Assistant Store Leader Job Description
Reports to Store Leader.
Shift: Varies; primarily daytime approximately 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Position Summary
The primary responsibility for all positions with Athens Ace Hardware is to WOW every Customer Every Time and uphold the Core Values as determined by the leadership team. The Assistant Store Leader’s position is responsible for the complete day‑to‑day operation of the store in the absence of the Store Leader. The Assistant Store Leader is responsible for maximizing store sales and profitability, while minimizing expenses and ensuring that the store is optimally stocked and merchandised. An Assistant Store Leader contributes to the growth and development of the leadership team and store associates.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (assist in all of the following):
Sales and Operations
- Coordinate the overall supervision of staff to ensure sales performance goals are met and company procedures are followed accurately
- Delegate workload among associates to meet merchandising and visual presentation standards
- Participate in associate evaluations as per company standards in order to provide feedback for improvement, praise and recognition, and growth opportunities
- Complete merchandising updates according to Athens Ace Hardware and The Corby Leach Company standards
- Work with vendors to develop merchandising strategies for products and have them assist with their plan‑o‑gram and updates
- Review staffing needs, strengths and opportunities with the Store Leader prior to additions, promotions or terminations
- Develop and implement an in‑store marketing strategy including promotions, events, and seasonal merchandising based on store needs
- Assist in hiring, training, and development of store staff with goals for growth and success in their positions, provide ongoing performance feedback, and recognize accomplishments
- Review all store evaluations with the store leadership team and staff to identify opportunity areas and correct all issues with a sense of urgency
- Ensure completion of checklist items for which you are responsible
- Ensure all daily, weekly, monthly store task checklists and aisle assignment checklist for the entire store are complete, along with the Store Leader
Customer Service
- Promote Customer Service as the #1 priority; accomplish this daily through observing, monitoring, and coaching associates’ performance and interactions on the sales floor
- Regularly promote and teach Customer First Sales Culture while leading by example and coaching
- Use huddles, WOW communication boards, and store meetings to communicate the store’s performance, and educate, engage and motivate the team
- Drive customer satisfaction by ensuring that all customers are acknowledged, customer needs are met, and concerns are resolved quickly
- Review all customer service measurement reports (e.g., Mystery Shop, Customer Engagement Survey) and work with the team to identify opportunities to sustain or improve overall service levels
- Document at least seven customer‑journey observations weekly and provide coaching to ensure consistency of service to all customers
Inventory
- Maintain accurate inventory at all stages through on‑hand integrity, daily receiving and transfers, store communication, product mix and flow, adhering to Athens Ace Hardware best practices, metrics and deadlines
- Utilize available inventory reports to reduce shrinkage, maintain appropriate stock levels and maximize inventory accuracy
Coaching and Training
- Work on your professional development through leadership training opportunities (self‑directed learning, local business events, Ace Learning and industry events, etc.)
- Identify appropriate training for store associates and oversee all training requirements for all associates (e.g., New‑Hire orientation, on‑the‑job training, vendor training, etc.)
- Successfully complete Leader Ready Assessment in Ace Learning Place
- Successfully complete Store “Manager” curriculum in Ace Learning Place
Safety, Compliance and Store Environment
- Enforce safety policies and procedures, and serve as a role model for safety
- Enforce store environment procedures to ensure and maintain the best store appearance
- Conduct preventative safety and fire inspections and take appropriate actions to correct all issues
Position Requirements
- High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED); or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Minimum of 1 year of leadership experience in a retail or customer service setting
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must have good verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to provide motivation and leadership to associates storewide in a fair and impartial manner
- High degree of analytical skills, and the ability to delegate and be self‑directed
- Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills
- Technically skilled in basic retail computer systems including related software
- Develop and maintain client relationships and strategic partnerships
- Dress according to company policy
- Possess a valid in‑state driver license with an acceptable driving record in accordance with the company’s insurance carrier’s standards
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for an extended period of time, walk, reach, and bend to perform job duties
- Move and handle merchandise up to 40 pounds, and fixtures throughout the store, which entitles lifting and performing all functions as set forth
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. The associate may work near outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Job responsibilities may change based on the needs of the business.