Job Title: Assistant Store Manager - Operations

Department: Retail Operations

Reports To: Store Manager

Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas

Pay: Salary plus commission opportunity ( $45,000 to $55,000 total compensation)

Role Summary

The Assistant Store Manager plays a critical, hands-on leadership role in the daily execution of a high-volume, full-service lumberyard serving professional contractors and builders. As a Barton’s partner, this role helps reinforce a culture of ownership, accountability, and service excellence that supports both our customers and our employee-owners. This position is responsible for ensuring consistent operational performance across inside sales, yard, warehouse, and customer service functions.

The role is intentionally operational and execution-focused, emphasizing steady leadership, follow-through, and day-to-day reliability. By owning day-to-day discipline, staffing coverage, safety, and service standards, the Assistant Store Manager enables the Store Manager to focus on strategic priorities, key customer relationships, financial oversight, and long-range planning.

This position offers growth potential for a high-performing partner and may expand in scope of responsibility over time as capabilities and business needs evolve.

Essential Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Serve as a visible, hands-on “working manager,” actively involved in daily store operations during peak contractor traffic and critical workflows, leading by example alongside fellow partners.
• Ensure consistent execution of company operating procedures, service standards, and safety practices.
• Anticipate and resolve operational issues in real time to maintain efficiency and service reliability.
• Maintain strong presence on the sales floor, in the yard, and in warehouse areas.

Inside Sales & Contractor Service Support

• Supervise, coach, and support the inside sales team to ensure accurate, timely, and professional handling of quotes, orders, and customer inquiries.
• Ensure high-volume contractor orders are processed correctly and efficiently.
• Assist with resolving customer and contractor issues, escalations, and service breakdowns.
• Coordinate closely with yard, warehouse, delivery, and outside sales partners to ensure seamless execution.

People Leadership, Partner Development & Staffing

• Directly supervise and support store partners, providing clear expectations, consistent follow-up, and coaching aligned with Barton’s values and partner-owned culture.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and development of inside sales, yard, and warehouse partners.
• Coach partners on performance, service standards, and safe work practices.
• Help develop reliable team members and future supervisors through daily leadership, skill development, and constructive feedback.

Financial & Inventory Support

• Support store financial performance through effective labor utilization, operational efficiency, and shrink reduction.
• Assist with inventory control practices, including cycle counts, stock rotation, and discrepancy resolution.
• Monitor daily operational indicators and escalate trends or concerns to the Store Manager.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong culture of safety awareness and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, OSHA regulations, and safety procedures.
• Conduct regular walk-throughs to identify safety risks, housekeeping issues, or operational bottlenecks.
• Participate in or leads safety inspections, incident follow-up, and required training.

Communication & Coordination

• Serve as a key communication link between inside sales, yard, outside sales, and store leadership.
• Provide timely updates to the Store Manager regarding staffing, service issues, safety concerns, and operational performance.
• Participate in store meetings and assist with communicating priorities, expectations, and procedural updates.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises approximately 8–10 store partners, with a focus on the inside sales team.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, assigning work, performance coaching, recognition, discipline, and issue resolution.

Performance Expectations

To perform this role successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following Barton’s-aligned behaviors: -

Operational Ownership: Takes responsibility for daily execution and follows through on commitments.

Customer & Contractor Focus: Responds promptly and professionally to customer and contractor needs.

People Leadership: Sets clear expectations, provides coaching, and holds partners accountable.

Safety Leadership: Models and enforces safe work practices.

Communication & Teamwork: Communicates clearly and works effectively across departments.

Dependability Under Pressure: Maintains composure and effectiveness in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in retail, building materials, lumberyard, or contractor-focused operations preferred.
• Strong operational, organizational, and people leadership skills.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combination of industry experience and leadership experience will be considered.

Technical & Computer Skills

• Working knowledge of POS or ERP systems, inventory management, and order processing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and basic reporting tools.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 80 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

• Work environment includes sales floor, warehouse, and outdoor yard settings.
• Noise level is typically moderate.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions may occur when working in yard areas.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.