Assistant Manager in Training (Columbia, MO area)

Ace Hardware Corporation; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Ace Retail Group in the United States is seeking an Assistant Manager in Training to oversee store operations and help drive company goals. You will lead customer service efforts, manage daily store functions, and participate in leadership development alongside the General Manager.

This role emphasizes strong product knowledge, exceptional customer interactions, and adherence to the company’s core values while supporting ongoing store performance and training of associates.

Qualifications

• High School or GED equivalent.
• Previous retail management experience preferred.
• Hardware experience preferred.
• Standing, walking, lifting (up to 25lbs) and climbing.

Responsibilities

• Provide positive representation of Ace Retail Group.
• Proactively assist customers in solving problems.
• Greet customers entering and throughout the store.
• Thank customers when finished and when they are leaving the store.
• Provide a friendly, outgoing demeanor; work well with customers as well as associates.
• Ensure all calls and pages are answered promptly, courteously and effectively.
• Handle customer complaints.
• Work to resolve problems with the customer and have Ace Retail Group's best interest taken into consideration.
• Possess excellent product knowledge and knowledge of store layout and location of products.

Skills

Customer service

Store operations

Leadership

Communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

About Ace Retail Group Ace Retail Group (ARG), is a division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates several Ace brands, including Westlake Ace, Great Lakes Ace, Buikema’s Ace, Outer Banks Ace, Dennis Company, and Breed & Company. ARG is one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States and has two headquarters located in Lenexa, KS and Farmington Hills, MI. ARG’s origins date back over a century and operates over 250 neighborhood stores located throughout the United States. Great people make ARG stand out in our industry, and we are looking for individuals who strive for personal and professional growth, and who want to work with a company founded on (and still led by) our solid Core Values of: Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility and Teamwork.

General Job Summary

The Assistant Manager in Training will manage overall store operations and the achievement of company goals and directives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Customer Service

• Provide positive representation of Ace Retail Group.
• Proactively assist customers in solving problems.
• Greet customers entering and throughout the store.
• Thank customers when finished and when they are leaving the store.
• Provide a friendly, outgoing demeanor; work well with customers as well as associates.
• Ensure all calls and pages are answered promptly, courteously and effectively.
• Handle customer complaints.
• Work to resolve problems with the customer and have Ace Retail Group's best interest taken into consideration.
• Possess excellent product knowledge and knowledge of store layout and location of products.

Store Operations

• Ensure a positive, professional and safe work environment for all associates.
• Supervise the general operations of the entire store.
• Responsible for opening and closing the store.
• Assist with the implementation of Store Support Center programs.
• Implement new Standard Operating Procedures into store execution.
• Ensure successful Loss Prevention, Safety and Internal Audits.
• Work with General Manager and Assistant Manager - Operations on all aspects of running the store.
• Participate in weekly management staff meetings.
• Communicate issues to the appropriate Store Support Center department with General Manager approval.
• Assist with special projects within the district as set forth by the District Manager.
• Oversee and assist with daily maintenance, orderliness and cleanliness of the sales floor, stock room and outdoor merchandise areas.
• Assist with oversight of cashiering function in store operations.
• Assist to ensure that weekly price changes and label updates are completed timely and accurately.
• Oversee all cashiering functions including training, maintenance, audits, and reports.
• Manage and direct preventative maintenance and repairs in order to maximize and protect all physical assets (i.e. building, fixtures and equipment).
• Visit competition to be familiar with what they are doing.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Inventory and Merchandising

• Ensure forklift operations and receiving is completed in a safe and efficient way.
• Oversee receiving, checking in and stocking of merchandise for the store is being done completely.
• Responsible for maintenance of back stock levels.
• Oversee and ensure that cycle counts and negative on hand reports are completed timely and accurately.
• Oversee and ensure receiving, checking in and stocking of merchandise adheres to best practices and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Manage ordering and maintaining desirable product inventory levels to ensure store profitability.
• Oversee merchandise resets throughout the store.
• Oversee all signage is current in the store.
• Present a clean and orderly sales floor, including end caps and promotional and incremental merchandising.

Hiring and Training of Associates

• Assist in training of all associates.
• Actively recruit and promote the advancement of Ace Retail Group associates.
• Assist in hiring, training, scheduling, reviewing, rewarding and coaching Sales Associates and Department Specialists with the approval of the General Manager.

Leadership

• Manage all aspects of store operations in the absence of the General Manager.
• Lead by example; be approachable by all associates and customers.
• Participate in store meetings.
• Communicate any merchandising, cost control or sales idea to the General Manager for follow up.
• Prepare and challenge yourself for future advancement.

Other Essential Requirements

Ability to exhibit and incorporate our Core Values into daily decisions and interactions with others:

• WINNING – In business, money is the score. To win, we must perform, compete, and have fun.
• EXCELLENCE – Striving to be our best through continuous improvement and inspiration.
• LOVE – Love the people, love the work and love the results.
• INTEGRITY – Honesty, reliability, high character and ethical behavior.
• GRATITUDE – Appreciating being in the business of serving others.
• HUMILITY – A modest and respectful approach to leadership and work.
• TEAMWORK – Collaboration over control or credit; together we are Ace.

Minimum Skills, Requirements and Qualifications

• High School or GED equivalent.
• Previous retail management experience preferred.
• Hardware experience preferred.
• Standing, walking, lifting (up to 25lbs) and climbing.

Compensation Details

Starting pay at $18.00 per hour

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ace Retail Group is committed to a policy of promoting equal employment opportunities. The company recognizes the importance of diversity and leveraging the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization. The company is committed to the prevention of employment discrimination related to race, religion, color, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and military discharge, or any other action covered by federal or state laws.

Ace Retail Group (ARG), is a division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates several Ace brands, including Westlake Ace, Great Lakes Ace, Buikema’s Ace, Outer Banks Ace, Dennis Company, and Breed & Company. ARG is one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States and has two headquarters located in Lenexa, KS and Farmington Hills, MI. ARG’s origins date back over a century and operates over 250 neighborhood stores located throughout the United States. Great people make ARG stand out in our industry, and we are looking for individuals who strive for personal and professional growth, and who want to work with a company founded on (and still led by) our solid Core Values of: Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility and Teamwork.