Hardware Specialist

Description

Star Lumber & Supply Co., Inc. delivers confidence through our products and our people. We are looking for a knowledgeable and customer-focused Hardware Specialist to join our Building Materials team.

This role serves as the primary resource for contractors, builders, homeowners, and internal sales teams by providing expert product knowledge, assisting customers through the selection process, coordinating special orders, and ensuring projects are completed accurately and on time. The Hardware Specialist combines product expertise, customer service, and project coordination to deliver exceptional customer experience from selection through delivery.

Your Typical Day

Customer Consultation & Project Coordination

• Meet with homeowners, contractors, and builders to understand project needs and guide them through the product selection process, recommending solutions that fit their style, budget, and application. 
• Read blueprints, cabinet drawings, and project plans to ensure accurate product recommendations, selections, and order preparation. 
• Prepare bids, quotes, and large special-order tickets while obtaining pricing and cost information as needed. 
• Source products through vendor websites and procurement channels to meet customer requirements. 
• Submit orders for customer, builder, and office approval and obtain purchase orders prior to ordering. 
• Coordinate deliveries, communicate order status, and keep customers informed throughout the project. 
• Notify customers when orders are ready for pickup or delivery. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the sales process, ensuring a seamless experience from initial consultation through order fulfillment.

Inventory & Store Operations

• Receive and verify special order merchandise and combine products with existing customer orders. 
• Pull and stage customer orders for pickup or delivery, including single-family and multi-family projects. 
• Assist with inventory counts and inventory control for stocked hardware products.      
• Maintain showroom displays, product pricing, signage, and literature to create an organized and inviting shopping experience. 

Vendor & Team Collaboration

• Meet regularly with vendor representatives to stay current on new products, pricing, promotions, and showroom displays. 
• Collaborate closely with outside sales representatives, counter sales, contractors, purchasing, operations, and store team members to ensure successful project execution. 
• Assist customers at the sales counter and support the overall operation of the store as needed. 

Responsibilities

• Assist contractors, builders, homeowners, and sales staff in person and by phone with product selection, pricing, and technical questions. 
• Prepare accurate bids and quotes for residential and commercial projects. 
• Coordinate purchase orders, special orders, deliveries, and customer communications. 
• Execute monthly sales and gross margin goals. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, contractors, vendors, and internal teams. 
• Maintain expert knowledge of hardware products, trends, and vendor offerings. 
• Support inventory accuracy and showroom presentation. 
• Contribute to a positive team environment while delivering exceptional customer service. 

Requirements

The Ideal Candidate Is

• Passionate about helping customers find the right products for their projects. 
• Enjoys building relationships with contractors, builders, homeowners, and coworkers. 
• Organized and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and communication skills. 
• Self-motivated and proactive in solving problems. 
• Takes pride in providing outstanding customer service and supporting team success. 

Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience in customer service, sales, retail, or building materials. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Candidates with hardware knowledge and experience will be 
• Ability to read or learn to interpret blueprints, cabinet drawings, and project specifications. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills. 
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and web-based applications. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age. 
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. 
• Availability to work store hours Monday-Friday (7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) and rotating Saturdays (7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.). 

Preferred Qualifications

• Strongly preferred: Previous hardware sales or hardware retail experience with extensive knowledge of residential and commercial hardware products.
• Knowledge of doors, millwork, or building materials.
• Experience with estimating, quoting, or project coordination. 
• Ability to read and interpret residential construction plans and specifications.
• Experience working with contractors, builders, remodelers, and homeowners.

Star Offers Our Employees

• Bi-Weekly Pay 
• Paid Holidays 
• PTO Upon Hire 
• Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and more 
• 401(k) with employer match 
• Career growth and development opportunities 

All offers are contingent upon successfully completing pre-employment testing, including a background check, drug and alcohol screening, and applicable fitness testing.

**Star Lumber & Supply Co., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by law.