Store Planner Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

About This Role
The Store Planner will be responsible for leveraging data-driven analytics to consult retailers and project management teams on developing store plans that deliver maximum productivity. The Store Planner is responsible for overall store design, including architectural and fixture layouts, merchandise planning (category space allocation and category placement), lighting placement and electrical needs, and execution of signage/décor and location code plans for new stores and store projects (remodels, relocations, expansions, and consolidations). Additionally, the Store Planner will ensure execution of Ace best practices related to department and category placement (including aisle side placement and adjacencies) while incorporating market intelligence and local needs to execute optimal, consumer-centric store layouts. Store Planner will also be responsible for developing store front elevations using Photoshop to produce concept and comprehensive store elevations for our retailers and prospective retailers.
Improving the store model is pillar of Ace's long-term retail strategy and developing the most productive and consumer-centric store layouts for our retailers is a key element of this pillar.

• Scope: Store planner will have ownership over any store planning and design needs for new stores, remodels or conversions.
• Leadership/Mentorship: Store planners are responsible for mentoring junior team members and leading through special projects as defined by Dept Manager.

What You'll Do:

• Maximize retailer sales and profitability for Ace Retailers by building highly productive, consumer-relevant store plans that align with defined category strategies and best practices for layout and design. Independently manage all aspects of store plan recommendations, from analytics to consultation, execution and maintenance.
• Consistently execute store planning/design and merchandising principles, namely department and category placement, aisle leadoffs, and adjacencies to drive retail performance. Identify shopper behavior and market changes that challenge or suggest modifications to store planning best practices and recommend to leadership to continue to drive improvement of store planning strategies and execution.
• Provide consultation and insights to Project Manager and Retailer to develop store plan strategy, ensure sales/sf and gp/sf improvement and gain alignment to recommendations.
• Leverage JDA Floor Planning and CKB to consistently to uphold high Floor Plan integrity and accuracy of floor plans. Lead discussions and influence cross-functional teams to accept recommendations.
• Quickly become an expert or super-user in Ace Best Practices and JDA applications, acting as a mentor and trainer for new and less tenured team members.
• Take leadership role in collaboration with multiple departments (e.g. Category Management, Visual Merchandising, Space Planning, Field Operations) ensure that programs that are new or involving footage changes and/or fixture changes or are "retail ready," aligned with overall best practices and communicated fully to field team.
• Lead remodel, departmental and new store plan planning sessions cross-functionally by helping to identify key opportunities across the store with additional focus on providing macro space analysis and store design expertise that can help shape further evolution of our store model.
• Proactively monitor category KPI's to track performance of completed remodels, track trends and identify opportunities make changes to adjacencies, space recommendations and category placement. Independently act on results and influence cross-functional and interdepartmental teams with recommendations.
• Provide direct customer service to retailers as needed. Return phone calls and emails promptly exhibiting the willingness and expertise to answer questions and resolve issues as presented.
• Identify and execute (with management support) potential special projects that will add value to the department or company.

What You Need To Succeed:

• Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience in architectural design and retail merchandise planning
• Demonstrated understanding of interior retail/fixture design, electrical & lighting configuration, ADA requirements, building codes, & exterior design
• Demonstrated understanding of retail industry trends, consumer purchase behavior, and basic merchandising techniques
• Demonstrated innovative and forward-thinking enhancements to the design process
• Desire to lead and progress a team to drive efficiency and minimize lead time in projects
• Quality focused and detail-oriented
• Creative and inspiring design strength
• Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines
• Experience managing and coordinating with external consultants, including architectural, interior and others.
• Ability to connect cross-functionally and influence others
• Strong written/verbal communication skills with an aptitude for influencing and selling
• Ability to work and think independently

#LI-JK1
Compensation Details:
$88400 - $110700 per year
Why should you join our team?
We live our values - W.E.L.I.G.H.T (Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, and Teamwork). Gratitude. Humility. Love. You don't often see values like these in most corporate statements, but Ace is different. These things are important to us. They represent our commitment to the company, our employees, to Ace retailers and to the Ace brand.
In addition to providing our employees a great culture, Ace also offers competitive benefits* that address life's necessities and perks, many of which expand and improve year after year, including:

• 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

* Benefits are provided in compliance with applicable policies.
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When most people think of career opportunities with Ace Hardware, they often think of the helpful cashiers and sales associates at their local store. However, have you also considered the people behind the scenes who select, promote, ship and process the invoices for more than 75,000 products? Maybe you haven't, but we'd like you to. Because together we help our customers take care of their homes. Come find out why a career with the Ace Hardware Corporation is one of America's best kept secrets.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ace Hardware Corporation is committed to a policy of promoting equal employment opportunities. The company recognizes the importance of diversity and leveraging the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization. The company is committed to the prevention of employment discrimination related to race, religion, color, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.
Disclaimer
The pay range for this position starts as listed in the job posting, but could be higher based on education and experience. Please note, compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each opening. We take into consideration the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, such as an individual's education, training and experience, the position's work location, required travel (if any), and external market conditions when determining the final salary for potential new hires.
Be aware that salary estimates published via alternate online job boards may not be a true representation of the actual pay range offered for this position. Please refer to the Ace position description for the accurate starting pay range information and feel free to discuss this with a Talent Acquisition professional if you are chosen to move forward with an interview.
This written "Position Description" is not intended to cover all aspects of the position listed. It is meant to cover the basic/general essential job functions of a particular position. Ace Hardware Corporation reserves the right to change job duties, including essential job functions, according to business necessity.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.