Merchandising Specialist - Merchandising & Marketing Operations, Store Support Center, Lenexa, KS - Full-time / Part-time

Job Title:    Merchandising Specialist (Merchandising & Marketing Operations)
Department:    Merchandising & Marketing Operations
Reports To:    Merchandising and Marketing Operations Manager
Exemption Status:    Exempt (Salary)

About Westlake Ace Hardware
Ace Retail Holdings, the division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates the Westlake Ace Hardware chain, is one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States.  Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, Westlake Ace Hardware has been in operation for over a century and operates over 150 neighborhood stores located throughout the United States.  Great people make Westlake 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 founded on (and still led by) our solid Core Values of: 
Service, Passion, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence

General Job Summary                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
The Merchandising Specialist provides administrative/organizational support for the Merchandising & Marketing Operations Team, as well as, the Category Management team. The Merchandising Specialist plays an integral role in communicating with ACE Corporate and other retail partners to ensure accurate program execution for key marketing programs.  This individual works with stores, vendors and marketing partners to ensure accurate program and promo execution at retail.  The Merchandising Specialist must function successfully under the idea that retail is detail.  The ability to tackle and progress multiple tasks and projects congruently is crucial.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities   

As a member of the Marketing Operations Team, this position supports day-to-day activities for the successful execution of both ACE and Westlake promotions.

•    This position is the key support role in ongoing development and execution of marketing vehicles including circulars, direct mail, digital/social efforts and in-store promotions.
•    Work with the ACE team on creation of Westlake bulletins for monthly promotional efforts.  Transfer Westlake bulletin line lists into Promo Manager to support monthly ordering activities.
•    Serve as the liaison for ACE Advertising materials, managing schedules and ensuring deliverables are received.  Provide feedback to the ACE team on opportunities for improvements within the process.  Prep materials for monthly planning meetings and lead certain sections within those planning meetings.
•    Manage all advertising partner communication including transmission of circular proofs and SKU details as well as vendor detail for non-ACE directed initiatives.  Manage the Drop Box environment in support of ad partner activities.  Support the flow of communication on a monthly basis with our marketing partners around the country.
•    Enter data into the promotions system and perform quality checks within said promotions, striving toward a cleaner first proof.
•    Play an active role in the proofing of marketing materials prior to distribution and test events prior to going live in an attempt to curtail any potential promo issues.
•    Address Zoho tickets that are submitted by a store(s) and assigned to the Promo Team.  Partner with Inventory Management, Marketing, Category Management and/or the Information Technology Teams to research and resolve said issues.  This also involves prepping communication about the resolution back out to the store(s) along with any necessary action the store(s) need to take as part of the fix.
This position is also a key participant on several smaller product planning teams within Merchandising.  These teams manage ongoing product programs and presentations, launch new category growth initiatives, and work closely with vendors to ensure availability of merchandise for our stores.  For someone interested in a career in product management or buying, this is a great opportunity to understand the key skills needed for these types of roles.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
•    Support the development of strong vendor partnerships, with prompt response and resolution to vendor issues and opportunities.
•    Maintain accurate product level information including SKU, UPC, cost, style, model number and information in the Merchandise Management System.
•    Maintain accurate vendor information systematically.
•    Promptly respond to and troubleshoot individual store issues in conjunction with the appropriate Category Manager, Marketing counterpart, and/or vendor as needed.
•    Play a key support role in the ongoing development and execution of product rollouts and presentations in new stores/markets.
•    Contact vendors to resolve discrepancies with orders, receipts, packing slips, etc.
•    Use Business Intelligence Software to generate reporting.
•    Participate in cross-functional projects as required for overall continuous improvement.
•    Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
Other Essential Requirements
Ability to exhibit and incorporate our Core Values into daily decisions and interactions with others:
o    SERVICE – Amaze our customers, our associates, and our communities by delivering on our helpful promise.
o    PASSION – Showing our love for the work we do, our customers, and our associates.
o    RESPECT – A humble appreciation that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes us a stronger and better company and that every person is unique and valued.
o    INTEGRITY – An authentic commitment to moral and ethical behavior.
o    TEAMWORK – Together we can achieve extraordinary things.
o    EXCELLENCE– A disciplined approach to achieve outstanding results through continuous improvement.

Minimum Skills, Requirements and Qualifications
•    Bachelor’s Degree preferred, or equivalent work experience.
•    Interest or class work in Merchandising or Buying a plus.
•    Working knowledge of Excel with knowledge of intermediate level skills (charts, VLookUps and data manipulation, macro execution) a strong plus.
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills.
•    Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic business environment.
•    Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail. 
•    Ability to work independently, be highly self-motivated.
•    Excellent people and organizational skills.
•    Analytical thinker, team player, customer-focused, business minded.
•    Travel as required.
•    Standing, walking, lifting (up to 25lbs) and climbing.
 

Compensation Details

$50000 - 55000 / year

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.