At Kent, a part of J.D. Irving, Limited, success is driven by strong, people-focused leadership and operational excellence. Each retail location operates as a complex, multi-unit business designed to serve a wide range of customer needs, including core home improvement retail, a strong Pro-focused business, and Install Sales solutions. All these operations rely heavily on efficient, well-executed back-end support.
As an Assistant Store Manager – Back-End Operations, you will play a critical leadership role in ensuring these business lines are supported through safe, efficient, and accurate operational execution. This includes oversight of the building materials yard, shipping, order picking, inventory integrity, and, where applicable, fleet operations. Your leadership directly impacts customer experience, sales execution, and profitability across the store.
This is a hands-on leadership position that requires the ability to manage complexity, balance competing priorities, and collaborate closely with front-end leaders to ensure the entire store operates as one aligned, high-performing business. Success depends on strong people leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to drive results across multiple revenue streams while maintaining high safety and operational standards. This role offers a competitive salary with eligibility for annual bonus incentives.
Key Responsibilities
You will ensure the foundational systems and teams that support Retail, Pro, and Install Sales operate safely, efficiently, and consistently. This includes overseeing back-end operations, leading the building materials yard, shipping, and order-picking functions to support store-wide execution and customer fulfilment.
Managing inventory integrity and shrink is crucial; you will ensure accurate inventory counts, loss prevention practices, and strong controls across back-end areas. You will also maintain yard standards and safety, ensuring the yard and back-end workspaces are organised, compliant, and safe for both associates and customers.
Driving operational support for sales involves partnering with front-end leadership to support lumber, building materials, Pro, and Install Sales execution through accurate product availability and timely fulfilment. You will analyse sales, operational, and inventory data to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service levels, and profitability.
Where applicable, you will manage fleet operations to ensure timely, efficient service aligned with customer expectations. Furthermore, you will develop and engage teams by coaching, training, and supporting associates through regular check-ins, feedback, and development conversations. Effective system use is also key, leveraging Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), Kronos for timekeeping, and D365 for inventory, sales, and operational tracking.
What You'll Bring
Candidates should have five or more years of experience in retail management, coupled with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Exceptional customer service skills are essential, as is the ability to leverage technology for project management, analysis, and problem-solving, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
You should demonstrate an openness to continuous improvement and take responsibility for independent learning. A flexible schedule based on retail needs is required. Demonstrated knowledge of shrink and inventory control practices is also important. Due to forklift training requirements, you must be 21 years of age or older; in-house training will be provided, and previous forklift experience is considered an asset.
What We Offer & About Us
Kent offers a competitive compensation package, including eligibility for annual bonus incentives. Benefits include a Wellness Program, an Employee and Family Assistance Plan, and Employee Discounts. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits are provided, along with RRSP matching and paid time off (PTO). Employees also have access to growth and development opportunities through Kent and the broader J.D. Irving, Limited organisation.
Kent is the largest retail building supply chain in Atlantic Canada, with 48 locations and an e-commerce website. Their mission is to be the best source of home improvement products through superior customer service, know-how, quality products, and everyday great prices. They prioritise protecting customers and staff by hiring and training associates committed to safety values, employing over 3,700 people, and focusing on people development, continuous improvement, and innovation.
Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Canada and the United States with a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At JDI, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. The culture nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, enabling career growth across various operating divisions. J.D. Irving is committed to creating accessible environments for colleagues, candidates, and customers, and encourages requests for accommodation due to disability at any stage of application and employment.
