Retail Operations Consultant

ACE Hardware•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Retail Operations Consultant is responsible for providing support to Ace retail locations by delivery of consistent training that furthers improved execution of retail processes and procedures which lead to operational excellence and enhancement of the store model. This position is considered a subject matter expert in all facets of operating an existing Ace retail store (people, inventory, and financial management) as well as what is needed to ensure the success of a new Ace store including New Investors, Branch Outs, Conversions and Change of Ownerships. The Retail Operations Consultant will work with existing retailers to improve operations and the store model. The Retail Operations Consultant will also work with new investors both before their store opens to teach them business foundational skills and processes and after the store opens to assess progress and set them up for continued success. The Retail Operations Consultant will also be able to handle multiple types of training engagements at different functional levels. Such as analyzing business trends, financials, metrics, and store environments to identify opportunities for improving performance within their assigned territories. The Retail Operations Consultant will readily share information supportive of process and documentation improvements.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years’ experience
Adult learning coaching, consulting, and influence
Retail store operations and inventory management knowledge
POS and inventory system expertise, including Epicor Eagle for Windows and Epicor Propello
Business analysis using trends, financials, metrics, and store conditions
Strong organization, planning, and time management
Trusted-advisor relationship building, negotiation, and conflict resolution
Clear written and verbal communication with strong follow-through
Strong PC skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Ability to travel extensively 80–90%

Responsibilities

Delivers Field Training - Delivers training to Ace store owners, managers, and associates to drive retailer business results. Conducts training that motivates, builds competencies, and improves store performance and contributions to their store results. Leads medium-sized engagements (single or multi-store), which are considered normal difficulty and with moderate risk. Will handle engagements that include “bolt on” software packages such as Retailer Soft Inventory or Margin Master. Training may be delivered in person or through virtual platforms.
New Business Requirements – Coach and support new stores at Ace by working closely with New Business Retailers to ensure their successful onboarding and set-up, in accordance to established Ace Best Practices, of their most valuable asset, inventory from day 1. Mitigate risk to both the owner and Ace by using a standardized approach to new store start-up and tailoring it to each specific situation. Instruct owners on the Ace model of Inventory Management using specific stores' POS and Inventory Management systems. Typical issues include System set-up, RSO, PSO, Mango, ICM, In stock position, and inventory accuracy.
Serves as an operations expert – Expert and consult on Ace’s standards, management tools, Ace supported POS systems and training systems to maximize operational excellence. Stays current on operational standards, systems, procedures, and resources to enhance the ability to provide leadership and maximize business results. Provides input to internal partners to ensure training remains relevant and continues to drive continuous improvement.
Builds Solid Relationships – Creates a partnership with Retail Ops, Retailers, and Store Managers, that stimulates transfer of training, return on training investment, and improves store results. Creates trust when delivering training and is viewed as a trusted advisor to those receiving training.

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
Your career at Ace 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
Ace 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 Ace 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 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