Job Description

Overview

Cook's ACE Hardware located at Gray Plaza Shopping Center in Gray, Maine has been faithfully serving the local community since 1956. We take great pride in our store's product assortment, high touch customer service, and the reputation and trust we've established.

We are hiring a Merchandise Manager to become part of this store's leadership team as we move into an exciting next chapter. Under new ownership, this store is undergoing some changes. We'll preserve what is great, while simultaneously adding a Garden Center, making improvements to our Contractor and B2B service offerings, as well as improving product assortment and store tidiness.

Responsibilities

The Merchandise Manager works closely with the Store Manager to effectively maintain and merchandise all retail product offerings. quantities, displays, organizational principles, price corrections, labels, signs, and POS synchronization. Specifically, this includes:

Store Operations

Assist Store Manager in facilitating the Store's overall financial and inventory performance, with supportive mentorship and guidance from Owners and ACE representatives. Assist Store Manager with ordering new and replacement inventory. Manage the implementation of new planogram installations. Manage and respond to Mango Inventory reports. Ensure Inventory accuracy, physical counting of products offered in each department on an orderly and ongoing basis is required. Optimizing inventory quantity and product placement to improve sales velocity. Optimize pricing and labels in response to MAP adjustments, critical price increases, and shedding of low velocity / low margin products. Responsible for maintaining a minimum of 40% gross yearly profit margin. Quarterly financial incentives are provided for each tenth of a percent improvement. Collaborate with Owners and Luxcos management to select ACEnet programs applicable to Cook's demographic and regional climate. Submit monthly reports to Store Manager to track key performance indicators including, but not limited to, gross profit margin, sales velocity, price change management, and inventory changes. Plan inventory requirements at least three months ahead of time to qualify for ACE discounts, in accordance to 'Win The Month' promotions. Co-train with the Store Manager to become completely proficient in the ordering process. Become adept with EPICOR and ACENET software systems to manage all attributes of inventory control. Manage and maintain all product Merchandise displays. This includes planograms, custom shelving displays, exterior retail products, end-caps, cash register impulse buys, BOPIS counter, and seasonal changes. Collaborate with Owners and GM to maintain an orderly, tidy, and welcoming environment for customers. Redesign the center aisle, clean and organize the paint shop desk and the key fabricating station. Direct Sales associates, when needed, to assist in creating appropriate displays, restocking inventory, rearranging end-caps, optimizing customer traffic through impulse buy areas. As available, maintain a sales associate role on the selling floor alongside staff.
Staff Training, Skills and Culture

Strive to achieve ACE Platinum and/or Pinnacle performance targets. These include specific ACE goals in the areas of Quality, Convenience and Service. Management and Staff bonuses are tied to achieving these performance hurdles. Communicate clearly and effectively with all staff in order to provide effective mentorship, guidance, training and discipline as appropriate. Cultivate a positive, supportive and "We'll Do Whatever It Takes" company culture.

Qualifications - Educational, Technical, Physical and Interpersonal

Experience

3-5 years in retail management or inventory control: Preferably in a hardware, home improvement, or similar retail environment. This includes roles involving front-end operations, stock auditing, or distribution. Entry into senior positions often requires prior experience as an inventory specialist, coordinator, or assistant manager. Proven track record in hardware/retail products: Knowledge of inventory movement for seasonal items (e.g., outdoor tools in spring) and high-turnover goods like fasteners or paint supplies.
Required Skills and Knowledge

Inventory management expertise: Proficiency in creating and implementing cycle count procedures, physical inventory reconciliations, and process controls to maintain high inventory accuracy. High school diploma or GED required. 2+ years of experience in retail store management in a hardware, lumber, home supplies or similar environment. Sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge of the tools, equipment, parts, and supplies that are part of retail inventory. Proficiency with computer software including email, spreadsheets, mobile digital platforms including smart phones and tablets is essential for effective communication between Staff and Owners. Must be able to hand write in legible script with adequate grammar, especially when communicating customer feedback to upper management. Must have a valid driver's license and own transportation to work. Must have adequate physical strength and stamina to lift and move up to 50lbs; to climb, bend and squat; as well as adequate vision, manual dexterity and fine motor skills to complete all required work.
Preferred Skills and Knowledge

Technical proficiency: Experience with inventory tracking software (e.g., EPICOR, ERP systems, or barcode/ERP tools). Ability to use spreadsheets (e.g., Excel) for reporting and analysis. Leadership and team management: Skills in supervising 2-5 team members (e.g., inventory specialists or cycle counters), including hiring, training, scheduling. Strong problem-solving skills for conflict resolution and to address discrepancies, theft prevention, and supplier negotiations. Analytical and communication skills: Ability to generate reports on stock levels, risks, and opportunities; collaborate with store managers, buyers, and cross-functional teams; and ensure regulatory compliance.

Employment & Compensation Structure

Full Time Salaried Employee with Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Benefits Work on site at 21 Portland Road, Gray ME 04039 Compensation, Bonus and Benefits Package per Individual Offer Letter
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
Work Location: In person