prices. We protect our customers and staff by hiring and training associates committed to our safety values. We employ over 3,700 people and work hard to increase our market share through strategic investment in training and technology. We focus on the development of our people and promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. In addition to our retail stores, we operate truss manufacturing facilities and a wholesale drywall company. We are a member of Independent Lumber Dealers Co-operative and the ARENA buying group which ensures our great product selection and pricing.