At KENT, our 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. Our stores support a strong Pro-focused business and deliver Install Sales solutions, all of which rely heavily on efficient, well-executed back-end operations.
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.
Your Responsibilities
You will oversee back-end operations, leading the building materials yard, shipping, and order-picking functions to support store-wide execution and customer fulfilment. You are responsible for managing inventory integrity and shrink, ensuring accurate inventory counts, loss prevention practices, and strong controls across back-end areas. This role involves maintaining yard standards and safety, ensuring the yard and back-end workspaces are organised, compliant, and safe for both associates and customers.
You will drive operational support for sales by partnering with front-end leadership to support lumber, building materials, Pro, and Install Sales execution through accurate product availability and timely fulfilment. This includes analysing performance by reviewing 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.
A key part of your role is developing and engaging teams, coaching, training, and supporting associates through regular check-ins, feedback, and development conversations. You will also use systems effectively, leveraging Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), Kronos for timekeeping, and D365 for inventory, sales, and operational tracking.
What You'll Bring
Candidates should possess 5 or more years of experience in retail management. You must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, alongside exceptional customer service abilities. The role requires the ability to leverage technology for project management, analysis, and problem-solving, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
We are seeking individuals with an openness to continuous improvement and a commitment to independent learning. A flexible schedule based on retail needs is essential. You should have experience with shrink and inventory control. Please note, candidates must be 21 years of age or older due to the in-house forklift training requirement; previous forklift experience is considered an asset.
What We Offer
This role offers a competitive salary with eligibility for annual bonus incentives. We provide a comprehensive Wellness Program and an Employee and Family Assistance Plan. Employees enjoy discounts on products and services.
Our benefits package includes Medical, Dental, Vision, RRSP Matching, and Paid Time Off (PTO). We are committed to your career growth, offering development opportunities through KENT and the broader J.D. Irving, Limited organisation.
