📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Marketing Manager
🔹 Company: Ace Hardware
🔹 Location: Oak Brook, Illinois
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-07
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Overseeing day-to-day operations of the Ace Rewards direct mail channel
- Managing complex workflows and ensuring timely execution
- Collaborating cross-functionally with various teams to streamline processes
- Contributing strategically to enhance program performance
- Working closely with Analytics, Creative Services, IT, Finance, Consumer Marketing, and external partners
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to manage multiple stakeholders and complex projects.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Provide day-to-day management of 100M+ direct mail (dm)/year creative and print process for Ace Rewards mailers
✅ Responsible for strategy (dm and digital) and execution (dm) of campaigns such as Targeted Offer, Earned Rewards, Birthday and New Mover
✅ Responsible for executing the dm strategy for Premier, Core and New Members
✅ Work cross-functionally with Promosystems to assure promotional barcodes are requested and that all national promotions are represented accurately in direct mail channel
✅ Collaborate with Analytics, Promosystems and Creative teams to guarantee that Ace Rewards Exclusives and all other offers are being promoted 100% accurately in direct mail channel
✅ Work with Direct Mail Manager to plan and execute direct mail tests for program refinement as well as other complex projects
✅ Respond to internal and external (Care Center/Retailers/Consumers/Field/etc) Ace Rewards questions
✅ Oversee preparation of monthly reporting content for all direct mail campaigns, vendor meetings and ad hoc requests
✅ Review and approve monthly billing/invoices and seek cost savings opportunities within the direct mail channel
✅ Manage Ace Rewards new member applications and key fob cards
✅ Write Acenet articles as needed to communicate new initiatives, changes and announcements about the Ace Rewards program
✅ Review and Manage all Ace Rewards signage inventory on Ace Marketing Muscle. Update creative as necessary as the program changes throughout the year following the Brand Guidelines for Consumer Marketing
✅ Keep a pulse on the marketplace and other best in class retailers. Have a comprehensive understanding of our competition and other loyalty programs, as well as new ideas that can be tested
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of multitasking, prioritization, and adaptability to manage various projects and stakeholders effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing/Advertising or related discipline
Experience: A minimum of 3 years of progressive Marketing/Advertising Experience
Required Skills:
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to build effective partner relationships
- Demonstrated track record in managing program promotions
- Proven project management experience
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Excellent written/verbal communication skills
- Previous direct mail experience (a plus)
- Previous customer service/client relations experience (a plus)
- Proficient in MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access
Preferred Skills:
- Previous loyalty program experience
- Proven ability to multi-task projects, meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced and very fluid environment
- Ability to work cross-functionally with other team members and retailers
- Ability to problem solve with IT related problems/concerns
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant industry experience and a proven track record in managing complex marketing projects will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $86,700 - $108,550 Per Year
Benefits:
- Incentive opportunities, based on role/grade level
- Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year in addition to quarterly contributions and annual discretionary contribution
- Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision and 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
- 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
- On-site classes, facilitator-led courses, and a generous tuition assistance program, plus a performance management approach that goes beyond the typical annual review
- Frequent campus events, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise sales
- Mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, recycling and more!
- Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, 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
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Marketing Manager role with 3-5 years of experience in the retail sector. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1924
Company Description:
- Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,500 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 70 countries.
- Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S. and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; and Santa Catarina, Mexico.
- Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the helpful hardware folks.
Company Specialties:
- Information Technology
- Supply Chain
- Consumer Marketing
- Customer Care
- E-Commerce
- Ace Hardware Foundation
- Ace International Holdings
- Retail Operations
- Merchandising
- Ace Handyman Services
- Emery Jensen Distribution
- Ace Home Services
- Accounting & Finance
- and Retail Support / Distribution Centers
Company Website: http://www.acehardware.com
ASSUMPTION: Ace Hardware is a well-established company with a strong brand presence and a commitment to community involvement. They offer a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level Marketing Manager
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Marketing Manager or Director of Marketing.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with flexible work hours and the opportunity for remote work on an as-needed basis.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Senior Marketing Manager or Director role with experience and strong performance
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Access to professional development resources and training programs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression and the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that drive business results.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a modern, collaborative work environment
Office Location(s): 2915 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523, US
Geographic Context:
- Oak Brook is a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, with a population of approximately 8,000 people
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to major highways and public transportation
- Oak Brook is known for its high-quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and abundant recreational opportunities
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with the opportunity for flexible hours and remote work
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Ace Hardware's headquarters is collaborative, supportive, and focused on employee growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and potential team members
- Final interview with the Senior Marketing Manager or Director of Marketing
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Marketing and advertising experience
- Project management skills
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing and project management experience
- Showcase your ability to manage complex projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Ace Rewards program and the retail hardware industry
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and collaboration abilities
ATS Keywords: Marketing Manager, Direct Mail, Project Management, Collaboration, Retail, Hardware, Ace Rewards, Loyalty Program, Customer Service, Client Relations
ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Ace Hardware is designed to assess the candidate's marketing and project management skills, as well as their ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Marketing automation and CRM platforms (e.g., Marketo, Salesforce)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Direct mail software (e.g., Pitney Bowes, Neopost, Canon)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard marketing and project management tools is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Winning
- Excellence
- Love
- Integrity
- Gratitude
- Humility
- Teamwork
Work Style:
- Collaborative and supportive team environment
- Fast-paced and dynamic work culture
- Focus on continuous improvement and innovation
- Strong emphasis on customer service and community involvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate your commitment to the company's values in your daily work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt quickly to a changing work environment or project scope?
- How do you approach working with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Ace Hardware's core values and demonstrate a strong work ethic, adaptability, and collaborative spirit will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing complex workflows and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Collaborating effectively with multiple stakeholders, including external vendors and retailers
- Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in direct mail marketing
- Navigating a large, matrixed organization with multiple reporting lines
- Balancing the need for creativity and innovation with brand guidelines and regulatory compliance
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Marketing Manager or Senior Marketing Manager position in a retail or consumer goods company, with a focus on direct mail marketing and project management
- Unlike other marketing roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the retail hardware industry and the Ace Rewards loyalty program
- Career progression in this role may lead to a Senior Marketing Manager or Director role within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of marketing and project management experience, with a focus on the retail hardware industry and the Ace Rewards loyalty program.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing the direct mail strategy for a major promotional campaign, such as the Ace Rewards Birthday or New Mover mailer
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and execute a targeted offer campaign, such as the Ace Rewards Earned Rewards promotion
- Working with the Analytics team to analyze direct mail campaign performance and identify opportunities for improvement and optimization
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and collaborative opportunities available in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and reporting lines for this role?
- How does this role collaborate with other marketing teams and departments within the company?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Ace Rewards program, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of direct mail campaigns, and how are they tracked and reported?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role's responsibilities, team dynamics, and the company's commitment to employee growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing and project management experience
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and collaboration abilities
- Research the Ace Rewards program and the retail hardware industry to demonstrate your understanding of the role and company
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
