Area Manager- Backyard and BBQ

General Summary

The Area Manager manages overall store operations and the achievement of company goals and directives. This Area Manager will have a special focus in Backyard and BBQ, driving the growth and sales of this area as well as actively managing the merchandising and in-stock levels. Grill builds and deliveries will be a priority to oversee and manage.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Customer Service

• Provide positive representation of store.

• 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 Managers 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 Managers’ approval.

• Assist with special projects within the district as set forth by the District Manager.

• Implement new Standard Operating Procedures into store execution.

• Assist with daily maintenance, orderliness and cleanliness of the sales floor, stock room and outdoor merchandise areas.

• Ensure that weekly 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 back stock 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 sales floor, including end caps and promotional and incremental merchandising.

Training of Associates

• Assist in training of all associates.

• Actively recruit and promote the advancement of Ace Hardware of Fort Collins associates.

• Assist in training, reviewing, rewarding and coaching of Associates with the approval of the Store Managers.

Leadership

• Manage all aspects of store operations in the absence of the General 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 General Manager for follow up.

• Prepare and challenge yourself for future advancement.

Other Essential Requirements

Education:

High School or GED equivalent. Completion of NHRA Advanced Course in Hardware Retailing recommended.

Minimum of 2-4 years retail management experience.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Strong leadership and analytical skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in all situations.

• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.

• Ability to lead and develop others.

• Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks with a high attention to detail.

• Knowledge of retail computer systems, MS Word and Excel required.

• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays to meet the needs of the business.

Physical Demands

Ability to lift 50 pounds consistently and stand/walk for up to eight hours in a shift. Safely lift with assistance items over 50 pounds.