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 and the reputation and trust we've established.

We are hiring a Store Manager to lead this our store into an exciting next chapter. Under new ownership, this store is undergoing some changes. We'll preserve what it 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 and Duties

Store Operations

Responsible for the Store's overall financial performance, with supportive mentorship and guidance from Owners and ACE representatives. Responsible for Hiring, Training, Supervising, Scheduling, and Retaining qualified and motivated sales associates. Jointly handle ongoing human resources duties with Owners. Responsible for ensuring consistent and positive Customer Satisfaction of this store. Responsible for all routine Inventory accuracy, management, optimization, reordering and point-of-sale displays. Joint decision making with Owners regarding store layout, brands and inventory assortment. As available, maintain a sales associate role on the selling floor alongside staff. Owners to handle all other Business Administrative duties such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, bookkeeping/accounting, insurance, ACE franchise matters, capital planning, etc.
Staff Training, Skills and Culture

Work jointly with Owners in establishing a plan to achieve ACE Platinum and/or Pinnacle performance targets. These include specific ACE goals in the areas of Quality, Convenience and Service. General Management and Staff bonuses are tied to achieving these performance hurdles. Oversee the Assistant Manager's duties as the Inventory Control Manager, ACE Training Coordinator, who will be responsible for establishing Learning Plans, Helpful Ready training & assessments, Expert Badges, team building and more. Work jointly with Owners to expand and enhance business customer ("B2B") sales. Appoint a B2B champion with a simple specific plan for attracting more B2B sales, especially for paint & paint supplies. Establish on-site and off-site safety requirements, training and ensuring that staff follows all protocols, especially regarding vehicle & equipment usage and climbing. 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.
Facilitate Full Store Remodel and Expansion

Work closely with Owners to Implement store-wide deployment of ACE planogram inventory optimization beginning December 2025 with completion April 2026. Supervise the addition of a Garden Center and renovation of the external sales floor. Train all staff to integrate knowledge of new products and site awareness of the new floor plan. This may include managing headset transceivers for every employee to facilitate customer support and situational response time.

Qualifications - Educational, Technical, Physical and Interpersonal

High school diploma or GED required. 5+ years of experience in retail store management in a hardware, lumber, home supplies or similar environment. An organized approach and proactive attitude toward handling the multiple simultaneous responsibilities to facilitate successful store operations. Sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge of the tools, equipment, parts, and supplies that are part of retail inventory. Strong customer service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in English. Proficiency with computer software including email, spreadsheets, and cloud-based platforms such as Google Business Suite, Epicor, or other Retail Point of Sale software. The Inventory and Point of Sale operations are entirely software driven and this position will require quickly learning and mastering this system. Training will be provided but self-motivation to learn and understand the system will be expected. Proficiency with mobile digital platforms including smart phones and tablets is essential for effective communication between Staff and Owners. Strong oral and written communication skills, especially when communicating customer feedback to the Business Administration Team. Must have a valid driver's license and own transportation to work. Must have adequate physical strength and stamina to lift and carry up to 50 lbs; to climb, bend and squat; as well as adequate vision, manual dexterity and fine motor skills to complete all required work. Must have a pleasant demeanor in all dealings with Owners, Staff, Customers and Vendors.

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: $60,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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