Merchandising Operations & Process Associate

ACE Hardware•Oak Brook, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for driving merchandising performance through the application of analytics, systems, and standardized processes, with a primary and ongoing focus on SKU productivity, markdown strategy, and overstock management. The role leverages core MOPA capabilities—project execution, process improvement, and cross‑functional influence—to optimize inventory performance, reduce financial exposure, and improve overall merchandising outcomes. The ideal candidate is a strategic problem-solver who thrives at the intersection of data-driven insights and cross-functional leadership. You possess a rare blend of strong analytical rigor and the interpersonal influence required to drive change. You don't just find the "why" in the data; you have the business acumen to navigate our systems, understand the merchant mindset, and implement inventory management strategies that deliver bottom-line results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of related work experience
Proven ability as a strong communicator
Independent, self-motivating skills to confidently manage project work and performance analysis (SKU productivity / markdown / overstock)
Demonstrated successful project management experience
Ability to effectively collaborate cross-functionally among multiple departments
Investigative mind set – to review and locate sources of data issues

Nice To Haves

SAP knowledge and/or familiarity with Master Data processes
Inventory management, markdown, clearance, or product disposition experience

Responsibilities

Drive SKU productivity, markdown optimization, and overstock management
Strategically optimize markdown cadence variations through monthly/quarterly reviews to improve sell‑through while minimizing total markdown expense.
Identify underperforming, aged, or excess SKUs using analytics; maintain "top-of-mind" awareness within Merchandising to drive strategic assortment decisions.
Partner with Merchants and Finance to recommend markdown actions aligned with cost-control initiatives and inventory holding cost targets.
Influence execution to improve sell‑through, reduce markdown expense, and optimize inventory productivity
Maintain ongoing visibility and reporting on unproductive inventory risks
Identify and drive system‑enabled process improvements
Leverage Ace systems and tools to surface performance gaps related to SKU productivity, markdown, and overstock
Conduct root‑cause analysis tied to inventory, markdown, and overstock drivers
Partner with IT business partners to improve automation, controls, validation rules, and data quality
Lead and execute merchandising projects as requested
Develop overall project timelines and identify required participants, and milestones.
Clearly define team member responsibilities for each project.
Drive execution of initiatives tied to inventory productivity and markdown outcomes
Develop and maintain relevant training and associated resources.
Document Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) for the merchants, vendors and any additional stakeholders.
Develop and deliver instructor lead training on the new/improved processes
Represent the Merchandising team and drive operational improvements through problem solving
Serve as an active member on any IT project that involves Merch systems, provide input and help test, train and implement such projects
Provide system and process support
Stay engaged in project or process rollouts until the end users are proficient with the new tools provided
Collaborate and develop mitigations when issues or defects arise
Take ownership and lead the resolution to business interruptions due to failed Merch systems or processes

Benefits

Incentive opportunities, based on role/grade level (company growth over the past 5 years resulted in incentives being paid out at an average of 122% of your target opportunity!)
Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year in addition to quarterly contributions and annual discretionary contribution (once eligibility requirements have been met). Over the past 5 years, company contributions (matching, quarterly & discretionary) for fully eligible employees have averaged 10% of total eligible compensation
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) and 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, and a generous tuition assistance program, plus a performance management approach that goes beyond the typical annual review
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 and more!
Employee discounts on Ace merchandise (including top brands like Weber, Traeger, Yeti, Craftsman, DeWalt and more), 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