General Manager

Top Card Ace Hardware; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Medical/Dental/Vision

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Plan

401(k) Plan with match

Bonus & commissions

Training & development

Family-friendly

Rewards for service

Job summary

Ace Hardware in Fort Dodge, IA is seeking a General Manager to lead store operations, drive sales, and deliver exceptional customer service.

You will hire and coach a team, manage inventory and payroll, and ensure a safe, welcoming environment. This role offers opportunities to shape community presence and contribute to store profitability.

Qualifications

• 2+ years retail management experience.
• Hardware or home improvement experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily store operations and ensure company standards and goals are met.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop associates to deliver excellent customer service and strong performance.
• Achieve or exceed sales targets through outstanding customer service, product knowledge and merchandising.
• Manage store financial performance, including sales, payroll, expenses, and inventory.
• Ensure merchandise is properly stocked, priced, displayed, and maintained.
• Monitor inventory levels, receiving, ordering, and loss prevention.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming store environment.
• Follow ACE programs and promotions.
• Address customer concerns and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
• Actively participate in local community events, such as fairs or chambers of commerce.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
• Prepare work schedules and manage staffing to meet business needs.
• Lead by example and foster a positive, accountable, team-oriented work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Decision-making

Customer service

Problem solving

Retail knowledge

Tools

POS system

Cash register

Microsoft Office/ Teams

Job description

At Ace Hardware, we’re more than just a hardware store. We are a trusted part of the community, built on relationships, service, and a passion for helping people. With more than 5,000 stores worldwide, Ace is proud to stand apart from the big-box retailers by keeping the neighborhood feel, personalized service, and hometown values that make us special.

The heart of Ace is our locally owned and operated stores, where dedicated teams go above and beyond to make every customer feel welcome. We believe great service starts with great leadership, and we’re looking for an enthusiastic, driven General Manager who is ready to lead a team, inspire excellence, and make a lasting impact in the community.

As General Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the customer experience, develop a strong and motivated team, drive store performance, and create an environment where both employees and customers feel valued. If you’re passionate about people, thrive on leading others, and want to be part of a business that truly makes a difference, Ace Hardware is the place for you.

At Ace, we believe business should be personal, service should be exceptional, and our neighbors should always come first. Join a team where your leadership matters, your ideas are valued, and your work helps make a difference every day.

Come lead the way at Ace Hardware—where you’re not just managing a store, you’re helping build a stronger community.

Job Summary:

The General Manager is responsible for the overall operation and performance of the store. This position leads the store team, drives sales and profitability, ensures excellent customer service, and maintains a safe, clean, and well-organized store environment.

Included is a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid time off including paid time off and holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability
• Company paid Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) Plan with a company match
• Bonus & commission opportunities!
• Ongoing training and development
• A family friendly work environment
• Rewards for service

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead daily store operations and ensure company standards and goals are met.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop associates to deliver excellent customer service and strong performance.
• Achieve or exceed sales targets through outstanding customer service, product knowledge and merchandising.
• Manage store financial performance, including sales, payroll, expenses, and inventory.
• Ensure merchandise is properly stocked, priced, displayed, and maintained.
• Monitor inventory levels, receiving, ordering, and loss prevention.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming store environment.
• Follows the ACE programs and promotions.
• Address customer concerns and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
• Actively participate in local community events, such as fairs or chambers of commerce.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
• Prepare work schedules and manage staffing to meet business needs.
• Lead by example and foster a positive, accountable, team-oriented work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

• 2+ years retail management experience required; hardware or home improvement experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and achieve sales and operational goals.
• Strong customer service and problem-solving skills.
• Basic understanding of retail financials, inventory, and payroll.
• Ability to operate a POS, cash register, and review financial reports.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Teams.

Work Environment

• This role works primarily in a retail store environment and may be exposed to varying temperatures, dust, noise, and other conditions associated with store merchandise.
• Varied schedules include nights, weekend, and holidays
• Position requires bending, stooping, walking and standing for extended periods of time.
• Position routinely requires lifting, loading, and carrying merchandise up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate or learn to operate applicable store equipment.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Ace Hardware is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free environment. Ace goes beyond hardware: build a future, a purpose, and a community with us!