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Retail Salesperson

Company Overview

Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) is part of Bridgestone Americas and employs over 22,000 teammates in North America. BSRO operates more than 2,200 company-owned stores, including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus and Wheel Works locations. With locations across North America and more than $3 billion in tire and auto service sales, Bridgestone Retail Operations is the right place to build a career. Whatever role you fill, when you represent the Bridgestone name, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to Serve Society with Superior Quality. We start by offering each teammate more than just competitive pay. We provide formal training, performance incentives, paid vacation and holidays, competitive healthcare packages for full-time and part-time employees, and a 401k plan to help build towards your future. We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they are allowed to bring their whole self to work and know they are supported. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of. Show us the smart stuff, the tough stuff, the bold, beautiful and brave stuff. Because who you are is what we need.

Position Summary

Introduce tire products and automobile repair/maintenance services to customers in person and/or with other store associates to help maximize total sales, store profits, and customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities and duties of this role include, but are not limited to:

Selling and Sales Promotion (~65% of time)

  • Personally handles customer needs in areas of sales, service, complaints, adjustments, etc.
  • Contacts customers, particularly in service department, to assess needs for tires and car service to close sales opportunities.
  • Checks tickets, making sure all tires on every vehicle are inspected and customers needing tires are asked to buy.
  • Solicits and promotes customer use of CFNA Credit Card as frequently as possible.
  • Introduces new products to achieve appropriate sales.
  • Keeps tire selling area and tire displays clean and properly set up at all times. Ensures that correct tires are on display, with correct display materials. Assures store environment exhibits a clean and professional image.
  • Follows and executes appropriate CSDS steps
  • Administers sales promotion programs.
  • Using display and advertising materials provided, sets up inside and outside displays, including special “as advertised” displays to create continuous emphasis on merchandise offered during promotions, and takes them down after promotion.
  • Assists store manager in attaining Store Team Budget objectives and contributes with personal attainment.
  • Makes tire adjustments and settles customer complaints or refers those not finalized to Store Manager.
  • Directly handles customers in areas of sales, service, complaints, adjustments, etc., including greeting and handling customers to conclusion in store and over telephone:
  • Handles customer complaints and tire adjustments.
  • Develops customer loyalty and retention through relationship selling.
  • Grows profit through service or tire recommendations as needed by the customer, including alignments, flushes, scheduled maintenance services, etc.

Recording (~15% of the time)

  • Enter customer invoices, credit tickets, etc.
  • Operates P.O.S. terminal
  • Maintains monthly and perpetual inventory accuracy
  • On a limited basis, performs operating functions as necessary, accepts payments, furnishes information, takes orders, etc.

Information Coordination (~10% of the time)

  • Assists manager during store meetings with all teammates to cover current advertising and promotion.
  • Shops competition and keeps other teammates informed on what competition is advertising.

Miscellaneous Functions (~10% of the time)

  • Opens and/or closes the store as required and directed, which includes cash control and asset protection.
  • Attends all store, area, and special meetings as required by store or area management.
  • As needed, helps to unload merchandise shipments, changes and balances tires in the service department (after appropriate training), constructs store displays, and performs other duties that are necessary to meet customer relationship requirements.
  • Practices courtesy, honesty, and good judgment with all customers and store teammates.
  • Other duties and tasks as assigned by store or area manager.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

2-year degree or non-traditional education through training program completion, certification, or other exhibiting the growth mindset that is needed in this candidate

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Customer Service

  • Sales floor counters are between (39in. & 44in.)
  • Paperwork and printers are between (18in. & 39in.)
  • Operate computer to look up parts and materials as well as invoice customers
  • Work directly with customers throughout the day
  • Retail locations can see between 15 and 55 customers per day depending on the location\\

Store Displays

  • Setup and take down outside tire rack requiring (45 lbs.) of force to push down on jack to lift rack and (30 to 65 lbs.) to push/pull rack in and out of the store
  • Stack tires outside store for displays between (1in. & 72in.)
  • Tires on wall displays are between (1in. & 75in.)
  • Tires can weigh between (11 lbs. & 72 lbs.) with the average at (27 to 35 lbs.)
  • Setup and take down signs outside the store as needed
  • Spray tires with black paint prior to putting on display to cover manufacturing lines


Store Upkeep

  • May setup and take down outside tire rack requiring (45 lbs.) of force to push down on jack to lift rack and (30 to 65 lbs.) to push/pull rack in and out of the store
  • May stack tires outside store for displays between (1in. & 72in.)
  • Store displays are between (1in. & 75in.)
  • Tires can weigh between (11 lbs. & 72 lbs.) with the average at (27 to 35 lbs.)
  • Setup and take down signs outside the store as needed
  • Spray tires with black paint prior to putting on display to cover manufacturing lines
  • Use a dry mop or broom if needed to keep the floor clean
  • Stock paper products and soap in the restrooms
  • Use rags or paper towels and spray bottles to keep displays, counters, and other areas clean
  • All cleaning supplies and paper products weigh less then (5 lbs.)

