Assistant Manager

About the Organization Cotton's Ace Hardware is a three-generation, family-owned and operated chain of Ace Hardware stores and lumberyards. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Cotton's Ace Hardware has been in operation since 1967 and operates 14 neighborhood stores located in Missouri and Illinois. Great people make Cotton's Ace Hardware stand out in our industry, and we are looking for individuals who strive for personal and professional growth, and who want to work with a company founded on (and still led by) our solid Core Values of Service, Passion, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence.

• Competitive Wages
• Medical coverage with employer contributions
• Dental and Vision coverage
• Paid Time off & Holidays
• Vacation time
• Employee Merchandise Discounts
• Flexible Hours

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Assistant Store Managers are responsible for the complete day-to-day operation of the store in the absence of the Store Manager. They maximize store sales and profitability, minimize expenses, ensure optimal stocking and merchandising, and Amaze Every Customer Every Time
. Assistant Store Managers contribute to the growth and development of the management team and store associates.

• Hire, train and develop store staff with goals for growth and success, provide ongoing performance feedback, and recognize accomplishments
• Review store evaluations with the management team and staff to identify opportunities and correct issues promptly
• Coordinate supervision of staff to ensure sales performance goals are met and company procedures are followed accurately
• Delegate workload among associates to meet merchandising and visual presentation standards
• Participate in associate evaluations as per company standards to provide feedback, praise, recognition, and growth opportunities
• Complete merchandising updates according to Cotton’s Ace Hardware standards
• Work with vendors to develop merchandising strategies and assist with plan‑ograms and updates
• Forecast scheduling needs to meet customer demand and create work schedules
• Monitor payroll to ensure compliance with established budgets and take corrective measures as necessary
• Review staffing needs with Store Manager, HR and Director of Operations before additions, promotions or terminations
• Develop and implement an in‑store marketing strategy including promotions, events and seasonal merchandising based on store needs
• Promote Customer Service as the #1 Priority through daily observation, monitoring and coaching of associate performance and interactions on the sales floor
• Regularly teach “Amaze Every Customer Every Time” while leading by example and coaching
• Use huddles, communication boards and store meetings to communicate store performance, educate, engage and motivate the team
• Drive customer satisfaction by ensuring customers are acknowledged, needs are met and concerns are resolved quickly
• Review customer service measurement reports and work with the team to identify opportunities for sustained or improved service levels
• Document at least one observation per associate monthly and provide coaching to ensure consistency of service to all customers
• Maintain accurate inventory through on‑hand integrity, daily receiving and transfers, product mix and flow, and adherence to best practices and deadlines
• Utilize inventory reports to reduce shrinkage, maintain appropriate stock levels and maximize inventory accuracy
• Work on professional development through leadership training opportunities
• Identify appropriate training for store associates and oversee all training requirements (e.g., New‑Hire orientation, on‑the‑job training, vendor training)
• Enforce safety policies and procedures and serve as a role model for safety
• Enforce store environment procedures to maintain the best store appearance
• Conduct preventative safety and fire inspections and take appropriate actions to correct all issues

• High…