Full-Time

Assistant Manager

Posted on 10/3/2025

Deadline 9/5/26
Rural King

Rural King

1,001-5,000 employees

Family-owned retail chain offering rural goods

No salary listed

Birmingham, AL, USA

In Person

Category
Retail (3)
, ,
Required Skills
Inventory Management
Customer Service
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • At least 2 years of retail experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
  • Proven track record of success and a desire to take on increasing levels of responsibility and leadership.
  • Ability to provide clear direction, set performance expectations, and motivate team members to deliver high quality results.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and develop associates, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey ideas, instructions, and information clearly and concisely.
  • Demonstrated ability to actively listen, ask relevant questions, and provide thorough and articulate responses.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport, foster relationships, and collaborate effectively.
  • Strong orientation toward process-driven approaches, demonstrated through previous experience and accomplishments.
  • Proven ability to analyze and optimize complex processes to achieve operational excellence.
  • Demonstrated experience making sound decisions in a professional context.
  • Comfortable navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage activities.
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize activities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of attention to detail.
  • Proven track record of consistently producing error-free work and meeting quality standards.
  • Demonstrated experience applying a flexible mindset that allows for the successful navigation of ambiguity and uncertainty.
  • Strong resilience and adaptability to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity and setbacks.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  • Flexibility with hours: ability to work a 50-hour workweek (10-hour shifts, 5 days per week) with varied hours, days, nights, and weekends as business dictates.
  • Must meet federal requirements to qualify to obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and any applicable local requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
  • Oversee inventory management, stock replenishment, and merchandise displays to optimize sales and customer satisfaction.
  • Make impactful decisions related to hiring, coaching, performance management, and terminations for associates under your leadership.
  • Conduct comprehensive performance reviews for associates reporting to you, identifying areas for development and recognition.
  • Define expectations for associates and hold them accountable for their roles, fostering a culture of accountability.
  • Champion exceptional customer service by engaging with customers, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and enhancing their shopping experience.
  • Coach and train associates on the customer engagement model, contributing to a high-performing team that consistently delivers exceptional customer experiences.
  • Address any negative customer experiences by defusing situations and empowering your team to resolve issues effectively.
  • Regularly update the Store Manager about departmental performance, associate progress, operational efficiencies, and customer feedback.
  • Ensure that the store operates in accordance with safety regulations, company policies, and industry standards.
  • Ensure that all operational procedures and processes align with company policies, standards, and legal regulations.
  • Help drive company initiatives, such as the customer engagement model, RK Visa Card, RK Plus Protection Plan (RKPPP), etc.
  • Supervise the appropriate procedures for disposing of firearms in all gun transactions when designated.
  • May be required to conduct regular audits to assess compliance in areas such as sales transactions, cash handling, inventory management, firearm audits, and security protocols.
  • May be required to analyze shrinkage data, identify trends, and implement measures to minimize loss and improve operational efficiency.
  • Demonstrate the autonomy, independent judgment, and discretion in leading the team to achieve or exceed the goals and strategies of the store.
  • Participate in cross-training for flexibility in various departments and responsibilities.
  • Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
  • Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
  • Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
  • Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport, foster relationships, and collaborate effectively.
  • Strong orientation toward process-driven approaches, demonstrated through previous experience and accomplishments.
  • Demonstrated experience making sound decisions in a professional context. Proven track record of evaluating options, considering relevant factors, and achieving desired outcomes.

Preparing company description.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

null

Founded

N/A

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • New Ashtabula store opened May 8, 2026, marks 30th Ohio location.
  • Cullman store projects $22 million first-year sales with 40% external revenue.
  • 150 stores across 17 states by April 2026 fuel expansion momentum.

What critics are saying

  • Tractor Supply's 2,300 stores erode Rural King's share via supply chain edges.
  • Cullman council's 3-2 split exposes subsidy backlash halting expansions.
  • Ohio's 30 stores dilute profits through customer overlap by 2028.

