Retail Operations & Growth Associate

Workstream; Elk Grove Township (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Workstream is seeking a Retail Operations & Growth Associate in Elk Grove Township, Illinois. The ideal candidate is high-energy and customer-focused, interested in contributing to store operations, merchandising, and inventory management.

This role involves both regular floor responsibilities and opportunities for project ownership. We're looking for someone with a positive attitude, adaptability, and the ability to work independently and in a team.

We offer various schedules from part-time to full-time, with opportunities to grow within the business.

Qualifications

• Experience in hardware, retail, merchandising, operations, or customer service is helpful.
• Willing to train the right person with the right attitude and motivation.

Responsibilities

• Help customers with outstanding service on the sales floor.
• Assist with merchandising, product displays, and seasonal transitions.
• Help maintain inventory accuracy and store organization.
• Support store operations including stocking, pricing, and promotional execution.
• Identify opportunities to improve the customer experience.
• Assist with special projects, events, and growth initiatives.

Skills

Strong communication and customer service skills

Positive attitude and strong work ethic

Organized and dependable

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Job description

Retail Operations & Growth Associate

Mt. Prospect Ace Hardware is looking for a high-energy, customer-focused team member who wants to do more than simply stock shelves or run a register. We are a family owned Ace Hardware store focused on growth, strong customer service, and building a team that takes pride in improving the business every day.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys retail, likes solving problems, takes initiative, and wants the opportunity to grow into additional responsibility over time.

This position includes regular floor and customer service responsibilities, but also offers the opportunity to take ownership of projects and key areas of the business including merchandising, inventory management, seasonal transitions, B2B sales support, events, promotions, and store operations.

What You’ll Do:

• Help customers with outstanding service on the sales floor
• Assist with merchandising, product displays, and seasonal transitions
• Help maintain inventory accuracy and store organization
• Support store operations including stocking, pricing, and promotional execution
• Identify opportunities to improve the customer experience
• Assist with special projects, events, and growth initiatives
• Learn multiple areas of store operations and help wherever needed
• Potentially take ownership of specific departments or operational areas over time

What We’re Looking For:

• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Someone who takes initiative and notices what needs to be done
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Organized and dependable
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced retail environment
• Willingness to learn and take on responsibility
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Experience in hardware, retail, merchandising, operations, trades, or customer service is helpful, but we are willing to train the right person with the right attitude and motivation.

What Makes Someone Successful Here:

• They care about the store like it’s their own
• They look for ways to improve things
• They are dependable and adaptable
• They are willing to jump into different tasks as needed
• They enjoy helping customers solve problems

Compensation:

Pay is based on experience, skills, and ability to take on responsibility. We are willing to invest in the right person who can grow with the business.

Schedule:

Part-time or full-time opportunities available. Must have some availability for evenings and weekends.

About Us:

Mt. Prospect Ace Hardware is a locally owned business focused on customer service, community involvement, and continued growth. We are building a team of people who care about doing things the right way and creating a great experience for customers every day.

We are your local hardware store and we are a part of your community. Ace Hardware has over 5,000 stores around the world with the majority of those stores independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. These hard working men and women are part of the fabric of your community. They are small business owners who are local and loyal...just like it ought to be. While others have become large and impersonal, at Ace, we've remained small and very personal. That's why we say a visit to Ace, is like a visit to your neighbor.