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 Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware:
Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware today represents more than 63 years of fine service. The first Crowder Bros. Hardware store was founded in Sarasota, Florida in 1955, opened by John and Chester Crowder. Crowder Bros. Hardware of Lakeland opened in March of 1973. The store was a joint partnership of John K. Crowder and Carroll C. Bud Phillips, Phillips being the active managing partner. Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware of North Lakeland was opened in November of 1996 by Bruce D. Phillips. The success of our business was built on a foundation of fine customer service, competitive prices, and quality merchandise. We hope that you will find Crowder Bros. Hardware an interesting and enjoyable place to work!
General Summary
The Assistant Manager manages overall store operations and the achievement of company goals and directives.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Customer Service

• Provide positive representation of Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware.
• 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.
• Responsible for opening and closing the store.
• Assist with the implementation of Store Support Center programs.
• Ensure successful Loss Prevention, Safety and Internal Audits.
• Work with Store Manager and Assistant Managers on all aspects of running the store.
• Participate in management staff meetings.
• Communicate issues to the appropriate Store Support Center department with Store Manager approval.
• Assist with special projects as set forth by the Store Manager.
• Implement new Standard Operating Procedures into store execution.
• Assist with daily maintenance, orderliness and cleanliness of the salesfloor, stockroom and outdoor merchandise areas.
• Ensure that price changes and label updates are completed timely and accurately.
• Oversee all cashiering functions including training, maintenance, audits, and reports.
• 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 and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Responsible for maintenance of backstock levels.
• Assist to ensure that cycle 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 salesfloor, including endcaps and promotional and incremental merchandising.

Hiring & Training of Associates

• Assist in training of all associates.
• Actively recruit and promote the advancement of Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware associates.
• Assist in hiring, training, scheduling, reviewing, rewarding and coaching Head Cashiers and Cashiers with the approval of the Store Manager.

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 Store Manager for follow up.
• Prepare and challenge yourself for future advancement.

Education:
High School or GED equivalent. Completion of NHRA Advanced Course in Hardware Retailing recommended.
Experience:
Previous retail management experience preferred. Hardware experience preferred.
Physical Demands
Standing, walking, lifting (up to 50lbs) and climbing.