STORE MANAGER FOR GROWING RETAIL LUMBER COMPANY

This Lumber Company is a successful full service building supply business that has served Great Falls, Montana since 1923. This Company employs over 55 people and sales exceeded $19 million in 2005. The company is contractor-oriented and also supports at 15,000 square foot retail store, kitchen-cabinet division and installed countertop division.

Why the position is open: The Co-Owners have run the daily operations of this company for over 20 years. While they are not ready to retire, they are prepared to hand over some of the day-to-day responsibility to a highly professional manager.

Reporting: The Store Manager will report to the co-owners of the company.

Salary range: Competitive salary plus a performance bonus based on achieving agreed-to objectives. Benefits include major medical insurance (company pays over 95% of premiums for employee and family group health insurance), substantial profit sharing plan, paid vacation and holidays. Reasonable relocation expenses will be reimbursed.

Specifics of Position: Selecting the right combination of chemistry, talent and experience for this position is critical. Several years management experience in a building supply business is required. The Store Manager (SM) has a good opportunity to further develop retail sales as well as kitchen sales. Experience with retail sales and good merchandising and marketing skills would be considered a plus. The Company has minimal debt and prefers to operate on a cash flow basis. Therefore, it is imperative that the Store Manager understand the importance of cash flow management.

Lumber,building materials,Operations, Management
REQUIREMENTS
ACCOUNTABILITY

1.Achieve annual budgeted sales, gross profit and bottom-line objectives for the retail store, kitchen and countertop divisions and the administrative staff.

2.Develop strong, positive relationships with the company salespeople, customers and potential customers in Great Falls and the surrounding area. Also develop good working relationships with community leaders.

3.Lead, manage and train the Store Manager’s direct reports in a manner that increases productivity, improves their capabilities and contributes to their morale. The Store Manager will be responsible for all hiring or termination decisions of his direct reports.

4.Serve as a competent, contributing corporate executive and as a mature, credible spokesperson for the Company, both inside and outside of the company.

5.Effectively manage store assets, with particular emphasis on improving productivity of his/her area of responsibility.

6.Manage the store’s accounts receivable, including the approval of new credit (according to company guidelines), collection of all accounts, management of the accounts receivable aging to company standards and recoveries.

7.The Company does not currently employ an HR Manager. HR will be one of the key areas of responsibility for the new store manager, who will be responsible for creating a system of reviews and goal setting with all employees working inside the store.

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS

A manager at this Company is given a lot of autonomy to run their areas of responsibility. Therefore, the successful candidate must be organized and attentive to detail while showing a high degree of initiative. He/she must also have excellent communication and motivational skills.

The successful candidate must possess the natural ability to manage; that is, get measurable results with and through others. This individual must be willing to make tough, but fair decisions and deal with personnel and customer issues when they arise. No-excuse, results-oriented attitude is important to the success of this position.

The Store Manager must be decisive and possess a high level of professionalism. A strong work ethic is critical as is the ability to operate in a fast-paced environment. This position will require a manager who can build an excellent team and delegate effectively. This person should have the ability to think on one’s feet and make good management decisions.

This person should be innovative, bringing insightful ideas and leadership to the store and the organization. The manager must avoid thinking in terms of failing, instead thinking of how to succeed in spite of obstacles.

The Store Manager must be attentive to the performance and appearance of all employees under his/her direction. The store should be neat, clean and customer-friendly. In addition, the Store Manager should always be looking for ways to improve the efficiency of the store and profitability of the store and the level of service provided to the customers. Developing and following systems and procedures are important.