Assistant Merchant

Ace Hardware•Oak Brook, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Merchant is responsible for all aspects of support for a product category, including category review support, promotional planning, show prep, retailer communication, SKU onboarding and maintenance, and special projects. This role serves as a support function and a developmental step within the buying department, preparing the candidate for full category responsibility as a Merchant I. The Assistant Merchant executes the current year plan, assists with team responsibilities and projects, and is expected to consider the impact on the enterprise (retail, EJD, international) with all decisions.

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
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

Nice To Haves

Product passion – Natural and fanatical curiosity around product and retail marketplace, demonstrated and put into action.
Strategic thinking – has advanced business acumen to draw insights from gathered data.
Relationship Builder – Builds and leverages internal / external network (vendors, retailers, cross functional team members, etc.) to drive results and improve processes.
Results-oriented – Ability to drive results to and above plan with full accountability, proactively shifting efforts as trends and business variables change
Presentation skills – Ability to plan, assemble and present with excellence strategy, execution and updates to leadership, across the organization, vendors and retailers

Responsibilities

Support merchant 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
Support in organizing and securing all vendor marketing assessments
Assist in solicitation of monthly promotional items from vendors
Assist with promotional item submission forms, target pricing, correction notices and AD proofing
Support with daily retailer customer service
Assist with communication via ACENET to relay new programs, changes or issues
Assist with Merch CARE to prep Ace Care Center for calls and e-mails related to respective category
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 merchant area theme and execution for respective category
Assist in diagnosing and resolving vendor service issues
Assist in inventory planning for promotional items
Lead SKU on-boarding for department with respective merchandising SYSTEMS coordinator
Lead processing of department SAP price changes with respective merchandising SYSTEMS coordinator
Lead all item master data changes with article content team
Lead department and cross-functional projects as assigned by DMM and merchant

Benefits

Incentive opportunities
Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year in addition to quarterly contributions and 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 Ace 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
Mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, recycling and more
Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, travel, fitness, computers and thousands more
Birth/Adoption bonding paid time off
Adoption cost reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Identity theft protection