12 Weeks

Ace Hardware•Oak Brook, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer/Merchandising Intern will take ownership of key projects in Ace Hardware’s Merchandising department and gain hands-on experience similar to that of an Associate Merchant. The internship focuses on category management, financial analysis, forecasting, pricing, promotions, shelving strategies, and developing recommendations to support business planning and category strategies. Interns will collaborate with cross-functional teams, assess business risks and opportunities, help drive strategy and execution, and present recommendations to senior leadership. This is a paid, full-time, 12-week summer internship for 2027. The position is in-office five days a week in the greater Chicago area. Interns will contribute to projects and national programs serving Ace’s stores and will have opportunities to present a final pitch to Ace’s CEO and senior leadership, attend a resume workshop, participate in team-building activities, and volunteer through the Ace Hardware Foundation.

Requirements

Be pursuing an undergraduate degree from an accredited program in Business or a related field, with a graduation year of 2028.
Have previous internship or work experience.
Be able to work in the greater Chicago area for the duration of the internship; relocation assistance is not available.
Be able to work in the office five days a week.
Demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Be able to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Have strong communication and analytical skills.
Be able to identify and evaluate tactical methods for achieving objectives, recognize deviations from plans, and facilitate resolution.

Nice To Haves

A concentration in Business, Retail Management, or Merchandising.
Coursework in marketing, consumer behavior, visual merchandising, e-retailing, retail supply chain management, business, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, negotiation, sourcing, or customer relations.
Interest in the retail or wholesale industry and a desire to begin a career with Ace Hardware after graduation.

Responsibilities

Manage a category P&L and develop financial acumen to advance a portfolio and achieve business results.
Explore category growth opportunities through forecasting, pricing, promotions, and shelving strategies that meet consumer demand.
Develop and track key performance indicators to evaluate success.
Analyze competitive performance, marketing strategy, and forecasts.
Synthesize insights and data from multiple sources into clear, actionable recommendations for category management strategies and business planning.
Work with cross-functional team members to build and drive overall strategy and ensure executional excellence.
Identify and validate business risks and opportunities, then drive action.
Present plan recommendations to senior leadership.
Work with buying teams on product selection, procurement, and vendor relationships.