Store Deliveries

  • Tire deliveries contain between 90 & 400 tires 1 time per week depending on the retail location
  • Storage racks are between (4in. & 106in.)
  • Depending on the retail location, tires can be stored in the following manner:
  • Stack tires on carts between (1in. & 72in.) to take to storage. Then place in storage racks.
  • Roll tires to storage and place in storage racks
  • Roll tires to storage and place on a conveyor between (18in. & 43in.) then into racks
  • Roll tires to storage and place into stacks
  • Tires weigh between (11 lbs. & 72 lbs.)
  • Majority of tires weight between (27 lbs. & 35 lbs.)

Shop Floor

  • Opening doors requires (20 to 45 lbs.) of lifting force
  • Closing doors requires (20 to 80 lbs.) of pulling force without the use of body weight
  • Drive customer vehicles
  • Pull new tires for customers weighing between (11 lbs. & 72 lbs.) with the majority between (27 & 35 lbs.)
  • Tire racks are between (4in. & 106in.) with ladders and step ladders available depending on the store
  • Supplies are between (5in. & 112in.) with ladders and step ladders available depending on the store
  • Supplies weigh between (1 & 42 lbs.)

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Daily duties involve working within a 3 to 25-bay retail automotive service store. Stores are open 7 days per week, 75 – 91 hours and constant adjustments in service staffing levels are required to match the sales/work flow. The Retail Salesperson works with teammates in area of the store which have:

  • Cold work environment in the winter with cold cement floor.
  • Hot work environment in the summer.
  • Need for continual implementation/maintaining of all Safety & Health and environmental policies with knowledge, skill and good judgment.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 2-years of consumer retail sales experience
  • Must be able to communicate with and assist customers in the areas of sales and complaints to ensure customer retention and loyalty
  • Problem solving as it relates to customer complaints
  • Must have a valid automobile driver’s license at all times and be able to drive customer and company vehicles
  • Must complete and maintain all of the current and required BSRO store education courses & modules required for this position

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.

Our Benefits

Bridgestone Americas believes that taking care of you means more than just a prescription or dental plan. Our benefit plans are designed to meet our teammates' emotional, financial and physical needs, helping them thrive at work.

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Physical Health

At Bridgestone, we care about your physical health. That’s why we offer competitive benefits to ensure our teammates have access to quality and equitable healthcare.

Learn More
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Emotional Well-being

We recognize that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. That's why we offer a supportive work environment and resources to help our teammates manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Learn More
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Financial Well-being

Bridgestone helps you invest in your future by investing in you. We provide resources and benefits to support your financial health, including retirement plans, financial planning resources and tuition reimbursement, among others.

Learn More

Bridgestone Application & Interview FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about our application and interview process to help you prepare.

Before you apply for one of the available opportunities at Bridgestone, review each of the skills needed for the role that interests you and be prepared to show how you meet the qualifications.

Whether on a job application or your resume, it is essential to customize your information to highlight the most relevant connections to the job you want.

Once you have provided your information to Bridgestone, you will receive a request for an interview if you are being considered.

In the Bridgestone hiring process, depending on the role you are being considered for, you may have a one-on-one interview or a panel interview, and both can happen in person or via video call. If you are applying for a manufacturing or retail role, you will probably interview in person or at the location where you plan to work. All these factors can change how you might prepare for and conduct an interview, so we have created a guide that covers virtual or video interview tips and in-person interview tips. We have also included other common information you should consider.

Prepare Your “Elevator Speech”
In most interviews, you will get the prompt to “tell us about yourself” or something of that nature. It’s best to prepare a short but compelling description of yourself. Consider including:
Brief summary of your career, potentially highlighting your most relevant job.
Why are you looking to start a career at Bridgestone, or are you looking to change careers/jobs?
What was interesting about this particular role or working at Bridgestone?

