Retail Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Job

Ace Hardware Corporation is looking for an experienced Retail Development Manager - Louisana (internally known as Retail Operations Project Manager) who prospect, sell, lead, develop and manage retail projects (expansions, relocations, renovations, conversions and new ground up stores) primarily in Louisana . This role is responsible for delivering a solution to the store owner using appropriate business measurements and tools per the project setup agreement. This position has overall performance responsibility for selling, managing scope, cost, schedule and contractual deliverables for the project. This includes applying techniques for consultative selling, planning, tracking, change control and risk management.

​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.

• 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 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.

• Plan and develop scope of retail projects for expansion, relocation, renovation, conversion and new ground up stores. Partner with Ace District Managers. Provide the DM 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.

• Periodically visit sites on all assigned projects to ensure proper installation of all work, administer punch list review 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.