Market Maintenance Technician

Job Title: Market Maintenance Technician

Department: Ops Excellence Team - Central Operations

Classification: Full-Time


Job Summary:

The Market Maintenance Technician is a regionally mobile, multi-craft role responsible for the physical upkeep, equipment functionality, and store environment standards across all Helpful Hardware Company Ace Hardware locations in their assigned region. Operating on a calendar-driven route, this technician protects the service revenue and store standards that set HHC apart from big-box competitors. The role is the primary resource for equipment uptime across The Shop @ Ace service bays, key cutting machines, glass cutters, screen repair stations, and all store fixtures and infrastructure.

HHC operates two regional technician routes covering 21 stores across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This role requires a self-managed professional who is comfortable driving a vehicle across a multi-store route, logging all work completed, and taking ownership of equipment health without day-to-day supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

Equipment Uptime and Service Bay Maintenance
• Maintain and repair all service bay equipment across assigned stores, including The Shop @ Ace small engine service lifts, diagnostic tools, and workbench equipment.
• Service and maintain key cutting machines, glass cutting equipment, and screen repair stations - the revenue-generating service equipment that is HHC's core competitive differentiator.
• Execute manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance schedules for all service equipment across the route; target a minimum 70% planned versus 30% reactive maintenance split.
• Respond to urgent equipment failures that impact service bay revenue; escalate to the ASM at the affected store and the Ops Excellence Manager as needed.

Store Facilities and Fixtures
• Perform general repairs and maintenance across all stores including shelving, display fixtures, lighting, signage hardware, door hardware, and basic plumbing and electrical repairs.
• Build and maintain training store environments to HHC gold standard - shelving configurations, display builds, and service area setups in designated training locations.
• Execute seasonal floor resets during the spring (lawn and garden, grilling) and fall (outdoor power clearance, heating) changeovers; support display builds and fixture moves at each store on the route.
• Support new store acquisition resets - build out physical store environments to HHC standard following each acquisition as directed by the Ops Excellence Manager.

Regional Route and Logistics
• Operate a calendar-driven regional route across assigned stores; plan and manage weekly and fortnightly visit schedules in coordination with the Ops Excellence team and store FAMs/ASMs.
• Manage and operate a company-provided vehicle responsibly; maintain vehicle cleanliness, tool organisation, and accurate mileage logs.
• Execute inter-store deliveries and equipment transfers as directed - moving fixtures, tools, and supplies between stores on the route.
• Source and procure parts, materials, and supplies for repairs; manage a small on-vehicle inventory of frequently needed consumables and components.

Reporting and Work Order Management
• Log all jobs completed, parts used, and time spent in the HHC work order system after every store visit; build and maintain a repair history from day one in the role.
• Maintain a live equipment register for all service equipment across assigned stores - documenting condition, last service date, and outstanding issues.
• Provide a brief end-of-route summary to the Ops Excellence team after each route cycle, flagging any open issues requiring escalation or specialist trade contractor involvement.
• Identify recurring equipment faults or store facility issues; surface recommendations for capital expenditure or vendor service agreements to the Ops Excellence team.

Qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent required; vocational or trade school certification in a relevant discipline (electrical, HVAC, mechanical, carpentry) is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 2-4 years of experience in a maintenance, facilities, or multi-trade handyman role; multi-site or regional experience is a significant advantage.
• Practical skills across multiple trades: basic plumbing (fixture replacement, leak repair), basic electrical (fixture swaps, outlet repairs), carpentry (shelving, fixture builds), and mechanical (small engine diagnosis and repair).
• Valid driver's licence with a clean driving record; comfortable driving a full-size cargo van across a multi-state regional route.
• Able to lift and move up to 60 lbs unassisted; comfortable working on ladders, in back-of-store environments, and in varying weather conditions for outdoor work.
• Highly self-managed and organised; able to plan and execute a weekly route calendar with minimal supervision and adapt priorities in response to urgent store needs.
• Strong communication skills; able to work professionally with Store Managers, Assistant Store Managers, and Service Centre teams at each location visited.
• Experience with or knowledge of Ace Hardware store formats, service equipment, and product categories is a strong advantage; internal HHC candidates with relevant skills are encouraged to apply.
• OSHA 10 or 30 certification, CMRT (Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician), or equivalent safety certification is a plus but not required at hire.

Work Schedule:

Full-time, as the standard route cadence. Weekend availability is required during seasonal floor resets (March-April spring reset and October fall changeover) and urgent service bay failures that cannot wait until the next scheduled route visit. Regional travel is inherent to the role; average driving time is 3-4 days per week including overnight within the assigned store cluster.

What We Offer:
• Competitive salary commensurate with trade experience and regional scope
• Company vehicle provided - no personal vehicle required for route travel
• Full tool kit and consumables supplied by HHC - no out-of-pocket tool costs
• Employee discounts across all HHC Ace Hardware store locations
• Career development pathway into the broader Ops Excellence Team - a growing central function with direct exposure to company leadership
• Support for relevant trade certifications and safety training (OSHA, CMRT)
• A collaborative, community-focused company culture - Best Hardware Store in Forsyth County 10 years running

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Referral program
• Mileage reimbursement