What makes Rural King unique

  • RK Tractors and RK Guns subsidiaries enable cross-selling beyond farm supplies.
  • Free popcorn, coffee, and RK Rewards loyalty build unique community traditions.
  • Premium brands like Carhartt, Ariat, and Henry Rifles attract rural loyalists.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Mental Health Support

Wellness Program

Company News

The Outdoor Wire
Apr 2nd, 2026
Federal Ammunition and Affiliate Brands Receive Top Award from Rural King

Federal Ammunition and affiliate brands receive top award from Rural King. The Kinetic Group (TKG) was recently named Rural King's Sporting Goods Vendor of the Year. TKG's Senior National Account Manager, Eric Labelle, accepted the award from Caesar Girod, Senior Buyer, Jeff Krogmann, Vice President of Hardlines, and John Leonauskas, Executive Vice President of Merchandising at Rural King's 2026 Annual Vendor Summit in Mattoon, Illinois. "We are proud of our close partnership with Rural King," said Labelle. "By navigating challenging market conditions together, we've ensured that TKG's ammo brands remain available to sportsmen and women across rural America. We are truly honored to receive this recognition from the Rural King team." The Rural King Vendor of the Year award is the top recognition given to a supplier that demonstrates excellence in supporting Rural King's retail operations, which include farm, home, and sporting goods. TKG was specifically recognized for its dedication to excellence, growth, and support of its product offerings. The award recognizes partners who enhance Rural King's ability to provide quality products at good prices to customers in the rural communities they serve. "This award is a recognition of the hard work that both Rural King and TKG put into the business through planning and execution," said TKG's Senior Retail Sales Director, Jake Marolt. "These efforts help ensure high in-stock rates, seasonal end cap strategies, educational-based consumer marketing, increased collaboration, targeted 'Rudy' offers, and set us apart as a trusted strategic partner." TKG's Federal Ammunition and affiliate brands engineer and manufacture the most accurate, powerful, and reliable ammunition in the world. TKG is a member of the Ammo+ Division of the industrial-technological group CSG, a dynamic group of more than 100 manufacturing, development, and trading companies based in the U.S. and Europe. Learn more at www.thekineticgroup.com. Federal Ammunition products are available at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on all Federal products and to sign up for notifications about new product availability, rebate promotions, and other brand news via email, visit www.federalpremium.com.

HBS Dealer
Mar 27th, 2026
Rural King phones Rome (Ga.) for new opening.

Rural King phones Rome (Ga.) for new opening. It's the retailer's third Peach State location. HBSDealer Staff Rural King has opened a new store in Rome, Georgia. It's the Illinois-based retailer's third location in Ga., following locations in Bainbridge and Waycross. Grand opening festivities will take place Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29 at 2770 Martha Berry Highway NE, Suite 600, where the store will carry livestock and pet supplies, workwear, power equipment, tools, automotive products and seasonal merchandise. The store also includes mobile and self-checkout options. "Opening our third Georgia store in Rome is an exciting milestone for Rural King," said Rural King Chief Operating Officer Michael Ladd. "Northwest Georgia has a strong agricultural heritage and a deep sense of community that aligns with who we are. We are proud to invest in Rome and provide a dependable source for the products our customers rely on every day." The Rome store carries a range of brands, including Purina, Carhartt, Ariat, Wrangler, Bad Boy Mowers, Husqvarna, Milwaukee, Smith & Wesson, Mobil 1 and Shell Rotella. Rural King, also known as RK Holdings, LLP, was founded in 1960 in Mattoon, Ill. The company now operates more than 140 stores in 17 states. * Rural King expands into South Carolina A Spartanburg store is the company's first foray into the Palmetto State. * The HBSDealer News Map Openings, closings and acquisitions from the hardware and building supply industry.

Greenville Business Magazine
Oct 13th, 2025
Spartanburg Community College Welcomes William Brothers, Ph.D. as Chief Academic Officer

Rural King, a family-owned retailer dedicated to the rural lifestyle, announces opening of its first South Carolina store in Spartanburg, with grand opening on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.

HBS Dealer
Sep 23rd, 2025
Rural King opens first Mississippi store

Rural King, a family-owned retailer founded in 1960, is opening its first Mississippi store in the city of Columbus.

SGB Online
Aug 11th, 2025
Rural King Opens Eleventh Pennsylvania Store in Indiana

Rural King has opened its eleventh Pennsylvania store in Indiana, PA, introducing its family-owned rural lifestyle retail experience to the home of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

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