We have openings for this position in our BURLINGTON, VT location (Bibens Ace - Burlington) and our SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT location (Bibens Ace - South Burlington).
Notice to Applicant about this Employer: You are applying for a job with an independently owned cooperative member of Ace Hardware Corporation, who operates this Ace Hardware store, not Ace Hardware Corporation. The independent store owner alone is responsible for and independently makes all decisions concerning employment related matters, including hiring, firing, discipline, supervision, staffing and scheduling. Ace Hardware Corporation will not receive a copy of any applications submitted for this position, and will have no control over interviews and/or hiring decisions, does not control and is not responsible for the employment policies and practices of the independent store owner. If hired, the independent store owner will be your only employer. Ace Hardware Corporation is not the employer for this position. The Ace Hardware trademarks, logos and designs are owned by Ace Hardware Corporation and used by independent store owners under a license from Ace Hardware Corporation.
About Lakeshore Ace Inc
Bibens Ace began back in 1949 in Springfield, VT, originally named Bibens Home Center. This was the first of the Bibens Ace locations, by Eric R. Bibens, a builder of fine homes. In 1972, he decided to expand the retail store to 6,500 sq. ft. and close the construction division. The store was a member of the Service Star Hardware co-op until 1982 when the current owner, Eric R. Bibens II, purchased the business from his father and converted it to the Ace Hardware brand. Our second location, in Colchester, VT, was purchased in August 2000. We have subsequently opened 5 additional locations throughout the state, including South Burlington, Burlington (North Avenue), Essex, Brattleboro and Woodstock.
General Summary
The Assistant Manager helps the Store Manager with overall store operations and the achievement of company goals and directives.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Includes the following (other duties may be assigned):
Customer Service

• Provide positive representation of store.
• Proactively assist customers in solving problems.
• Greet customers entering and throughout the store. Thank customers when finished and when they are leaving the store.
• Provide a friendly, outgoing demeanor; work well with customers as well as associates.
• Ensure all calls and pages are answered promptly, courteously and effectively.
• Handle customer complaints. Work to resolve problems with the customer and have store’s best interest taken into consideration.
• Possess excellent product knowledge and knowledge of store layout and location of products.

Store Operations

• Ensure a positive, professional and safe work environment for all associates.
• Supervise the “general operations” of the entire store, especially in the Store Managers absence.
• Responsible for opening and closing the store.
• Ensure successful Loss Prevention, Safety and Internal Audits.
• Work with General Manager and Store Manager on all aspects of running the store.
• Implement new Standard Operating Procedures into store execution.
• Assist with daily maintenance, orderliness and cleanliness of the sales floor, stock room and outdoor merchandise areas.
• Ensure that weekly price changes and label updates are completed timely and accurately.
• Manage and direct preventative maintenance and repairs in order to maximize and protect all physical assets (i.e. building, fixtures and equipment).
• Visit competition to be familiar with what they are doing.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Inventory & Merchandising

• Assist to ensure forklift operations and receiving is completed in a safe and efficient way.
• Assist to ensure receiving, checking in and stocking of merchandise adheres to best practices.
• Assist with maintenance of back stock levels.
• Assist to ensure that inventory counts and negative on hand reports are completed timely and accurately.
• Assist in ordering and maintaining desirable product inventory levels to ensure in-stocks and store profitability.
• Assist with merchandise resets throughout the store.
• Assist to ensure all signage is current in the store.
• Assist in presenting a clean and orderly sales floor, including end caps and promotional and incremental merchandising.

Hiring & Training of Associates

• Assist in training of all associates.
• Actively recruit and promote the advancement of associates.

Leadership

• Manage all aspects of store operations in the absence of the Store Manager.
• Lead by example; be approachable by all associates and customers.
• Participate in store meetings.
• Communicate any merchandising, cost control or sales idea to the General Manager for follow up.
• Prepare and challenge yourself for future advancement.

Other Essential Requirements
Education
High School or GED equivalent.
Experience
Previous retail management experience preferred. Hardware experience preferred.
Physical Demands
Standing, walking, lifting (up to 25lbs) and climbing.