Department Manager – Sales & Service

Kent Building Supplies; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness program

Employee assistance plan

Employee discounts

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

RRSP matching

PTO benefits

Growth opportunities

Career progression

Job summary

Kent Building Supplies Inc. is seeking a Department Manager – Sales & Service to lead a team in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, delivering exceptional customer experiences while driving sales and operational excellence.

You will coach associates, implement merchandising plans, manage inventory, and uphold safety standards to achieve store goals and growth within the Kent and J.D. Irving organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in retail leadership, supervision, or management.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with inventory management, merchandising, and sales performance management.
• Demonstrated commitment to working in a safety-conscious environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in building materials, home improvement, or a related retail environment is considered an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook); Kronos and D365 is considered an asset.
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• CSA-approved steel-toed footwear is required while on shift.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales performance by analyzing results and implementing action plans to achieve goals.
• Lead, coach, and develop associates through ongoing feedback, training, and performance conversations.
• Deliver exceptional customer service and resolve customer concerns professionally.
• Execute merchandising, inventory, and promotional programs to maximize sales and profitability.
• Partner with store leadership to maintain inventory accuracy and product availability.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and operational requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and service delivery.
• Promote a culture of safety through active participation in Health & Safety initiatives.
• Foster strong relationships and teamwork across the store.
• Support store-wide initiatives and contribute to an inclusive, positive workplace culture.
• Leverage Microsoft Office Suite, and D365 to support operations and drive productivity.

Skills

Retail leadership

Team motivation

Customer service

Inventory management

Merchandising

Sales performance

Safety awareness

Organizational skills

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Kronos

D365

Job description

Job Description

Department Manager – Sales & Service plays a key leadership role in delivering an exceptional customer experience while driving sales performance, team engagement, and operational effectiveness. This position is responsible for leading a team of associates, executing sales and merchandising strategies, managing inventory, and ensuring operational standards are maintained. The successful candidate will foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement while supporting the store's financial objectives. This role combines hands‑on retail leadership with strategic business thinking to maximize sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales performance by analyzing results and implementing action plans to achieve goals.
• Lead, coach, and develop associates through ongoing feedback, training, and performance conversations.
• Deliver exceptional customer service and resolve customer concerns professionally.
• Execute merchandising, inventory, and promotional programs to maximize sales and profitability.
• Partner with store leadership to maintain inventory accuracy and product availability.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and operational requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and service delivery.
• Promote a culture of safety through active participation in Health & Safety initiatives.
• Foster strong relationships and teamwork across the store.
• Support store-wide initiatives and contribute to an inclusive, positive workplace culture.
• Leverage Microsoft Office Suite, and D365 to support operations and drive productivity.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in retail leadership, supervision, or management.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with inventory management, merchandising, and sales performance management.
• Demonstrated commitment to working in a safety-conscious environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in building materials, home improvement, or a related retail environment is considered an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with Kronos and D365 is considered an asset.
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• CSA-approved steel-toed footwear is required while on shift.

What We Offer

• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Plan
• Employee Discounts
• Medical, Dental, Vision, RRSP Matching, and PTO benefits
• Growth and development opportunities through KENT and the greater J.D. Irving, Limited organization
• Career progression opportunities within store leadership and management roles

About Us

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We 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.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria.

We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but were worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly. 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.