INDUSTRIAL STORE ASSOCIATE

Power Drives Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Power Drives, Inc. in Buffalo, NY is seeking an industrious Counter Person for our retail store. You will serve as the primary customer contact, process orders, and provide product information. You’ll also help maintain inventory and support stock replenishment for two sites.

You’ll work onsite, interact with warehouse teams, and assist in loading/unloading and assembly tasks. A high school diploma and basic MS Office skills are required; prior retail experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in a customer service or retail role.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft OFFICE (Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel).

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist customers by addressing their needs and inquiries.
• Become an expert on our product line and offer creative solutions to meet customer needs.
• Maintain inventory records, sales transactions, and customer interactions.
• Coordinate with warehouse staff to ensure timely order fulfillment and stock replenishment.
• Prepare sales and work orders.
• Identify hose and fittings, cut, fit, assemble, and inspect assemblies.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Retail experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Power Drives, Inc. is a Buffalo‑based manufacturer specializing in custom‑engineered hose, tube, and fluid conveyance systems for a wide range of industrial and mobile equipment applications. Founded in 1946, PDI is known for delivering high‑quality, reliable solutions backed by strong engineering expertise and decades of industry experience.

PAY RANGE: $20-21/HOUR

SCHEDULE: 9:00-5:00 MONDAY- FRIDAY

This role is 100% onsite

Ready to Power Up Your Career?

Power Drives is hiring an Industrial Store Associate for our retail store. If you’re mechanically inclined and thrive in customer-facing roles, this is your opportunity to grow your skills, learn the industry, and build a long‑term career. This role offers hands‑on experience, daily problem‑solving, and real potential for advancement. Let’s get you moving forward!

About The Role

The Counter Person plays a vital role in serving as the primary point of contact for customers at our retail locations in Buffalo and Tonawanda, NY. This position is responsible for managing customer inquiries, processing orders, and providing product information. The Counter Person will maintain organized inventory records and assist in stock management to support overall business objectives. By delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining a professional demeanor, this role contributes directly to customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a customer service or retail role.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft OFFICE (Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel).

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑On Technical or Mechanical Aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist customers by addressing their needs and inquiries.
• Become an expert on our product line and offer creative solutions to meet customer needs, provide recommendations and suggestions for other products.
• Maintain accurate records of inventory levels, sales transactions, and customer interactions.
• Coordinate with warehouse staff to ensure timely order fulfillment and stock replenishment.
• Prepare sales and work orders.
• Work directly with the customers to identify the type of hose and fittings they need, cut, fit and assemble hose and fittings, and inspect completed assemblies.
• Maintain general work area and shop equipment in a clean, neat, and safe manner.
• Use a variety of hand tools (wrench, hammer, handsaw, power drill, calipers) and shop equipment (hose crimp machine, reusable hose assembly equipment, hose cut off saw, grinder, forklift, hydraulic shop press).
• Location will report to both Tonawanda and Buffalo sites. Currently expected to be 2 or 3 days per week at each location (Depending on business need).
• Assist loading and unloading trucks with attention to safety and product quality.

Skills

The required skills such as customer service and communication are essential for engaging with customers effectively and ensuring their needs are met promptly. Organizational skills help in managing inventory records and keeping the counter area orderly, which supports operational efficiency. Problem‑solving and multitasking skills enable the Counter Person to handle unexpected issues and maintain smooth workflow across multiple retail locations.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be comfortable with repetitive tasks, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs.), standing for a long period of time, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling and working in a fast‑paced production setting.

2026 Buffalo's Business First Best Places To Work Finalist