Assistant Merchandising Program Manager

Ace Hardware•Oak Brook, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

We have 2 openings for Assistant Merchandising Program Managers! The Job As the Assistant Merchandising Program Manager , you are responsible for all aspects of support for a product category, including but not limited to category review support, promotional planning, show prep, retailer communication, SKU on-boarding and maintenance and special projects as assigned. The position is designed as a support role, as well as development step in all aspects of the buying department to prepare a candidate for full category responsibility as an Associate MPM in 2 – 3 years.

Requirements

2+ years of business experience
Retail experience preferred
Strong problem-solving skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Understand financial measures that impacts corporation
Demonstrate strong decision-making skills
Passion for people and hardware industry: understanding of EJD customers, channels, and opportunity by geography and commitment to and interest in team member development
Detail-oriented and extremely organized self-starter able to thrive is a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, solve problems and meet deadlines.
Proactive and has the desire to succeed.
Proven ability to work autonomously and accomplish objectives
Highly creative, flexible and adaptable with good follow-through
Proven ability to multi-task projects and meet deadlines
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Power Point
Knowledge of PCM, SAP and guided Ad-hoc reporting tools

Responsibilities

Executes the current year plan that has been laid out by the MPM.
Responsible for all aspects of support for a product category.
Owns some portions team responsibilities and projects, including category reviews, promotional planning processes, show preparation, retailer communication, SKU onboarding and maintenance, and special projects as assigned.
Expected to consider sales team impacts of all decisions.
Category Review Support: Support MPM in all phases of category review process, Request and prepare all category analytics, Participate in all aspects of vendor meeting prep, meetings, item selection, plan-o-gram build, marketing and execution to retailers.
Promotional Planning Support: Support in organizing and securing all vendor promotional discounts, Assist in solicitation of monthly promotional items from vendors.
Retailer Communication Support: Support with daily retailer customer service, Assist with communication via EJD Portal & M.A.S.T. to relay new programs, changes, or issues, Assist with EJD Customer Care for calls and e-mails related to respective category.
Convention Planning Support: Assist in selecting and inviting vendors to attend semi-annual convention, Lead prep of show materials including drop ship forms, as well as submission for Power Buys, Saving Showcase and New Arrivals, Assist in planning Merch area theme and execution for respective category.
Inventory/Supply Chain Support: Assist in diagnosing and resolving vendor service issues, Assist in inventory planning for promotional items.
Systems Support: Lead SKU on-boarding for department with respective merchandising SYSTEMS coordinator, Lead processing of channel and customer price changes with EJD Pricing Team, Lead all item master data changes with article content team.
Special Projects: Lead department and cross-functional projects as assigned by Director and MPM.

Benefits

Incentive opportunities
Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year, in addition to an annual discretionary contribution
Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision and disability – up to 26 weeks short-term disability and long-term disability) & life insurance benefits for you and your dependents
21 days of vacation immediately available (prorated in the first year)
Up to 6 paid holidays depending on the month of hire
Company Car, phone and fuel card are provided for field-based positions
Annual Cares Week
20 hours off work per year to volunteer at an organization of your choice
Opportunities to help Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Ace Helpful Fund through the Ace Foundation
On-site classes, facilitator-led courses
Generous tuition assistance program
Frequent campus events like Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise sales
Services such as mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, recycling
Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, travel, fitness, computers and thousands more
Birth/Adoption bonding paid time off
Adoption cost reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to free visits to therapists and lawyers, guidance on financial matters, elder and childcare, and assistance with tickets to entertainment events
Identity theft protection