Assistant Store Manager

Assistant Store Manager (Operations & Inventory Focus)

Reports To: Store Manager / Owner
Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Assistant Store Manager is a key leader responsible for supporting overall store performance, operational excellence, and team development. This role partners closely with the Store Manager to ensure customers consistently receive knowledgeable and friendly service, daily operations run smoothly, and sales goals are achieved.

With primary responsibility for inventory management and operational efficiency, this position plays a critical role in maintaining accurate stock levels, minimizing inventory shrink, and ensuring the right products are available to meet seasonal demand and local customer needs. The Assistant Manager supports receiving and stock flow, and ensures planograms and promotional displays are executed effectively.

This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership role. The Assistant Manager leads from the sales floor, coaching team members, resolving customer concerns, driving sales performance, and stepping in wherever needed to ensure the store operates efficiently. As part of a locally owned Ace Hardware, this role helps uphold our reputation as “The Helpful Place” by delivering personalized service and community-focused expertise every day.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and support Sales Associates during assigned shifts.

• Provide training and ongoing coaching for sales associates in customer service and 

• Serve as Manager-on-Duty when the Store Manager is absent and delegate tasks as appropriate.

• Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment.

Sales & Customer Experience

• Lead by example in delivering exceptional customer service.

• Drive sales through active engagement, project-based selling, and upselling.

• Monitor daily sales activity and adjust floor coverage as needed.

• Resolve escalated customer issues promptly and professionally.

• Support local marketing initiatives and community engagement efforts.

Inventory Management & Merchandising

• Manage inventory accuracy through cycle counts and periodic audits. 

• Oversee receiving, stocking, and merchandise flow.

• Monitor stock levels and coordinate replenishment and purchase orders.

• Execute planograms, seasonal resets, and promotional displays.

• Maintain organized and efficient backroom operations.

• Support shrink reduction and loss prevention initiatives.

Store Operations

• Ensure store cleanliness, safety, and visual standards.

• Oversee cash handling procedures and daily reconciliation.

• Maintain compliance with company policies and safety procedures.

• Coordinate vendor interactions and deliveries as needed.

• Complete additional tasks as assigned.
   

Qualifications

Required:

• 2+ years of retail experience (hardware or home improvement preferred).

• Prior supervisory or leadership experience.

• Strong organizational and inventory management skills.

• Proficiency with POS systems and basic computer software.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.

• Flexible availability, including weekends.

Preferred:

• Experience with purchasing and inventory systems.

• Knowledge of paint, lawn & garden, hardware, plumbing, electrical products.

• Experience managing shrink and improving inventory turnover.

• Forklift experience

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation

• Employee discount

• Paid time off

• Advancement opportunities

• A locally owned, community-focused work environment