Front End Department Supervisor

Lowe's Companies, Inc.•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Front End Department Supervisor leads front-end associates and, at locations without a Fulfillment Department Supervisor, also oversees fulfillment activities. The role assigns staff to meet customer demand, coaches and develops associates, supports hiring and performance management, and promotes a collaborative, customer-focused team environment. The supervisor drives operational performance, safety, security, shrink prevention, and continuous improvement across assigned areas. In locations where the role includes fulfillment oversight, the supervisor coordinates front-end and fulfillment staffing and operations, supports customer service, monitors order readiness and fulfillment timeliness, researches inventory discrepancies, and may prepare and load merchandise using power equipment. The position may also serve as Manager-on-Duty, providing store-wide leadership over customer service, staffing, sales, safety, and operational efficiency. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED in General Studies, or equivalent years of experience in lieu of the education requirement, if applicable.
Four years of experience in a retail environment, or five years if the education requirement is not met.
Experience providing direction or supervision to teams, with or without direct-report responsibility.
Experience supporting or participating in training, mentoring, and developing associates.
Experience working cross-functionally.
Experience using Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to obtain sales-related licensure or registration as required by law.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting front-end or back-end operations in a retail environment.
Experience in a customer service role.
Experience in a leadership role with direct-report responsibility.
Experience in the home improvement retail sector.
Experience in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment.
Experience in a key-carrying role with Manager-on-Duty responsibilities.
Experience using store computer systems, including Project Tool, Genesis, Sterling, M2O, or Thin Client.

Responsibilities

Assign team members to activities, ensure staff coverage meets customer demand, and redeploy associates as needed.
Participate in interviews and provide input into selection decisions for associates in the assigned area.
Connect with team members to understand challenges and elevate issues when necessary.
Provide timely feedback, coaching, recognition, and guidance; partner with the Assistant Store Manager when formal disciplinary action is needed.
Encourage associates to share ideas and best practices, and foster their growth and development through coaching and performance feedback.
Identify associate relations concerns and take appropriate action, including escalating concerns to senior management or HR.
Coach the team to follow processes, improve operational efficiency, and maintain department areas that support customer service and sales.
Monitor and drive achievement of operational performance metrics.
Identify barriers to operational processes or the customer experience, communicate them, and implement timely solutions.
Respond to unexpected events by reprioritizing tasks.
Monitor safe use of store power equipment and address violations.
Promote safety, security, and shrink prevention, including securing and monitoring doors and gates, reporting suspected theft, and protecting inventory integrity.
Conduct daily safety reviews, identify hazards, maintain clean and organized areas, and monitor for theft or security risks.
Recommend strategies to reduce unproductive time, waste, and product loss; analyze operations and reduce their impact on customers.
Seek feedback and development opportunities, maintain collaborative cross-functional relationships, and adapt to challenges and organizational change.
When overseeing fulfillment, coordinate front-end and fulfillment activities, including checkouts, returns, overrides, till audits, Pro fulfillment, in-store pickup, installation, delivery picking, staging, and fulfillment.
Ensure front-end associates greet customers, answer phones, respond to inquiries, and proactively address concerns.
Allocate staffing according to customer demand across front-end, Pro, installation, delivery, and pickup functions.
Research register shortages and overages, deposit cash in the bank, and handle register pulls and loans.
Monitor and support Customer Service desk activity as needed.
Validate delivery-order readiness and communications, monitor short picks, and ensure orders are picked and staged on time.
Cross-train in other store areas and receive and direct calls appropriately.
Inspect fulfillment areas, bays, and inventory areas to ensure they are clean and safe.
Pull, prepare, inspect, stage, and load merchandise for customers, contractors, and delivery orders according to invoices or loading tickets, using power equipment when needed.
Validate items being carried into and out of the store when appropriate.
As Manager-on-Duty, provide store-wide leadership over engagement, customer service, staffing, and operational efficiency.
Walk the store, observe customer and associate interactions, and provide in-the-moment coaching.
Ensure associates are prepared to deliver quality sales and service and that Specialty and Pro areas are appropriately staffed and engaged with customers.
Shift associates to high-traffic areas or department hotspots, manage responses to call buttons, and ensure aisles remain clean, safe, and uncluttered.
Hand off shift observations to the next Manager-on-Duty and direct non-MOD activities to appropriate leaders.