Hardware Specialist

Description

The Hardware Specialist plays a crucial role in serving contractors, builders, homeowners, and internal sales teams by providing expert product knowledge, assisting with the selection process, coordinating special orders, and ensuring projects are completed accurately and on time.

• Customer Consultation & Project Coordination
• Read blueprints, cabinet drawings, and project plans to ensure accurate product recommendations, selections, and order preparation.
• Prepare bids, quotes, and large special-order tickets while obtaining pricing and cost information as needed.
• Source products through vendor websites and procurement channels to meet customer requirements.
• Submit orders for customer, builder, and office approval and obtain purchase orders prior to ordering.
• Cook up deliveries, communicate order status, and keep customers informed throughout the project.
• Notify customers when orders are ready for pickup or delivery.
• Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the sales process, ensuring a seamless experience from initial consultation through order fulfillment.

Inventory & Store Operations

• Receive and verify special order merchandise and combine products with existing customer orders.
• Pull and stage customer orders for pickup or delivery, including single-family and multi-family projects.
• Aid in inventory counts and inventory control for stocked hardware products.
• Maintain showroom displays, product pricing, signage, and literature to create an organized and inviting shopping experience.

Vendor & Team Collaboration

• Meet regularly with vendor representatives to stay current on new products, pricing, promotions, and showroom displays.
• Collaborate closely with outside sales representatives, counter sales, contractors, purchasing, operations, and store team members to ensure successful project execution.
• Aid customers at the sales counter and support the overall operation of the store as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist contractors, builders, homeowners, and sales staff in person and by phone with product selection, pricing, and technical questions.
• Prepare accurate bids and quotes for residential and commercial projects.
• Cook up purchase orders, special orders, deliveries, and customer communications.
• Execute monthly sales and gross margin goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, contractors, vendors, and internal teams.
• Maintain expert knowledge of hardware products, trends, and vendor offerings.
• Support inventory accuracy and showroom presentation.
• Contribute to a positive team environment while delivering exceptional customer service.

Requirements

• Passionate about helping customers find the right products for their projects.
• Enjoys building relationships with contractors, builders, homeowners, and coworkers.
• Organized and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and communication skills.
• Self-motivated and proactive in solving problems.
• Takes pride in providing outstanding customer service and supporting team success.
• Previous experience in customer service, sales, retail, or building materials.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Candidates with hardware knowledge and experience will be preferred.
• Knowledge of doors, millwork, or building materials.
• Experience with estimating, quoting, or project coordination.
• Ability to read and interpret residential construction plans and specifications.
• Experience working with contractors, builders, remodelers, and homeowners.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Availability to work store hours Monday-Friday (7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) and rotating Saturdays (7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.).

Benefits

Star offers a competitive benefits package including bi-weekly pay, paid holidays, PTO, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and more. There is also a 401(k) with employer match and career growth and development opportunities. All offers are contingent upon successfully completing pre-employment testing, including a background check, drug and alcohol screening, and applicable fitness testing. Star Lumber & Supply Co., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.