Department Lead

About Rural King

Rural King Farm and Home Store is committed to fostering a positive work environment for associates, promoting career advancement, offering competitive benefits, and supporting a culture that values customer service and community impact. Whether beginning your career or bringing professional experience, Rural King provides resources for growth and success alongside passionate colleagues serving rural communities.

Role Overview

The Department Lead is key to ensuring smooth and effective operations within their assigned department. Responsibilities include managing inventory and stock accuracy, upholding merchandising standards, executing price updates, driving departmental recovery efforts, and maintaining cleanliness and safety following company guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Maintain consistent indoor merchandising and signing standards to ensure department displays are attractive and aligned with company expectations.
• Conduct regular stock counts, scan out-of-stock items, reconcile inventory discrepancies, and replenish department inventory timely from stock or top stock.
• Oversee department recovery to keep areas well-organized, neat, and visually appealing, enhancing the customer shopping experience.
• Effectively coordinate and implement price changes, collaborating with teams to update price labels and signage promptly.
• Manage planogram sets and playbook features implementation to arrange products as per company standards, maximizing sales and satisfaction.
• Ensure department cleanliness, enforce sanitation and safety protocols, and maintain a safe and pleasant workspace and shopping environment.
• Deliver excellent customer service using the customer engagement model, assisting customers with inquiries, locating products, and resolving concerns.
• Support front-end operations by processing transactions or aiding with loadouts as needed.
• Utilize general office equipment such as telephones, copiers, fax machines, calculators, and computers.
• Operate retail equipment including handheld devices, forklifts, pallet jacks, and ladders safely and efficiently.
• Participate in cross-training across departments to increase flexibility and support all business areas.
• Engage actively in training programs, workshops, and webinars to develop skills and stay updated on company initiatives.
• Provide proactive, professional support internally and externally, responding promptly to inquiries and issues.
• Exemplify Rural King’s core values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years retail experience, preferably with knowledge specific to the assigned department.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear, concise information exchange and customer interaction.
• Active listening skills with the ability to ask relevant questions and provide detailed responses.
• Adaptable mindset to manage changing priorities, uncertainties, and business needs effectively.
• Problem-solving capabilities to identify challenges and implement timely solutions to avoid disruptions.
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure while delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Excellent time management and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Accuracy in reviewing and analyzing information to detect errors or inconsistencies.
• Comfortable using computer systems and software for task management and customer support.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and customer service aptitude.
• Flexibility to work a full 40-hour week including varying shifts, days, nights, and weekends as required.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of maintaining standing or seated positions for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull at least 30 pounds frequently and between 31 to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Competent in using ladders and pallet jacks safely.
• Accessibility to navigate all facility areas.
• Effective verbal communication both in person and through electronic devices.
• Visual acuity suited for computer-related work.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Compensation

Hourly pay ranges from $16.00 to $19.50.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with 100% match on first 3% contributed and 50% match on next 2%
• Healthcare coverage options, including virtual doctor visits
• Access to Centers of Excellence such as Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program
• 15% discount for associates
• Financial literacy program via Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar at no cost
• Associate Assistance Program
• RK Cares Associate Hardship Program
• 24/7 Chaplaincy Services