Merchandising Representative

Ace Hardware • Oak Brook, IL

410d • $55,000 - $69,000

About The Position

The Merchandising Representative at Ace Hardware Corporation is responsible for supporting team goals and gaining foundational knowledge of merchandising values and best practices. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to maximize sales and profits, while preparing for potential advancement within the company in 12 to 24 months.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business marketing or management, or 2-4 years of related work experience in retail, sales, or marketing.
• Understanding of business fundamentals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong time management skills and ability to think critically and strategically.
• Strong PC skills, including proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Self-confident and self-motivated with good presentation skills.
• Ability to work across teams and independently with some supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in retail or sales environments.
• Familiarity with merchandising practices and vendor negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a comprehensive training program to learn and develop necessary skills for merchandising assignments.
• Execute tasks related to key merchandising functions, including item starts/maintenance and promotional planning.
• Study the retail marketplace and assist in building and maintaining category plan-o-grams.
• Develop an understanding of inventory control and its impact on product fill levels and inventory turnover.
• Build relationships with cross-functional areas to gain acceptance and credibility.
• Become proficient in Ace technology applications such as ACENET, Ace Data Warehouse, and SAP.
• Assist merchants and department merchandise managers with special projects and administrative functions.

Benefits

• Incentive opportunities based on role/grade level.
• Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions.
• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• 21 days of vacation and up to 6 paid holidays.
• Company car, phone, and fuel card for field-based positions.
• Annual Ace Cares Week with 20 hours off for volunteering.
• Tuition assistance and professional development programs.
• Employee discounts on Ace merchandise and other services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Building Material and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree