Building Materials Sales & Operations Manager

Job Title: Building Materials Sales & Operations Manager

Location: San Jose, CA

Compensation: $60,000 – $90,000 annually (DOE)

Schedule: Full-time

About Us

Payless Ace Hardware, Rockery & Nursery has been growing with our community since 1973. For over 50 years, we’ve been a trusted, locally owned resource for building materials, landscaping supplies, and nursery plants. We pride ourselves on friendly service, knowledgeable staff, and supporting our neighbors—whether they’re homeowners or contractors.

Position Overview

We’re seeking an experienced Building Materials Sales & Operations Manager to lead our front counter building materials sales team and oversee general store operations. This role will replace a long-standing team member (and former owner) and will be key in continuing our tradition of excellent service and operational efficiency. You will be responsible for building materials sales, purchasing, pricing, scheduling, and dispatching drivers, as well as supervising yard workers and drivers. Our product mix includes concrete products, masonry, pavers, landscaping rock, and other construction and landscaping materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and supervise the general operations of the store and yard, ensuring efficiency, safety, and professionalism at all times.

• Lead by example: remain approachable to both associates and customers, fostering a positive work culture.

• Maintain orderliness, cleanliness, and safety standards across the sales floor, stockroom, yard, and outdoor merchandise areas.

• Manage preventative maintenance, repairs, and protection of all physical assets (building, fixtures, equipment, vehicles).

• Create and manage processes for capturing leads and converting them into business accounts, while continuing to build and strengthen customer relationships.

• Handle building materials sales at the front counter with a strong customer-first attitude.

• Purchase and price building materials, including concrete products, masonry, pavers, and landscaping rock; manage sourcing for special orders.

• Supervise drivers and yard workers; ensure high productivity and adherence to safety protocols.

• Dispatch trucks, equipment, and personnel daily to meet customer needs and delivery timelines.

• Collaborate with mechanics to anticipate equipment and field needs.

• Negotiate contracts and pricing with vendors, suppliers, and contractors.

• Work with the Owner to review performance, identify opportunities, and implement necessary changes.

• Ensure compliance with all safety and environmental standards.

• Assist with special projects as assigned.

Leadership & Management

• Provide strong leadership and mentorship to employees, motivating staff and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships.

• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure adequate staffing, training, and support for all areas of the store and yard.

• Promote and enforce a strong safety-first culture.

Sales & Customer Engagement

• Generate new leads through research, networking, and customer outreach.

• Follow up with customers by phone and in person to build long-term business relationships.

• Research current and potential customers to understand their needs and educate them on the value of working with Payless Ace Hardware.

• Provide bilingual service (Spanish/English) whenever possible — Spanish fluency is strongly encouraged.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a management role required (retail or related industry).

• Proven experience in building materials sales, purchasing, and dispatching.

• Knowledge of concrete products, masonry, pavers, landscaping rock, and related materials.

• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills; ability to handle multiple priorities effectively.

• Strong vendor relationship management and negotiation experience.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to manage by influence.

• Proficiency with MS365, Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and general computer use.

• Comfortable using technology, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and point-of-sale systems.

• Strong independent problem-solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

• Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record per company insurance standards.

• Must be available to work weekends and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including hot, dusty, or wet environments with exposure to loud noises.

• Standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs regularly.

• Ability to supervise operations both in-office and in the yard.

• Capability to work extended hours as business needs require.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Hardware or building materials experience strongly preferred.

• At least 2 years of aggregates industry or closely related industry experience preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related discipline preferred; MBA a plus.

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) communication skills strongly encouraged.

Benefits

• Medical & dental insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Paid time off

• Employee store discount

• A supportive, community-oriented workplace

Why Join Us?

This is your opportunity to step into a well-respected business with deep community roots. You’ll work with loyal customers, a hardworking team, and a company that values relationships over transactions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Payless Hardware, Rockery, and Nursery is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

At-Will Employment Notice

Employment with Payless Hardware, Rockery, and Nursery is at-will. This means if hired your employment is not for a fixed term

and may be terminated by you or the company at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, subject to applicable laws.

We are your local hardware store and we are a part of your community. Ace Hardware has over 5,000 stores around the world with the majority of those stores independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. These hard working men and women are part of the fabric of your community. They are small business owners who are local and loyal...just like it ought to be. While others have become large and impersonal, at Ace, we've remained small and very personal. That's why we say a visit to Ace, is like a visit to your neighbor.