Inventory Coordinator at Mountain Ridge Hardware Llc – Mesilla Park, New Mexico

Position Summary

The primary responsibility for all positions with Mesilla Park Hardware is to WOW Every Customer Every Time and uphold the Core Values as determined by the management team. The Inventory Coordinator’s role also requires they foster a commitment to generate an in stock position to satisfy every customer by having the right product, in the right quantity, at the right time.

The Inventory Coordinator position is responsible for the overall inventory integrity and maintenance of a store’s inventory following Ace’s inventory best practices and metrics - some of which are outlined as follows:

• Inventory Record Accuracy-IRA (Change in Quantity on Hand, Credit PO’s, Direct Ship, etc.)
• In Stock Position (Maximum Stock Level, Minimum Order Point, Store Use, etc.)
• Assortment (Product Mix)
• Unproductive Inventory (Overstock, Obsolete, Discontinued, Markdowns, etc.)
• Shrink (Loss, Damage, etc.)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Familiarize and stay abreast of inventory Best Practices within the Ace Way of Retailing
• Ensure data accuracy within the system to maintain adequate inventory levels
• Train store staff on best practices and create a culture that is focused on Inventory Health
• Collaborate with all associates to help identify errors and correct them as necessary by addressing the root causes
• Conduct, research, and address/reinforce Ace Way of Retailing best practices for the following processes (inclusive but not limited to):
  • Negative Reports and make corrections as necessary
  • “Shoot the Outs,” research variances, and make corrections as needed
  • Permanent and temporary outs via Item Change Management
  • Mango Count Sheets and exception reports.
  • Unproductive inventory management including Obsolete and Overstock Inventory
  • Monitor shrinkage, recommend ways to reduce theft and breakage, and make corrections in inventory system
  • Maintain accuracy of all location codes
  • Print bin tags (labels) as required
• Help unload incoming trucks and put away merchandise (as arranged by management). Maintain your assigned department: Keep clean, organized and fully stocked.
• Execute the daily operational, day-to-day goals and priorities assigned by store management displaying a “Speed is Life” attitude. Move with a sense of urgency while paying attention to the details.
• Cooperate with others and work well as part of a retail team, for example actively participate in daily huddle meetings, share ideas for improvement with management.
• Remove promotional bin tags from displays, and price tags as required following sales events, flyers, etc.
• Restock merchandise displays as needed, watch end caps and side wings.
• Handle special orders for all non-stock items. It always takes two associates to say “No.” Never tell a customer no without checking with a floor manager, assistant manager or store manager.
• Watch for shoplifters and take action, in line with company policy, that will discourage shoplifting. Excellent customer service and interaction prevents shoplifting.
• Provide the best possible experience for Every Customer, Every Time by being helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly.
• When you are not with a customer or cleaning, stand in a main aisle to get the best view of customers coming into your department. Walk up and down the main aisles to be sure customers are being assisted in all departments. Avoid personal conversations with co-workers on the floor.
• Serve Customers in assigned departments, or storewide, and provide needed advice or information, greet customers as soon as you encounter them.
• Demonstrate the WOW process
• Actively participate in store communication and initiatives (e.g., Communication Board, Daily Huddle, store contests, etc.)
• Assist Customers with simple complaints/concerns; get a manager involved with problems as needed.
• Use the Five Foot Rule – greet and/or acknowledge all customers within five feet of you all the time.
• Always be polite and attentive to customers. Make eye contact and smile. Do not avoid customers.
• Promote the Ace Rewards program to all customers, describe the Ace Helpful Promise(s) and use the Magic Question.
• Maintain awareness of all promotions and advertisement so you can tell customers about special sales.
• Always wear your radio and headset in order to effectively communicate with other associates or management.
• Respond to Customer Coordinator questions as needed.
• Assist customers with large or heavy items as needed.
• Offer customers a red basket for their shopping use.
• Assist in the training and development of peers

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Passion for detail, inventory management and store operations
• The drive to getting it done the “right way”
• High School degree or GED, some college preferred
• Possess a vast product knowledge of consumable products along with a willingness to learn
• General understanding of inventory principles and experience with retail programs
• Understand the life cycle of merchandise including receipt, quantity on hand, and point of sale
• Experience in a retail environment either in inventory, sales, or back office
• Capable of inspiring and motivating others to execute against best practices
• Excellent quantitative and computer skills
• The ability to use analytics and research to make sound decisions
• Knowledge of retail computer systems and basic knowledge of MS Office products
• Excellent communication skills, exceptional organizational ability, high attention to detail, and ability to multi-task
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays to meet the needs of the business
• Able to communicate professionally with customers and team members
• Skilled at providing prompt, friendly and attentive customer service
• Willing to learn all areas of the store and help train others
• Proven track record of being a team player
• Bilingual (Spanish) verbal and written communication skills strongly preferred

Physical Requirements

The minimum physical requirements for this position include:

• Ability to stand for an extended period of time, walk, reach, and bend to perform job duties
• Move and handle merchandise up to 40 pounds, and fixtures throughout the store, which entails lifting and perform all functions as set forth

Job responsibilities may change based on the needs of the business.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. The associate may work near outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.