About Ace Retail Holdings

Ace Retail Holdings (ARH), the division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates the Great Lakes and Westlake Ace Hardware chains, is one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States.  ARH has been in operation for over a century and operates over 220 neighborhood stores located throughout the United States.  Great people make ARH stand out in our industry, and we are looking for individuals who strive for personal and professional growth, and who want to work with a company dedicated to serving our customers and communities.

Service, Passion, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence

Job Title:    Marketing Specialist
Department:    Marketing
Reports To:    Senior Manager, Marketing & Community Relations
Exemption Status:    Exempt (Salaried)
    
About Ace Retail Holdings
Ace Retail Holdings (ARH), the division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates the Great Lakes and Westlake Ace Hardware chains, is one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States.  ARH has been in operation for over a century and operates over 220 neighborhood stores located throughout the United States.  Great people make ARH stand out in our industry, and we are looking for individuals who strive for personal and professional growth, and who want to work with a company dedicated to serving our customers and communities.

General Job Summary                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The Marketing Specialist will be responsible for managing the marketing activities, event planning and project management related to store growth, product category events and customer appreciation events. The ideal candidate must have the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines, collaborate with colleagues, and have strong oral and written communication skills. The Marketing Specialist will be responsible for regular communications with a variety of internal departments, including Marketing, Merchandising, Operations, Finance, Legal and Accounting departments, store teams as well as external partners such as vendors and community organizations.

Additionally, this role will assist with the development and execution of marketing strategies, campaigns and promotions through demonstrated project management for assorted business segments or brands.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
•    Assist with planning a wide variety of in-store event experiences, including company-wide grill and power tool demos, grand openings, open houses, children’s craft events and customer appreciation events.
•    Proactively participate in every step of the event planning process, from project tracking, managing timelines, to providing post-event evaluation.
•    Create event plan and execution communications directed to both internal and external audiences.
•    Escalate and mitigate risks and challenges with each event.
•    Track and manage event-related expenses to ensure that projects are on budget and report spend-to-date to key stakeholders.
•    Create and edit simple digital graphics such as social posts and Event Execution Guides.
•    Communicate efficiently with product representatives, as well as third-party vendors such as food trucks, face painters, sign installers, etc. 
•    Work jointly with product marketing managers and category managers on events for key categories, including BBQ, power and pet. 
•    Provide recaps with ROI analysis to evaluate performance of marketing tactics. This includes providing on-going communication and project status information to all functional partners, managing and responding to inquiries, providing consistent, updated information and keeping programs on track and on budget.       
•    Partner with creative team to develop digital graphics and print graphics (social posts, banners, in-store and event signage)
•    Assist with the development and execution of marketing strategies, product category strategy, planning strategy and execution of tactics for select product categories and sales events.
•    Collaborate and work cross-functionally with the Merchandising, Store Operations, Accounting and Legal teams to coordinate efforts where necessary.
•    Enthusiastically participating in an “all hands-on deck” team environment, with a focus on creative approaches to create solutions.
•    Additional marketing duties as assigned.  

Minimum Skills, Requirements and Qualifications
•    Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business, Journalism or related field.
•    1-2 years of related experience preferred or equivalent experience (project management, marketing, event planning and coordination).
•    Strong organization and project management/planning skills with the ability to set priorities and work on multiple projects and events simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Adapts easily to changing situations and demonstrates flexibility in juggling priorities.
•    Experience and understanding of fast-paced retail industry.
•    Team-oriented. Thrives working in a highly collaborative environment, but also able to work independently.
•    Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Office applications and project management software.
•    1-3 years experience with Adobe Creative Suite and/or Canva.
•    Strong attention to detail and highly organized.
•    Superior oral, written and presentation skills.
•    High level of accountability and comfortable following up with colleagues.
•    Ability to work with a team of diverse stakeholders – Marketing, Merchandising, Operations, Finance, Accounting, store teams, vendors.
•    Diplomatic, assertive, articulate, persuasive, flexible, and confident; an enthusiastic leader who demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail in producing quality work.
•    A customer experience champion, with the ability to see from the consumer perspective and serve as their advocate.
•    Travel as required for store events.
•    Standing, walking, lifting (up to 50lbs) and climbing.

Compensation Details

47000/year

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Equal Opportunity Employer
Westlake Ace Hardware 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 discharge, or any other action covered by federal or state laws.