Assistant Manager

Cotton's Ace Hardware•Eureka, MO

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Cotton's Ace Hardware is a three-generation, family-owned and operated chain of Ace Hardware stores and lumberyards. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Cotton's Ace Hardware has been in operation since 1967 and operates 14 neighborhood stores located in Missouri and Illinois. Great people make Cotton's Ace Hardware 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 Service, Passion, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence. Join Cotton's Ace Hardware and experience what being part of the Cotton's Ace Hardware family feels like. Be inspired by your leaders, be encouraged and cheered on by your teammates and help your neighbors. The Assistant Store Manager position is responsible for the complete day-to-day operation of the store in the absence of the Store Manager. Assistant Store Managers are responsible for maximizing store sales and profitability, along with minimizing expenses while ensuring that the store is optimally stocked and merchandised, and to Amaze Every Customer Every Time. An Assistant Store Manager contributes to the growth and development of the management team and store associates.

Requirements

High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED); or, an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 1 year of leadership experience in a retail or customer service setting.
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.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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 company’s insurance carrier’s standards.
Ability to stand for an extended period of time, walk, reach, and bend to perform job duties.
Move and handle merchandise up to 60 pounds, and fixtures throughout the store, which entails lifting and perform all functions as set forth.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Upholds the Core Values as determined by the management team.
Responsible for the complete day-to-day operation of the store in the absence of the Store Manager.
Maximizing store sales and profitability, along with minimizing expenses while ensuring that the store is optimally stocked and merchandised.
Contributes to the growth and development of the management team and store associates.
Hire, train and develop store staff with goals for growth and success in their positions, provide ongoing performance feedback, and recognize accomplishments.
Review all store evaluations with store management team and staff to identify opportunity areas and correct all issues with a sense of urgency.
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 Cotton’s Ace Hardware standards.
Work with vendors to develop merchandising strategies for products and have them assist with their plan-o-gram and updates.
Forecast scheduling needs to meet customer demand and create work schedules.
Monitor payroll to ensure compliance with established budgets and take corrective measures as necessary.
Review staffing needs, strengths and opportunities with Store Manager, HR and Director of Operations prior to additions, promotions or terminations.
Develop and implement an in-store marketing strategy including promotions, events, and seasonal merchandising based on store needs.
Promote Customer Service as The #1 Priority. This must be accomplished on a daily basis through observing, monitoring and coaching associate’s performance and interactions on the sales floor.
Regularly promote and teach “Amaze Every Customer Every Time” while leading by example and coaching.
Use huddles, communication boards, and store meetings as the means 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, etc.), and work with the team to identify opportunities in an effort to sustain or improve overall service levels.
Document at least one (1) Observation per associate monthly and provide coaching in order to ensure consistency of service to all customers.
Maintain accurate inventory at all stages through on-hand integrity, daily receiving and transfers, store communication, product mix and flow, and adhering to (Company Name) best practices, metrics, and deadlines.
Utilize available inventory reports to reduce shrinkage, maintain appropriate stock levels and maximize inventory accuracy.
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.).
Enforce safety policies and procedures and serves as 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.