Associate Merchandising Manager — Growth & Strategy

Ace Hardware Corporation; Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ace Retail Group, a division of Ace Hardware Corporation, seeks an Associate Merchandising Manager to drive category development for Impulse, Consumables, Toys, Stationery and Holiday. You will lead assortments, leverage Ace planograms, and partner with cross-functional teams to grow sales.

Responsibilities include forecasting, vendor management, ads direction, and in-store presentation. Strong Excel and analytical skills, leadership, and the ability to work independently are essential.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in business management or equivalent with experience.
• Interest or past work in merchandising or buying.
• Solid understanding of retail operations and merchandising strategies.
• Knowledge of neighborhood hardware store B2B and DIY customers.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to work independently with self-motivation.
• Familiarity with modern marketing techniques and digital platforms.
• Proven leadership in teams and project management.
• Excel proficiency and data manipulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead category development for: Impulse, Consumables, Toys, Stationery and Holiday.
• Develop quality product assortments to drive sales and GMROI.
• Provide strategic direction for advertising and marketing initiatives to drive sales.
• Identify localized opportunities for assortment across B2B, DIY, Rural, Urban.
• Support assortment planning, pre-season ordering, and vendor management.
• Analyze sales trends and economic conditions to anticipate buying patterns.
• Monitor competitors' sales activities, product assortments, and pricing.
• Negotiate costs, discounts, rebates and freight terms.
• Establish and maintain strategic supplier relationships and attend trade shows.
• Define and implement departmental objectives; present strategies to stakeholders.
• Serve as project manager for merchandising initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Store Ops, Inventory, Marketing/Visual Merch).
• Travel as required; standing, walking, lifting up to 25 lbs.

Skills

Retail operations knowledge

Analytical thinking

Team leadership

Excel proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Travel willingness

Education

BS/BA in Business Management or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft 365 suite

Excel (advanced)

PowerPoint

Word

Teams

Job description

Ace Retail Group, a division of Ace Hardware Corporation, seeks an Associate Merchandising Manager to drive category development for Impulse, Consumables, Toys, Stationery and Holiday. You will lead assortments, leverage Ace planograms, and partner with cross-functional teams to grow sales.

Responsibilities include forecasting, vendor management, ads direction, and in-store presentation. Strong Excel and analytical skills, leadership, and the ability to work independently are essential.