Retail Sales Champion

Mead Lumber Company is a leading provider of products for professional contractors, builders, and remodelers. With 50+ operating locations across nine Midwestern states, we are proud to be 100% employee-owned and ranked as the 12th largest building material supplier to professional builders in the U.S. At Mead Lumber, we strive to create a team that works and succeeds together every day in an authentic, team-oriented setting.

Why Join Us?

• Employee Ownership: As a 100% employee-owned company, you will have a stake in our shared success.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible scheduling options that support your lifestyle.
• Career Growth: We are committed to your professional development, providing ongoing learning and advancement opportunities.

Responsibilities

Merchandising & Inventory Management

• Lead merchandising of aisles, endcaps, and displays to enhance sales and visual appeal.
• Order and receive weekly hardware replenishment from the warehouse.
• Work collaboratively with other Retail Sales Champions, the corporate hardware purchasing team, and Orgill to plan and participate in show buys and promotional opportunities that maximize company-wide margin gains and buying power.
• Maintain accurate inventory counts; identify and resolve UPC, pricing, and quantity-on-hand issues.
• Update pricing through vendor communication and assist in maintaining competitive price points.
• Perform regular category walk-throughs to ensure planogram compliance and signage accuracy.
• Support consistent buying practices across branches by participating in coordinated purchasing efforts and leveraging company-level reporting to identify collective buying opportunities.

Sales & Customer Engagement

• Promote and grow sales of key categories such as paint, plumbing, tools, and electrical supplies to contractors and retail customers.
• Dedicate 2–3 hours per week to direct sales calls or visits with key and target customers in assigned categories.
• Collaborate with outside sales staff, other Retail Sales Champions, and regional teams to identify opportunities for cross-selling, inventory alignment, and shared customer growth strategies.
• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships in alignment with company purchasing strategies to ensure consistent pricing, shared promotional opportunities, and effective communication through approved channels.
• Track and analyze sales trends to identify growth opportunities and improve category performance.

Training & Product Expertise

• Conduct ongoing training for store associates on hardware-related items and sales techniques.
• Participate in monthly continuing education sessions focused on category updates, vendor programs, and new product introductions.
• Serve as the in-store subject matter expert for assigned categories (e.g., Milwaukee Tools, Paint, Plumbing).
• Mentor and support new retail associates in developing product knowledge and customer service skills.

E-Commerce & Marketing Support

• Manage e-commerce transactions and ensure accurate online listings and pricing.
• Partner closely with corporate hardware purchasing, Orgill, and marketing teams to coordinate promotions, group show buys, and best practices across all locations.
• Support store-level execution of marketing campaigns, vendor promotions, and seasonal resets.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work with other Retail Sales Champions regionally to share ideas and strategies that improve performance.
• Communicate regularly with vendors, purchasing, and branch management regarding category trends and opportunities.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Two or more years of retail sales experience, preferably in hardware, building materials, or related trades.
• Experience in merchandising, inventory management, or vendor relations preferred.
• General knowledge of retail products and categories.
• Ability to listen to a customer’s needs and formulate appropriate solutions.
• Ability to operate a register, computer, and calculator.
• Commitment to Customer Service and Customer Satisfaction.
• Ability to work efficiently, promptly, and accurately.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Will require travel with valid ID or Passport.

Benefits

• Once eligible, participation in our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans.
• 100% Employer Paid Group Term Life, AD&D, and STD.
• Additional Voluntary Life, AD&D, and LTD.
• Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(k) Plan.
• Scholarship & Tuition Assistance Programs.
• Employee Assistance Program.