Retail Manager

About the Role

The Retail Manager at R.P. Lumber in Blue Grass, IA oversees all showroom activities, including personnel, inventory, and equipment. This role ensures an excellent customer experience, maintains safety, demonstrates strong product knowledge, and drives showroom sales. The manager handles receiving, stocking, and merchandising of products, and is accountable for price changes, margins, inventory management, merchandising, and marketing initiatives. Working closely with the General Manager, the Retail Manager assists with team training, back‑office functions, labor scheduling, and reporting, and steps in to lead store operations when the GM is absent. • Perform sales counter, register, and administrative functions as needed. • Lead by example to deliver exceptional customer service. • Train and motivate staff to provide outstanding service. • Ensure customers receive treatment aligned with company philosophy and profit goals. • Address and resolve customer complaints promptly. • Maintain a well‑merchandised sales floor using company directives and promotional displays. • Coordinate personnel to load and deliver customer orders accurately and on time. • Motivate contractor salesmen to prospect new business while serving existing customers. • Assist GM in exceeding sales and profit targets. • Control costs and schedule payroll to meet productivity and service objectives. • Record all inventory movements promptly to prevent shrinkage. • Maintain optimal inventory levels to meet demand within investment goals. • Keep inventory clean, orderly, and compliant with company policies. • Ensure warehouse and yard staff receive and store merchandise correctly. • Promote a safety‑first culture and act as a safety role model. • Advise employees on security measures and loss‑prevention practices. • Maintain equipment (ladders, forklifts, trucks) in safe condition. • Protect inventory from loss and theft through proper handling and storage. • Foster a team environment throughout the store. • Help associates access the ESS Resource Center for job‑related information. • Create an enjoyable workplace that encourages self‑motivation and high productivity. • Maintain an open‑door policy for reporting problems and sharing ideas. • Assist GM in ensuring policy compliance and report unusual occurrences quickly. • Check email regularly and respond to management and customer communications promptly. • Participate in monthly store meetings to discuss performance, goals, promotions, and safety. • Use the ESS Resource Center for accessing forms, policies, and reporting issues. • Report problems, obstacles, and improvement ideas to the General Manager. • Provide immediate performance feedback and implement corrective actions. • Assist GM in developing and mentoring all store and yard employees.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸inventory management
• ▸merchandising
• ▸safety culture
• ▸staff training
• ▸cost control
• ▸reporting

What You Bring

Candidates should have 3–5 years of management experience in the building‑material industry (or an equivalent education/experience mix), strong leadership, problem‑solving, communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work a flexible 50+ hour retail schedule. Physical ability to lift 50‑100 lb and a valid driver’s license are required, along with proficiency in POS and related software. • Hold an Associate’s Degree (preferred) or 3‑5 years management experience in building materials, or an equivalent combination. • Demonstrate strong leadership, problem‑solving, communication, and organizational abilities. • Be detail‑oriented, capable of multitasking in a fast‑paced environment, and flexible with scheduling. • Possess mathematical and business skills to interpret data for merchandising and operations decisions. • Have extensive knowledge of retail building materials, hardware, and POS systems. • Exhibit enthusiasm, high energy, and the ability to motivate a team. • Be physically capable of lifting 50‑100 lb and performing typical warehouse tasks. • Maintain a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. • Undergo pre‑employment drug testing, background checks, and driver history verification.

Requirements

• ▸associate degree
• ▸management experience
• ▸leadership
• ▸problem solving
• ▸pos systems
• ▸driver license

Benefits

Compensation is an hourly rate of $17‑$22, adjusted for region, experience, and credentials. Full‑time employees receive competitive wages, health/dental/vision insurance, employer‑paid life insurance, profit sharing/401k, paid time off, holidays, and a merchandise discount; part‑time staff receive similar benefits with scaled coverage. • Earn an hourly wage of $17‑$22, based on region, experience, education, and certifications. • Full‑time benefits include health, dental, vision, term‑life, short‑term disability, employer‑paid life insurance, profit sharing/401k, PTO, holidays, and merchandise discount. • Part‑time benefits include competitive wages, profit sharing/401k, PTO, and merchandise discount.

Work Environment

Onsite