Store Manager

Assistant Manager K&B Ace Hardware, 912 Forest Drive, Annapolis MD 21403 Build a Career, Not Just a Job Why search for a job when you can build a rewarding career where you become an integral part of a close-knit community? K&B Ace Hardware is an independently owned, fast-paced neighborhood hardware store that is always looking for talented, energetic people who enjoy helping others. We are more than a retail store—we're a team. Many of our employees have been with us for more than 15 years because we invest in our people and provide opportunities to learn, grow, and build long-term careers. Our customers count on us for expert advice in paint, plumbing, electrical, lawn and garden, hardware, power tools, housewares, and countless home improvement projects. We take pride in delivering the knowledgeable, friendly service that has made K&B Ace Hardware one of the area's favorite locally owned businesses. We're looking for leaders who don't simply identify problems—they find solutions. We value employees who take initiative, think strategically, motivate others, and always look for ways to say "yes" to our customers while supporting the success of the business. Position Summary K&B Ace Hardware is seeking a full-time Assistant Manager who is passionate about customer service, enjoys leading people, and thrives in a fast-paced retail environment. This position combines ownership of one or more merchandise departments with daily leadership of overall store operations. You'll oversee merchandising, inventory management, sales performance, employee supervision, and daily operations while ensuring every customer receives an outstanding shopping experience. As a member of the management team, you'll help open and close the store, supervise employees, solve customer concerns, coach team members, and work alongside the staff to ensure the store operates efficiently every day. This is a hands-on leadership position. Whether helping a customer load mulch, training a new employee, planning inventory, or solving operational challenges, you'll lead by example and help create an environment where employees enjoy coming to work and customers enjoy shopping. Primary Responsibilities Leadership & Store Operations Supervise daily store operations and ensure excellent customer service. Open and close the store following company procedures. Supervise and coach employees throughout each shift. Assist with daily staffing assignments. Ensure departments remain clean, organized, safe, and fully stocked. Serve as the manager on duty when assigned. Handle customer concerns professionally and resolve issues quickly. Communicate operational priorities and company initiatives to the team. Support hiring, onboarding, and training of new employees. Lead by example through professionalism, teamwork, and outstanding customer service. Department Management Manage one to three merchandise departments. Plan inventory levels, purchasing, and product allocation. Analyze sales history and inventory trends to maximize profitability. Manage inventory investment. Maintain merchandising standards, pricing accuracy, shelf labels, and product presentation. Identify opportunities to increase sales while controlling inventory costs. Monitor department performance and recommend improvements. Customer Service Welcome every customer with a friendly attitude and genuine enthusiasm. Build lasting relationships through exceptional service. Assist customers with home improvement projects and product selection. Educate customers on product features and project solutions. Inform customers of promotions and store events. Process register transactions accurately and efficiently. Assist customers with loading purchases when needed. Store Support Stock, replenish, and face merchandise. Maintain department cleanliness and organization. Perform services such as cutting keys and glass, mixing paint, filling propane and other customer services (training provided). Assist throughout the store wherever needed. Take on new projects and responsibilities that improve sales, profitability, and operational efficiency. Qualifications Strong leadership and communication skills. Ability to supervise and motivate employees. Excellent customer service skills. Strong organizational and time-management abilities. Ability to handle high stress interactions with grace. Analytical thinking with attention to detail. Comfortable interpreting sales and inventory data. Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Positive attitude with a strong work ethic. Ability to solve problems independently. Basic math proficiency. Ability to lift merchandise (up to 50 lbs consistently), climb ladders, and perform the physical requirements of retail work. Preferred Experience Two years of retail management or supervisory experience preferred. Hardware, home improvement, or related retail experience preferred. Experience with inventory management and merchandising is a plus. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply Benefits Full-time employees are eligible for: College tuition reimbursement Merit bonus program Employee discount Paid holidays and vacation Health insurance contribution Dental insurance contribution Vision insurance contribution Matching SIMPLE IRA retirement plan Career advancement opportunities Ongoing leadership and product training Schedule Full-time: 40 hours per week One evening shift each week Every other weekend required Schedules are generally posted three weeks in advance to help support work-life balance. Notice to Applicant about this Employer: You are applying for a job with an independently owned and operated cooperative member of Ace Hardware Corporation, who owns and operates this Ace Hardware retail store location. Ace Hardware Corporation is not the employer for this position. The independent store owner alone is responsible for and independently makes all decisions concerning employment related matters, including hiring, firing, discipline, supervision, staffing and scheduling. Ace Hardware Corporation will not receive a copy of any applications submitted for this position, does not control interviews and/or hiring decisions, and has no control over or responsibility for the employment policies and practices of the independent store owner. If hired, the independent store owner will be your only employer. The Ace Hardware trademarks, logos and designs are owned by Ace Hardware Corporation and used by independent store owners under a license from Ace Hardware Corporation We are your local hardware store and we are a part of your community. Ace Hardware has over 5,000 stores around the world with the majority of those stores independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. These hard working men and women are part of the fabric of your community. They are small business owners who are local and loyal...just like it ought to be. While others have become large and impersonal, at Ace, we've remained small and very personal. That's why we say a visit to Ace, is like a visit to your neighbor. Salary $49500.00 - $55000.00 per year Benefits Bonus pay, Signing bonus, Paid time off, Health insurance, Employee discount, 401(k), Other, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, 401(k) matching, Paid training Job Type Full time Schedule 8 hour shift, Weekend availability, Holidays, Monday to Friday, Day shift