Retail Execution Specialist II - NE Region

Ace Hardware•Albany, NY

2d•$64,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

We’re setting the standard for excellence in retail execution — and we’re looking for a proven leader to join our team. Do you thrive in fast-paced environments, love seeing a project come to life, and have a talent for leading teams through organized chaos? Join Emery Jensen, a growing division of the largest hard-lines distributor in the industry. Emery Jensen, a subsidiary of Ace Hardware Corporation, sells and distributes hard-line products to independent Pro/Lumber, Hardware, and E-retailer customer segments. Our Retail Execution team plays a critical role in supporting store conversions, remodels, and merchandising projects across the country. We’re currently seeking a Retail Execution Specialist II — a hands-on project leader responsible for driving on-site execution excellence, coordinating field teams, and ensuring every retail project is completed on time, within budget, and with unmatched attention to detail.

Requirements

5 years of store planning, visual merchandising, or store management experience in a retail environment, or a Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of relevant experience.
Experience leading store conversions, remodels, or major merchandising resets.
Customer-centric with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and time management abilities.
Able to work independently while leading others in an active store environment.
Detail-oriented, adaptable, and energized by hands-on work.
Compliant with all aspects of company travel policy.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record required.
Up to 80% travel, including overnight travel.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, and stand or walk for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Hardware, home improvement, or related industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead on-site project execution in alignment with Retail Execution best practices to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Own the details — manage fixture and product deliveries, build or move fixtures, merchandise planograms, apply labels, and ensure every project meets quality standards.
Provide pre- and post-project documentation including fixture order forms, punchlists, recaps, and photo records.
Review store layouts and assortment plans prior to order placement, providing feedback and recommendations to optimize results.
Lead and motivate project teams and MSOs during on-site work, evaluate performance, and communicate proactively with customers and internal partners on project status.
Perform store walks and site evaluations — take measurements, create “as-is” floor plans, and brief customers on upcoming project phases.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Merchandising, and Operations to ensure smooth execution and high-quality outcomes.
Contribute to continuous improvement by sharing ideas and driving process enhancements across teams.

Benefits

Incentive opportunities, based on role/grade level (rapid company growth over the past 3 years resulted in incentives being paid out above 106.6% of your target opportunity!)
Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year and annual discretionary contribution (once eligibility requirements have been met).
Over the past 3 years, company contributions (matching & discretionary) for fully eligible employees have averaged 7.3% 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
Your career at Emery Jensen is more than just a job. It’s a chance to be part of something meaningful. We help locally-owned businesses thrive and make an impact in their communities – and we support our employees in doing the same by offering an 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
Emery Jensen invests in every employee we hire, with a key focus on development and coaching. We offer on-site classes, facilitator-led courses, and a generous tuition assistance program, plus a performance management approach that goes beyond the typical annual review
We know the work environment matters. That’s why Emery Jensen holds frequent campus events like Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise sales
We bring them to you! Services such as mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, recycling and more!
Employee discounts on the products we sell (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