Retail Development Project Manager - Louisiana

ACE Hardware•Monroe, LA

4d•$103,000 - $115,000•Remote

About The Position

Ace Hardware Corporation is seeking an experienced Retail Development Manager for Louisiana (internally known as Retail Operations Project Manager). This role is responsible for prospecting, selling, leading, developing, and managing retail projects such as expansions, relocations, renovations, conversions, and new ground-up stores, primarily within Louisiana. The position involves delivering solutions to store owners based on project setup agreements, managing scope, cost, schedule, and contractual deliverables. This includes applying techniques for consultative selling, planning, tracking, change control, and risk management.

Requirements

B.S. / B.A. Degree in business administration or construction or commensurate experience
Capital project selling experience.
A minimum of two years of retail project management experience.
Working knowledge and understanding of Ace retail operations programs and initiatives.
Understanding of basic retail store operations and management.
Ability to formulate detailed estimates and schedules through development of the project scope and ensure that these costs are accurately communicated with the retailer and appropriate stakeholders.
Provide support in the review of potential real estate locations in cooperation with the appropriate stakeholders.
Ability to review and ensure Landlord tenant criteria and construction portions of lease are thoroughly evaluated and communicate such with all stakeholders.
Ability to track and maintain project updates via the current corporate project management tools
Ability to effectively lead, manage, facilitate & coordinate multiple retail projects concurrently.
Must be able to develop/present a project capitalization workbook.
Effective communicator and ability to influence retailers, internal and external stakeholders consistently as well as gain acceptance to drive the execution of programs and or services in a consultative role
Excellent and effective presentation skills. Groups include individuals, regional teams, retailer groups and large group presentations.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
Excellent PC skills including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Salesforce.
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
Ability to work flexible hours and regularly travel overnight.

Nice To Haves

General building construction knowledge preferred

Responsibilities

Align with Ace’s values, mission, and vision of being helpful in all aspects of your role with internal and external stakeholders.
Consult and close sales of retail projects using consultative selling skills during meetings with prospective retailers, conversion retailers, branch store candidates, as well as renovation projects for existing retailers.
Inspire and motivate to action prospects, retailers, and Ace stakeholders to ensure maximum project penetration throughout the Project Manager's respective territory.
Regularly meet with retailers to educate and inform them on the benefits of a store renovation, which can be one-on-one or in a group setting.
Plan and develop the scope of retail projects for expansion, relocation, renovation, conversion, and new ground-up stores.
Partner with Ace District Managers to provide them with the tools to have meaningful discussions with their retailers on the benefits of a store renovation.
Coordinate with the District Manager to develop a store renovation prospect list and a strategy to consult with prospects on the benefits of a renovation.
Manage all resources, both internal and external, to meet established schedules for all assigned projects.
Assess the retail potential in key existing Ace markets for the opportunity to “Right Size – Right Place” the store to maximize Ace market share by working closely with appropriate stakeholders.
Provide support in the review of potential real estate locations in cooperation with appropriate stakeholders to determine the locations’ feasibility from a project standpoint.
Review and ensure Landlord tenant criteria and construction portions of leases are thoroughly evaluated and communicate such with all internal partners.
Track and maintain project updates via current corporate project management tools, requiring updates of various project tasks within the system.
Periodically visit sites on all assigned projects to ensure proper installation of all work, administer punch list review, and turnover to the retailer and District Manager upon completion.

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, and a 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