Be Ready to Answer Questions
During an interview, you will be asked questions about previous experience to learn more about you. Whether you are asked about strengths or weaknesses or about a particular work situation that you might have considered a challenge or a win, it helps if you structure your answers with the STAR Method.
Situation: Describe the challenge you faced, win you had, or relevant situation
Task: Explain the role you played
Action: What were the detailed steps you took or how you accomplished the task
Result: Explain the outcome
Make sure that it is relevant to the role you are seeking. This method also helps you demonstrate how you accomplished something or overcame a challenge independently or while working well with a team.

Be Ready to Ask Questions
It is also important to ask questions to help you make an informed decision about the role if an offer is extended to you. Remember that you are interviewing Bridgestone as much as we are interviewing you, so asking interview questions is critical.
Some questions you can ask:
What would my day-to-day role look like?
Describe the team I would be working with.
What is your favorite thing about working at Bridgestone?
You mentioned (insert topic here). Tell me more about that.

By asking open-ended questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” you can learn more about the role and the people you would be working with. And by circling back on information shared during the interview, you show that you are actively listening and interested.

Plan Your Route
If you are interviewing in person, map out the route you will take before the day of your interview to make sure you allow enough time for travel. Be mindful of traffic patterns and look for any construction in the area. Aim to be about 15 minutes early for your interview so you can find a place to park and take some time to prepare mentally.
If you have an unexpected schedule conflict, notify your recruiter via phone/email/text so they can work to reschedule your time.

Dress to Impress
Dress appropriately for the role you want. Different work environments may be more casual, but you always want to look your best for an interview. Consider this for a video interview as well. Most of us have better posture and body language when we look and feel our best. While no one may know you are wearing pajamas, your casual demeanor may not make a great first impression. Make sure you are free of as many distractions as possible. With many of us having to work from home while taking care of our families, we understand that quiet space can be challenging to find for you as well as for the interviewers. While we encourage you to find an area where you can focus and not be interrupted, we understand that life happens and might just happen during your interview, so don’t stress too much about it.

What to Bring
Even if you have provided a resume, always bring one additional copy for each person interviewing you. And for any interview, it’s always good to bring a pen and paper if you want to take notes. Stay engaged in the conversation; no one wants to see the top of your head while you write notes for the entire interview.

There may be a chance one or more of your interviews will be conducted virtually. Here are our tips to prepare;

Check Your Tech
Confirm what platform you will use and make sure that you have it properly installed and launched on your system.
If you use a device like a tablet or a laptop, ensure it is fully charged. Try not to use a phone if possible.
Confirm that your webcam and microphone are allowed and work correctly in your chosen browser.
Test your internet connection to ensure it is strong and working.
If using headphones, make sure they are connected and selected prior.
At the beginning of the interview, verify that the interviewer can hear and see you.
Close other programs on your computer. Getting notifications during your interview is distracting and unprofessional. Before your interview, ensure all other computer windows are closed, and notifications are silenced or turned off.
Switch your other devices onto silent mode; however, have your phone handy if your interviewer is having technical difficulties or trying to reach out via phone or email.
If you need any accessibility accommodations or are concerned about the required virtual platform not being fully accessible for you, please let the recruiter at Bridgestone know. We will reach out to discuss how to best support you.

Prepare Your Space
Conduct your interview in a quiet, well-lit environment, without a backlight or window that may put you in a shadow.
Find a place with a simple backdrop or blank wall to eliminate distractions and put the focus on you.
Avoid taking an interview from your vehicle. If it is the only quiet place you can find, DO NOT attempt to interview while driving or in a moving vehicle; our recruiters will end the call. After all, at Bridgestone, we make safety a business value.

Smile for the Camera
Look at the camera. Looking directly at the video camera (not the screen) is the only way to maintain direct eye contact with your interviewer.
Try to focus on sitting up straight and making eye contact. At the beginning of the interview, verify that the interviewer can hear and see you.
Be mindful of your body language. Not all physical cues translate from in-person interviews to video interviews. Be sure to have good posture and stay engaged.
Silence any other technology, i.e. smart watches; you don’t want to be distracted or appear disinterested during your interview."

When the interview ends, whether virtual or in person, you can ask what to expect as the next step in the process. The person conducting the interview can let you know if there are additional interviews to expect or if you will hear from HR with a decision as to whether you have been chosen for the role.

We ask that you be patient as we may have several candidates to interview, but we value your time and will offer the professional courtesy of a response either way. Also, if you are no longer interested in the role or have accepted another role, please notify your recruiter so they can remove you from the interview process.

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As a member of our Talent Community, you will receive access to news, events and career opportunities at Bridgestone. Sign up now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us.

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