Retail Development Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

The Job

• Ace Hardware Corporation is looking for an experienced Retail Development Project Manager - MO/AR (internally known as Retail Operations Project Manager) who will lead, develop, and manage retail growth projects including expansions, relocations, renovations, conversions, and new store development throughout their assigned territory.
• This role serves as a trusted advisor to independent Ace retailers, guiding them through significant business investments and helping them successfully execute projects that support long-term growth and profitability.  Successful candidates combine strong project management skills with consultative selling, relationship management, business acumen, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex projects.
• This position is responsible for managing project scope, schedule, cost, stakeholder communication, and project execution while providing retailers with strategic recommendations and solutions that support their business objectives.

​What you’ll be doing

• Align with Ace’s values, mission and vision of being helpful in all aspects of your role with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for retailers throughout the project lifecycle, providing guidance, recommendations, and support from initial project planning through completion.
• Consult, develop, and close retail project opportunities using consultative selling skills during meetings with prospective retailers, conversion retailers, branch store candidates as well as renovation projects for existing retailers.  Helping to understand project benefits, evaluate investment opportunities, and make informed business decisions regarding store growth, modernization, and operational improvements.
• Inspire and motivate to action; prospects, retailers as well as Ace stakeholders to ensure maximum project penetration throughout the Project Managers respective territory. Regularly meet with retailers with the purpose to educate and inform on the benefits of a store renovation.  This can be one-on-one or in a group setting.
• Build strong relationships with retailers, District Managers, Retail Operations, New Business, Merchandising, and other cross-functional partners to align resources and achieve successful project outcomes.
• Plan and develop scope of retail projects for expansion, relocation, renovation, conversion and new ground up stores. Partner Ace District Managers to support and provide the tools to have a meaningful discussion with their retailers on the benefits of a store renovation. Coordinate with the DM to develop a store renovation prospect list and develop a strategy to consult with the prospects on the benefits of a renovation.
• Manage all resources both internal and external to meet established schedules for all projects assigned.
• 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 the appropriate stakeholders.
• Provide support in the review of potential real estate locations in cooperation with appropriate stakeholders to determine, from a project stand point, the locations’ feasibility.  Review and ensure Landlord tenant criteria and construction portions of lease are thoroughly evaluated and communicate such with all internal partners.
• Track and maintain project updates via the current corporate project management tools. This will require updating of the system of various project tasks.
• Conduct project site visits and communication calls to assess progress, validate quality standards, resolve issues, support retailers during implementation, and ensure successful project completion and turnover to Retailer and District Manager upon completion.

What you’ll need to apply

• B.S. / B.A. Degree in business administration or construction or commensurate experience
• Capital project selling experience.
• A minimum of three years of experience in project management, retail operations, store development, construction management, business consulting, account management, or a related field.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Ace retail operations programs and initiatives.
• Understanding of basic retail store operations and management.
• General building construction knowledge preferred
• 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.
• Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders without direct authority to drive the execution of programs and or services in a consultative role.
• Ability to effectively communicate with business owners, executive leadership, field teams, contractors, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• 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, remotely from a home office and traveling throughout the assigned territory, including overnight travel to support retailers and project activities.