New Business Market Development Manager - GA & TN

Ace Hardware•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The New Business Market Development Manager for Georgia and Tennessee manages the business development process in the assigned region, with the goal of increasing Ace’s market share through its new-store growth strategy. The role recruits, educates, and motivates potential candidates, including new investors, existing Ace retailers, and competitor conversion or acquisition prospects. It assesses prospective candidates’ business acumen, character, competence, and financial readiness, and determines whether to advance and close opportunities. The manager executes the technical operating procedures from initial interest through application. This includes demographic and trade-potential analysis, sales forecasting, site audits, expansion-area notifications, pro forma development and stakeholder approvals, letters of intent, financing assistance, and completion of Ace membership applications. The role develops the market by pursuing prospects, open-market opportunities, real estate sites, lender and broker relationships, and public relations, creating momentum through market diligence and advocacy for Ace. The position requires driving a company vehicle and extensive overnight travel. Ace provides competitive compensation and benefits, along with development and coaching opportunities.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in retailing, franchising, real estate, or market development.
Ability to develop, secure, and close a new-store or conversion opportunity.
Strong negotiation skills.
Strong presentation skills with varied audiences, including investors, real estate brokers, lenders, and existing Ace retailers.
Interpersonal ability to create trust, respect, and understanding.
Business acumen, including understanding retail economics and the ability to interpret business financials.
Understanding of the lease negotiation process.
Strong understanding of capitalization and financing opportunities, methods, and processes.
Understanding of the balance between store density and cannibalization and the resulting effects on the Ace brand.
Understanding of franchise competitors and how to position Ace against other investment choices.
Ability to create respected coalitions with Retail Operations stakeholders.
Valid U.S. driver’s license held for at least three continuous years immediately preceding the application date, and ability to meet company motor-vehicle and insurance eligibility requirements.
Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Ability to work flexible hours and travel overnight extensively, approximately 3–4 days per week.

Nice To Haves

College degree in business (preferred, but not required).

Responsibilities

Recruit, educate, and motivate potential candidates, including new investors, existing Ace retailers, and competitor conversion or acquisition prospects.
Assess candidates’ business acumen, character, competence, and financial wherewithal, and determine whether to advance, finalize, or close an opportunity.
Execute operating procedures from initial interest through application, including demographic analysis, trade-potential analysis, sales forecasting, site audits, and expansion-area notifications.
Create pro formas and secure stakeholder approval.
Execute letters of intent, assist candidates with securing financing, and complete Ace membership applications in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Pursue market opportunities involving potential candidates, open markets, real estate sites, lenders, brokers, and public relations.
Build momentum in the market through market diligence and advocacy for Ace with relevant stakeholders.
Build and maintain coalitions with Retail Operations, including the Director, Regional Manager, Project Manager, and District Manager.
Drive a company vehicle and travel extensively overnight.

Benefits

Incentive opportunities based on role and grade level.
401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution in the first year, plus quarterly and annual discretionary contributions, subject to eligibility.
Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage for employees and 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 for field-based positions.
Annual Ace Cares Week and 20 hours of paid time off per year to volunteer.
On-site classes, facilitator-led courses, development and coaching, and a tuition assistance program.
Campus events and on-site services, including wellness and personal services.
Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, travel, fitness, computers, and other products and services.
Paid birth and adoption bonding time off.
Adoption cost reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program, including access to therapists and lawyers and assistance with financial, eldercare, childcare, and other matters.
Identity theft protection.