Assistant Manager

Ace Hardware; Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 58,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Ace Hardware in Lakewood, CO is seeking an Assistant Manager to oversee daily store operations in partnership with the Store Manager. This full-time, exempt role focuses on driving sales, managing expenses, keeping shelves stocked, and delivering Ace's promise to Amaze Every Customer Every Time.

You will hire and develop staff, manage schedules, payroll coordination, merchandising, and lead in-store promotions and events. Bilingual Spanish is a plus; strong leadership and communication required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 4+ years of leadership experience in a retail setting
• Supervisory experience; exposure to P&L and budgeting a plus
• Hardware product knowledge or willingness to learn
• Ability to motivate and lead associates in a fair and impartial manner
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; excellent communication
• Bilingual Spanish (verbal and written) strongly preferred
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Skilled in delegating and self-direction
• Experience with retail software and systems

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Store Manager on hiring decisions, including decisions in the Store Manager’s absence
• Train and develop associates, provide ongoing performance feedback, and recognize accomplishments
• Supervise staff to meet sales goals and follow company procedures
• Forecast scheduling needs and create work schedules
• Co-manage payroll with the Store Manager and take corrective action as needed
• Review staffing needs with Store Manager and HR
• Lead in-store marketing, promotions, and events
• Delegate daily work to meet merchandising standards and coordinate with vendors
• Serve as manager on duty and resolve escalated customer and associate issues
• Act with full decision-making authority in the Store Manager’s absence

Skills

Leadership experience

Hiring and coaching

Communication

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Spanish language

Decision making

Customer service

Team motivation

Payroll coordination

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Retail computer systems

Job description

Our Mission: Quality. Convenience. Service.

When it comes to serving our local communities, our mission is to provide quality and convenient solutions. At Ace, you can expect robust training programs that put you in a position to have excellent product knowledge and become a leading salesperson in the retail hardware industry. Providing legendary customer service is a defining characteristic of our sales associates, cashiers, and every member of our team. There’s a reason we have had the honor of being named "Highest in Customer Satisfaction" by J.D. Power for so many years. Put simply, we exist to help others.

Job Description

Ace Hardware is seeking a qualified Assistant Manager to run the complete day-to-day operation of the store in partnership with the Store Manager. This is a full-time, salaried (exempt) position reporting to the Store Manager. The Assistant Manager shares responsibility for maximizing sales and profitability while minimizing expenses, keeping the store well stocked and merchandised, and making sure our team lives out our promise to Amaze Every Customer Every Time. The Assistant Manager makes decisions alongside the Store Manager, helps grow and develop our associates, and acts with full decision-making authority when the Store Manager is away.

Major Responsibilities

• Partner with the Store Manager on hiring decisions, and make hiring decisions in the Store Manager’s absence
• Train and develop associates, provide ongoing performance feedback, and recognize accomplishments
• Supervise staff to make sure sales goals are met and company procedures are followed
• Conduct associate evaluations and work with the management team to address opportunities with a sense of urgency
• Forecast scheduling needs and create work schedules
• Co-manage payroll to budget with the Store Manager and take corrective action as needed
• Review staffing needs with the Store Manager and Human Resources
• Co-develop and carry out in-store marketing, promotions and events with the Store Manager
• Delegate daily work to meet Ace Hardware merchandising and visual presentation standards, and work with the Merchandise Manager and vendors on merchandising strategies
• Make customer service the #1 priority by observing and coaching associates on the sales floor, and document at least one observation per associate each month
• Lead team huddles and store meetings to share store performance and keep the team engaged and motivated
• Review customer service results (Mystery Shop, Customer Engagement Survey, etc.) and help build plans to improve
• Maintain accurate inventory and use inventory reports to reduce shrink
• Oversee receiving, freight and inventory transfers
• Oversee associate training, including new-hire orientation, on-the-job and vendor training
• Enforce safety policies, conduct safety and fire inspections, and keep the store looking its best
• Perform supervisory duties, including opening and closing the store, cash deposits and register audits
• Serve as manager on duty and resolve escalated customer and associate issues
• Act with full decision-making authority in the Store Manager’s absence

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience; bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 4 years of leadership experience in a retail setting
• Supervisory experience required; exposure to P&L and budgeting a plus
• Hardware product knowledge, or a willingness to learn
• Ability to motivate and lead associates in a fair and impartial manner
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to delegate and be self-directed
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational, time management and project management skills
• Skilled in retail computer systems and related software
• Bilingual (Spanish) verbal and written skills strongly preferred
• Valid in-state driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Ability to build strong relationships with customers, associates and vendors

Career Development

• This role prepares you for advancement into store management
• Complete Ace Hardware leadership training and other development programs
• Learn P&L management, budgeting and inventory management under the guidance of the Store Manager
• Advancement to Store Manager is based on demonstrated performance and readiness

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and walk, reach and bend to perform job duties
• Move and handle merchandise up to 40 lbs. and fixtures throughout the store
• May work near moving mechanical parts and outdoors in various weather conditions

Ace goes beyond hardware: build a future, a purpose, and a community with us. Ace Hardware is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free environment. At Ace you have the opportunity to grow with the company in a fun and active work environment.

Company Introduction

Our Mission: Quality. Convenience. Service.
When it comes to serving our local communities our mission is to provide quality and convenient solutions. At Ace, you can expect robust training programs that put you in a position to have excellent product knowledge and become a leading salesperson in the retail hardware industry. Providing legendary customer service is a defining characteristic of our sales associates, cashiers, and every member of our team. There's a reason we have had the honor of being named "Highest in Customer Satisfaction" by J.D. Power for the past 16 years. Put simply, we exist to help others.

Salary

$58000.00 - $68000.00 per year