Department Lead in Training

Reports to

Assistant Manager, Store Manager

Shift: Varies

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Department Lead will maintain a

proper in-stock level of merchandise and strive for product knowledge in all

areas of the store to enhance customer service. Department Specialists will

also assist in maintaining clean and orderly merchandise presentation and

overall store cleanliness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for cycle counting and maintaining desirable inventory level in assigned department(s).
• Work with management staff to ensure preventative maintenance and repairs are completed in order to maximize and protect all physical assets (i.e. building, fixtures and equipment).
• Ensure accurate receiving, checking in and stocking of merchandise in assigned department(s).
• Responsible for maintenance of back stock levels in assigned department(s).
• Assist with daily maintenance, orderliness and cleanliness of the sales floor, stock room and outdoor merchandise area, especially in assigned department(s).
• Assist with overall maintenance of the store.
• Ensure that weekly price changes are done in assigned department(s).
• Ensure that monthly cycle counts and negative on hand reports are completed in assigned department(s).
• Assist with providing a clean and orderly sales floor including end caps and ad merchandise.
• Assist with merchandise resets throughout store, especially in assigned department(s).
• Ensure signage is current in assigned department(s).
• Communicate any merchandising, cost control or sales ideas to Manager.
• Help unload incoming trucks and put
• away merchandise (as arranged by management). 
• Maintain your assigned departments: 
• Keep clean, organized and fully stocked.
• Cooperate with others and work well as part of a retail team, for example actively participate in daily huddle meetings, share ideas for improvement with management.
• Remove promotional bin tags from displays, and price tags as required following sales events, flyers, etc.
• Restock merchandise displays as needed, watch end caps and side wings.
• Handle special orders for all non-stock items. It always takes two associates to say “No.” Never tell a customer no without checking with a floor manager, assistant manager or store manager.
• Watch for shoplifters and take action, in line with company policy, that will discourage shoplifting. Excellent customer service and interaction prevents shoplifting.
• Provide the best possible experience for Every Customer, Every Time by being helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly.
• When you are not with a customer or cleaning, stand in a main aisle to get the best view of customers coming into your department. Walk up and down the
• main aisles to be sure customers are being assisted in all departments. Avoid personal conversations with co-workers on the floor.
• Serve Customers in assigned departments, or storewide, and provide needed advice or information, greet customers as soon as you encounter them.
• Actively participate in store communication and initiatives (e.g., Communication Board, Daily Huddle, store contests, etc.)
• Assist Customers with simple complaints/concerns; get a manager involved with problems as needed.
• Use the Five Foot Rule – greet and/or acknowledge all customers within five feet of you all the time.
• Promote the Ace Rewards program to all customers, describe the Ace Helpful Promise(s) and use the Magic Question.
• Maintain awareness of all promotions and advertisement so you can tell customers about special sales.
• Always wear your radio and headset in order to effectively communicate with other associates or management.
• Assist customers with large or heavy items as needed.

Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Able to communicate professionally with customers and team members

● Skilled at providing prompt, friendly and attentive customer service

● Strong organizational skills with a passion for details

● Willing to learn all areas of the store and help train others

● Proven track record of being a team player

● Knowledge and experience of various departments is strongly desired.

● A continuous pattern of regular and prompt attendance is required.

● Availability must be flexible including evenings, weekends and holidays.

● Bilingual (Spanish) verbal and written communication skills strongly preferred

Physical Requirements

The minimum physical requirements for this position include:

Ability to stand for an extended period of time, walk, reach, and bend to perform job duties

Move and handle merchandise up to 40 pounds, and fixtures throughout the store, which entails lifting and perform all functions as set forth.

Job responsibilities may change based on the needs of the business.

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.