General Manager in Training (Springfield, IL

About Ace Retail Group (ARG), a division of Ace Hardware Corporation, operates several Ace brands and over 250 neighborhood stores nationwide.

The General Manager in Training (GMIT) will be responsible for training and developing skills in all store operations to prepare for promotion into a General Manager position within an assigned store.

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

• Assist and help supervise the “general operations” of the entire store.
• Responsible for ordering and maintaining desirable product inventory levels while ensuring store profitability.
• Receiving, checking in and stocking of merchandise.
• Develop and maintain appropriate back stock levels.
• Verify forklift operations and receiving is completed in a safe and efficient way.
• Confirm weekly price changes are being completed.
• Ensure monthly cycle counts and negative on hand reports are being completed.
• Verify signage is current in the entire store.
• Ensure ad signage and products are ready for the customers.
• Validate special orders and rain‑checks are being completed properly.
• Develop and ensure compliance with all practices, policies and procedures necessary to manage inventory shrink.
• Monitor shrink numbers and take corrective actions when necessary.
• Assist and help manage direct preventative maintenance and repairs in order to maximize and protect all physical assets.
• Assist in the overall general maintenance of the store such as daily upkeep, orderliness and cleanliness of the sales floor, end caps, ad goods merchandised, stock room and outdoor merchandise areas.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Learn and assist with the P & L and other corresponding reports.
• Assist District Manager and General Manager with the budget process for sales and expenses.
• Assist with the management of payroll and other controllable expenses.
• Assist and help monitor the implementation of Store Support programs.
• Attend trade shows and seminars with company guidance.
• Train on effective Loss Prevention, Safety and Internal Audits.
• Assist with special projects within the district as set forth by the District Manager.

• Assist and help lead weekly management staff meetings.
• Ensure effective training and development of all associates.
• Assist with the recruitment of prospective associates for possible management positions throughout Westlake Ace Hardware.
• Assist in the hiring, scheduling, reviewing, rewarding and coaching of all store associates including management.
• Actively recruit and promote the advancement of Westlake associates.

• Manage all aspects of store operations in the absence of the General Manager.
• Create a positive, professional and safe work environment for all associates.
• Become an integral part of the community in which you live and work through civic organizations and being community minded.
• Challenge all associates to think of ways to better merchandise product, control expenses and increase sales.
• Lead by example; be approachable by all associates and customers.

• Incorporate core values of Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility and Teamwork into daily decisions and interactions.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of previous retail management experience; hardware experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office.
• Standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 pounds) and climbing.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Ability to relocate; preferred.

Starting at $22.00 per hour.

Ace Retail Group is committed to promoting equal employment opportunities and preventing discrimination in the workplace. The company is dedicated to ensuring fair treatment for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, military discharge, or any other status protected by federal or state laws.