Merchandising Intern: Buyer Track — Hands-On Strategy (Chicago)

Ace Hardware Corporation; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Ace Hardware Corporation, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, invites rising undergrad students to join as a Buyer/Merchandising Intern and work on national programs for Ace stores. You’ll build financial skills, forecast pricing, promotions, and shelving strategies to meet consumer demand.

The program runs for 12 weeks in-office in the Chicago area, with opportunities to present plans to senior leadership and potentially launch a career with Ace after graduation in 2028.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergrad degree in Business (or related field) with graduation year in 2028.
• Concentration in Business, Retail Management, Merchandising is a plus.
• Coursework in marketing, consumer behavior, visual merchandising, e-retailing, retail supply chain management, business, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, negotiation, sourcing and customer relations is ideal.
• Previous internship or work experience is paramount.
• Interest in the retail/wholesale industry with the desire to start a career with Ace Hardware after graduation (strongly preferred).
• Ability to work in the greater Chicago area for the duration of the internship (Relocation assistance is not available).
• This is an in office position 5 days a week.
• Proven leadership, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Marketing Operations, Insights, Finance, Legal).
• Ability to work closely with buying teams to contribute to product selection, procurement, and vendor relationships.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• The ideal candidate is a self-starter who takes initiative to identify areas of opportunity and take action.
• Ability to identify and evaluate tactical methods to achieve objectives, identify deviations from the plan, and facilitate resolution.

Responsibilities

• Own several key projects in the Merchandising department as a Buyer/Merchandising Intern.
• Develop financial acumen by managing P&L and driving portfolio to business results.
• Forecasting, pricing, promotions and shelving strategies to meet consumer demands.
• Develop and track key performance indicators to understand success.
• Immersion in competitive performance analysis, marketing strategy and forecasting.
• Synthesize data to develop actionable recommendations for category management and planning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build and drive strategy and ensure execution.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Self-starter

Teamwork

Initiative

Education

Undergrad degree in Business (or related field)

Graduation year 2028

Job description

Ace Hardware Corporation, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, invites rising undergrad students to join as a Buyer/Merchandising Intern and work on national programs for Ace stores. You’ll build financial skills, forecast pricing, promotions, and shelving strategies to meet consumer demand.

The program runs for 12 weeks in-office in the Chicago area, with opportunities to present plans to senior leadership and potentially launch a career with Ace after graduation in 2028.