Assistant Store Manager

Assistant Store Manager- Hardware

Since 1978, Big Tool Box has been the family-owned hardware haven where "all the expertise is under one roof," putting customer service at the heart of everything it does. Spanning five powerhouse categories-Ace Hardware and Tools for every nut, bolt, and power tool imaginable; the Rental & Repair Center to keep projects moving without breaking the bank; the Highlands Garden Center bursting with plants, soil, and green-thumb guidance; the Lawn & Sprinkler Center for flawless outdoor irrigation and landscape solutions; and the Grillin and Chillin Center stocked with premium BBQ grills and all the accessories for perfect backyard cookouts-Big Tool Box remains the go-to destination for contractors, gardeners, grill masters, and DIYers alike.

Job Summary

• Serve as the Assistant Store Manager with primary oversight and focus on the Hardware department (tools, fasteners, plumbing, electrical, keys, paint, building materials, locks, and related categories) while supporting overall store operations.
• Drive Hardware profitability, team performance, and legendary customer service through hands-on leadership, strategic planning, and daily execution.
• Act as the Manager on Duty during assigned shifts, with full authority for the entire store while maintaining a strong visible presence in Hardware.
• Full-time salaried leadership role with keyholder status, override authority, budget responsibility, and direct path to Store Manager.
• Praise worthy customer service is our goal in every customer interaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Hardware Department Leadership & Performance
  • Oversee all Hardware operations: merchandising, stocking, planogram compliance, inventory accuracy, vendor relationships, and seasonal planning (e.g., winter ice melt, spring fasteners).
  • Set and achieve Hardware sales, gross margin, shrink, and labor targets; analyze weekly P&L and Mango reports to drive improvements.
  • Lead Hardware supervisors/specialists and 15-30 associates (including key cutters, paint mixers, electrical/plumbing experts); write schedules, conduct performance reviews, and develop succession plans.
• Modeling & Ensuring Impeccable Customer Service
  • Spend significant time on the Hardware floor; personally greet customers, cut keys, mix paint, thread pipe, demo tools, carry heavy items (lumber, bags of concrete), and resolve issues to model impeccable service behaviors.
  • Monitor service levels store-wide with special attention to Hardware: ensure 10-foot/10-second rule, carry-out offers, Ace Rewards attachments, and zero unresolved complaints.
  • Coach associates in real time and recognize outstanding service publicly.
• Store-Wide Support & Manager on Duty Duties
  • Act as MOD on rotating shifts: open/close store, handle escalations, authorize overrides/discounts, coordinate tasks across all departments.
  • Support other departments (Garden Center, Rental/Repair, Paint) during peaks; ensure seamless integration (e.g., Hardware fasteners with Garden projects).
  • Partner with Store Manager on hiring, training programs, safety compliance, and corporate initiatives.
• Operational Excellence in Hardware
  • Approve vendor orders, negotiate pricing, and pursue credits for shorts/damages; ensure flawless receiving and 98%+ inventory accuracy on high-theft items (tools, wire).
  • Direct major resets (planogram updates, seasonal transitions) and high-impact merchandising (endcaps, power tool clinics).
  • Coordinate with Receiving/Warehouse on Hardware pallet priority and Sort & Segregate for damaged merchandise.
  • Oversee BOPUIS fulfillment accuracy and speed for Hardware online orders (tools, fasteners, electrical).
• Financial & Compliance Oversight
  • Monitor Hardware expenses (freight, shrink, supplies, labor); achieve budgeted GP% and payroll goals.
  • Ensure compliance with key duplication policies, paint VOC rules, electrical code displays, and tool safety protocols.
  • Lead or participate in quarterly inventory, vendor audits, and safety walks with Hardware emphasis.
• All other duties as assigned by store management

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Business or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
• Experience
  • 3+ years multi-department retail management; 2+ years Hardware leadership (tools, electrical, plumbing, fasteners, merchandising) required.
  • Proven track record driving sales, managing teams, and achieving shrink/GP targets.
• Skills & Abilities
  • Deep Hardware expertise (product knowledge, project solutions, vendor brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Klein, SharkBite, Kwikset) combined with strong general management skills.
  • Exceptional leadership presence-models impeccable service, develops talent, and holds teams accountable with positivity.
  • Mastery of Ace Vision, Mango analytics, P&L review, scheduling software, and vendor negotiation.
  • Strategic thinker who turns project trends into million-dollar Hardware sales.
• Physical Requirements
  • Walk 10-15 miles per shift across entire store.
  • Lift/carry 50+ lbs repeatedly (toolboxes, lumber, bags of concrete); load vehicles and demo tools.
  • Flexible for open-to-close availability, including weekends, holidays, and peak project seasons.
• Other
  • Valid driver's license and ability to operate store vehicles/forklift.
  • Age 18 years or older
  • Full keyholder with highest-level overrides.
  • Passion for creating the #1 Hardware destination in the community while running a tight, profitable operation.