Associate District Manager (Buikema Store Area - SW of Chicago)

Great Lakes Ace Hardware

  • Chicago, IL
  • $65,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 16 days ago
Job Title: Associate District Manager (ADM)Department: OperationsReports To: Divisional Vice PresidentExemption Status: Exempt (Salaried)About Ace Retail HoldingsAce Retail Holdings (ARH), the division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates the Great Lakes and Westlake Ace Hardware chains, is one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States. ARH has been in operation for over a century and operates over 220 neighborhood stores located throughout the United States. Great people make ARH stand out in our industry, and we are looking for individuals who strive for personal and professional growth, and who want to work with a company dedicated to serving our customers and communities.Service, Passion, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and ExcellenceGeneral SummaryThe ADM is responsible for overseeing and providing leadership for a group of individual stores by concentrating on customer satisfaction, sales growth & profitability, merchandising standards, recruitment, training and development of staff and operations. This position will be based in the Buikema’s Ace Hardware footprint (southwest of Chicago).Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesCustomer Service
  • Ensure a superior level of customer service is a priority at all times by executing company operational standards for AMAZING service.
  • Achieve superior customer experience consistently through regular training, assessment, coaching and follow up throughout the district.
  • Ensure the training of customer service skills to all store associates.
  • Ensure implementation of all merchandising standards, promotions, and overall cleanliness and organization of the sales floor and back room in every store.
Store Operations
  • Oversee the execution and implementation of Westlake ACE Marketing and Merchandising plans in every store.
  • Deliver the required level of execution by supporting company strategic plans and programs (i.e. growing our B2B business by being fully aligned and engaged in the company’s strategic vision for this department).
  • Provide leadership and insight when working with the Store Support Center on store operations and key initiatives.
  • Lead merchandising localization within each market/store they oversee.
  • Ensure stores execute processes and policies according to company operating procedures.
  • Ensure store management teams understand and adhere to proper inventory receiving guidelines.
  • Demonstrate thorough understanding of internal audit processes and comply with those operating standards as required.
  • Promote a safe work environment and ensure that all safety issues are documented, and safety policies and procedures are followed and practiced.
  • Teach, coach, and train associates to drive change and execute process improvements in every store.
Financials
  • Meet or exceed profitability expectations for the district in sales, margins, payroll, shrink, and EBITDA.
  • Create and execute strategies to maximize district sales including the identification of localized inventory to drive sales.
  • Develop store and district budgets and forecasts to maximize sales and control expenses.
Leadership
  • Hire, develop, and retain high quality management staff for all stores.
  • Set annual goals, administer performance reviews and develop all direct reports.
  • Train, develop and provide ongoing feedback and coaching on product knowledge, selling skills, visual merchandising, and delivering a superior customer experience.
  • Evaluate, develop, and promote performance of district staff against company standards and goals.
  • Create an environment in the district that has a strong drive for results, acceptance of ownership and total store accountability.
  • Encourage, solicit, and react appropriately to suggestions, ideas, and opinions of associates and inspire associate engagement.
  • Provide regular feedback to the store management teams through both verbal and written accounts of coaching and counseling.
  • Effectively deal with conflict and address problematic situations as they arise with Corrective Action and Associate Development plans.
  • Effectively manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Display excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Other Essential RequirementsAbility to exhibit and incorporate our Core Values into daily decisions and interactions with others:
  • SERVICE – Amaze our customers, our associates and our communities by delivering on our helpful promise.
  • PASSION – Showing our love for the work we do, our customers, and our associates.
  • RESPECT – A humble appreciation that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes us a stronger and better company and that every person is unique and valued.
  • INTEGRITY – An authentic commitment to moral and ethical behavior.
  • TEAMWORK – Together we can achieve extraordinary things.
  • EXCELLENCE– A disciplined approach to achieve outstanding results through continuous improvement.
Minimum Skills, Requirements and Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree desired, or equivalent work experience.
  • Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft suite of programs.
  • Experience in a retail, logistics, product services or related environment required.
  • Experience in multi-unit field management desired.
  • Ability to travel as required within the district and region.
  • Standing, walking, lifting (up to 25lbs) and climbing.
Compensation Details:A salary of $65000 & up (plus bonus eligibility)Equal Opportunity Employer
Great Lakes Ace Hardware is committed to a policy of promoting equal employment opportunities. The company recognizes the importance of diversity and leveraging the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization. The company is committed to the prevention of employment discrimination related to race, religion, color, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.

Great Lakes Ace Hardware