Shift Leader & Gift Department Merchandiser

JP Travel Center Lagrange

Join Our Team and Help Create the Most Inspiring Shopping Experience in Monroe County!

At JP Travel Center, we believe helpfulness is more than a service—it's our culture. We're looking for an energetic, creative, and customer-focused Shift Leader & Gift Department Merchandiser to help lead our store while maintaining an engaging and profitable gift department that keeps customers coming back.

If you enjoy leading people, creating eye-catching displays, and delivering outstanding customer service, we'd love to meet you.

Position Summary

The Shift Leader & Gift Department Merchandiser serves as a store lead and acts as Manager on Duty when store leadership is unavailable. This position provides daily operational support to the management team while taking ownership of the Gift Department's merchandising, presentation, inventory integrity, and seasonal transitions.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both retail leadership and creative merchandising.

Essential Responsibilities

Shift Leadership & Store Operations

• Open and/or close the store as scheduled.
• Serve as Manager on Duty in the absence of store management.
• Provide direction and support to associates throughout the shift.
• Ensure excellent customer service standards are maintained.
• Assist with daily cash handling, register reconciliation, and deposits.
• Resolve customer concerns professionally and efficiently.
• Enforce company safety standards and operational procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming store environment.
• Communicate operational opportunities and concerns to management.
• Support inventory control processes and merchandise receiving.

Gift Department Ownership

• Oversee all aspects of the Gift Department.
• Design attractive and inspiring merchandise displays.
• Maintain department presentation standards, cleanliness, and organization.
• Execute seasonal resets and promotional displays.
• Merchandise products to maximize sales opportunities.
• Monitor inventory levels and partner with management on replenishment needs.
• Work with vendors to ensure timely deliveries and proper product placement.
• Rotate merchandise and refresh displays to encourage repeat visits.
• Track trends and recommend new product ideas that align with customer interests.
• Ensure pricing accuracy and promotional signage are current and visually appealing.

Customer Experience

• Greet and engage every customer in a friendly and helpful manner.
• Assist customers with gift selections and seasonal merchandise recommendations.
• Promote featured products, events, and special promotions.
• Support Ace Hardware's commitment to "Helpful Service" by going above and beyond customer expectations.

Qualifications

Preferred Experience

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• One year or more of retail experience preferred.
• Previous supervisory, key holder, or shift leadership experience preferred.
• Experience in visual merchandising, gift retailing, boutique sales, or home décor is a plus.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Creative eye for merchandising and display presentation.
• Comfortable using POS systems and basic computer applications.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and walk for extended periods.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Why You'll Love Working at Forsyth Ace Hardware

✔ Opportunity to lead and make a visible impact every day

✔ Creative freedom to shape an exciting Gift Department

✔ Supportive and family-oriented work environment

✔ Employee discounts

✔ Paid training and development opportunities

✔ Growth potential within Ace Hardware operations

Position Type:

Full-Time Preferred (Part-Time Considered)

Schedule:

Day, Evening, Weekend, and Holiday Availability Required

Reports To:

Store Manager and Assistant Store Manager

Pay: $13.00 - $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Shift:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift

Work Location: In person