Job Description

District Manager

We are looking for an experienced, energetic, and people-focused District Manager to oversee the operations and performance of ACE Hardware stores within our market.

This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who knows retail, understands what it takes to run great stores, and enjoys developing people. The District Manager will be responsible for driving sales, profitability, operational excellence, customer service, and team engagement across the district.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can set clear expectations, coach store leaders, identify opportunities, and create a culture where teams are motivated to perform at their best. You understand that successful stores are built by successful teams. You have the energy to be in the field, the business sense to understand the numbers, and the leadership skills to turn strategy into results. Most importantly, you believe that great customer experiences start with great employees and great leaders.

Included is a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid time off including vacation and holidays.
• Paid Volunteer Time Off.
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Short-Term Disability available.
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Plan.
• 401k Plan with a company match.
• Ongoing training and development.
• Reward and Recognition Program.
• A family-friendly, flexible work environment.

Primary Responsibilities

Multi-Store Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and performance of multiple locations.
• Ensure stores consistently meet company standards for customer service, merchandising, inventory management, safety, and operational execution.
• Conduct regular store visits and operational reviews to identify opportunities, address challenges, and ensure accountability.
• Ensure stores are properly staffed, organized, maintained, and prepared to serve customers.
• Implement company policies, procedures, programs, and initiatives across all assigned locations.
• Partner with Store Managers and/or Assistant Managers to develop and execute action plans for underperforming areas.

Sales and Financial Performance

• Drive sales growth and profitability across the region.
• Monitor key performance indicators, including sales, gross margin, labor costs, inventory, shrink, expenses, and customer satisfaction.
• Analyze store level financial results and develop strategies to improve performance.
• Establish performance expectations and hold Store Managers and/or Assistant Managers accountable for achieving financial and operational goals.
• Identify opportunities for increased sales through merchandising, promotions, commercial sales, seasonal programs, and local market initiatives.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Store Managers and/or Assistant Managers and other key leaders.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Identify high potential employees and support succession planning and career development.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and retention of key management personnel.
• Ensure managers effectively communicate expectations and provide consistent coaching and feedback to their teams.
• Promote employee engagement and a positive workplace culture throughout the region.

Customer Experience

• Champion a customer first culture across all stores.
• Ensure customers receive knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient service.
• Monitor customer feedback and develop strategies to address recurring issues.
• Ensure stores maintain strong relationships with local customers, contractors, tradespeople, and community organizations.

Inventory and Merchandising

• Oversee inventory accuracy, replenishment, product availability, and inventory productivity.
• Ensure stores maintain appropriate inventory levels based on local market demand and seasonal needs.
• Review inventory reports and work with Store Managers and/or Assistant Managers to reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.
• Ensure merchandising standards, promotional displays, pricing, signage, and seasonal programs are executed effectively.
• Identify opportunities to improve product mix based on local customer needs.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure all locations follow company safety policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Promote a strong safety culture and address unsafe conditions or practices promptly.
• Ensure stores comply with operational, HR, loss prevention, and other company requirements.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and follow established procedures for incident reporting and corrective actions.

Community and Business Development

• Represent locations within the local communities they serve.
• Support community involvement, local events, and customer outreach initiatives.
• Develop relationships with commercial customers, contractors, builders, property managers, and other local business partners when appropriate.
• Identify opportunities to increase market share and strengthen each store's local presence.
• Store Opening Execution
• Acquisition Integration
• Major strategic decisions, including acquisitions, financing, capital allocation, executive hiring, and geographic expansion are made collaboratively with the President.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• 5+ years of progressive retail management experience, preferably with multi-unit or multi-store responsibility.
• Previous experience managing Store Managers or other senior retail leaders.
• Strong understanding of retail sales, merchandising, inventory, labor management, and financial performance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams across multiple locations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Ability to coach, motivate, and hold leaders accountable.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Proficiency with retail management systems, Microsoft Office, and business reporting tools.
• Ability to travel regularly between assigned store locations.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in in retail, warehouse, loading, and outdoor environments, as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in hardware, home improvement, building materials, farm & ranch, or another specialty retail environment.
• Experience with ACE Hardware or an independent ACE Hardware retailer.
• Experience managing a regional or multi-unit P&L.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, or a related field, or equivalent management experience.

Ace Hardware is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free environment. Ace goes beyond hardware