📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Category Marketing Specialist - Hybrid
🔹 Company: Ace Hardware
🔹 Location: Oak Brook, Illinois
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-11
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving sales growth of battery-powered outdoor power equipment and sustainable product categories
- Managing and expanding strategic partnerships with vendors, municipalities, and environmental agencies
- Executing marketing plans and facilitating cross-functional collaboration
- Conducting category research and consumer insights analysis
- Managing financial processes and sales reporting
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, relationship building, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have experience in marketing, partnerships, and financial processes.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Maintain proficiency of evolving state and regional outdoor power equipment regulatory and financial incentive programs
✅ Manage and expand existing partnerships while cultivating new strategic alliances
✅ Champion Ace’s value proposition and secure program participation from retailers and vendors
✅ Manage all internal/external communications and facilitate cross-functional collaboration
✅ Conduct in-person and virtual presentations at retailer group meetings to engage, train, and onboard new retailers
✅ Oversee the end-to-end management and reporting of financial-related activities
✅ Contribute to the development of strategic projects and execution of marketing plans
✅ Conduct thorough category research and gather consumer insights
✅ Manage the execution of all experiential in-store events
✅ Proofread and ensure accuracy of creative assets for FF4 categories across multiple marketing channels
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, relationship management, and operational tasks. Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills are essential for success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred
Experience: 5+ years of professional business experience
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to manage and execute complex programs
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
- Ability to analyze data, identify problems, and develop effective solutions
- Exceptional customer service and relationship building skills
- Ability to thrive in a challenging environment
Preferred Skills:
- Knowledge of gas outdoor power equipment regulations and battery equipment sales incentives
- Familiarity with the outdoor power equipment industry (brands, products, market dynamics)
ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the role, candidates should have a strong background in marketing, partnerships, and financial processes. Relevant industry experience is a plus.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $86,700 - $108,500 per year
Benefits:
- Incentive opportunities
- Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Comprehensive health coverage
- 21 days of vacation immediately available and up to 6 paid holidays
- Company car, phone, and fuel card for field-based positions
- Annual Ace Cares Week, 20 hours off work per year to volunteer, 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
- Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, travel, fitness, computers, and thousands more
- Birth/adoption bonding paid time off and adoption cost reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Identity theft protection
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid roles
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a marketing specialist role with 5-10 years of experience. Benefits are comprehensive and competitive for the retail industry.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail, specifically hardware and home improvement
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1924
Company Description:
- 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, with distribution centers in the U.S. and internationally
- Known for its helpful hardware folks and commitment to local communities
Company Specialties:
- Information Technology
- Supply Chain
- Consumer Marketing
- Customer Care
- E-Commerce
- Retail Operations
- Merchandising
- Accounting & Finance
- Retail Support / Distribution Centers
Company Website: www.acehardware.com
ASSUMPTION: Ace Hardware is a well-established, global retailer with a strong focus on local communities and customer service. Its extensive network of distribution centers enables efficient product delivery and inventory management.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level marketing specialist role with potential for growth within the marketing department or into management
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Manager, Category Marketing
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement within the marketing department or into management
- Expansion of responsibilities to include additional product categories or regions
- Potential to lead strategic projects or teams
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within a large, established organization. Success in this role may lead to increased responsibilities or management opportunities.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a mix of open and private workspaces
Office Location(s): 2915 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523, US
Geographic Context:
- Oak Brook is a suburb of Chicago, Illinois
- Convenient access to major highways and public transportation
- Surrounded by residential neighborhoods and retail stores
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid roles
ASSUMPTION: The Oak Brook office offers a professional work environment with easy access to amenities and public transportation. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility for employees to balance their work and personal lives.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with a Talent Acquisition professional
- Behavioral and situational interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with the Senior Manager, Category Marketing
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex programs
- Communication and presentation skills
- Customer service and relationship building skills
- Financial processes management and sales reporting
- Cultural fit and alignment with Ace Hardware’s values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant marketing, partnerships, and financial processes experience in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, communication, and customer service abilities
- Research Ace Hardware’s values and be prepared to discuss how you align with them
ATS Keywords: Marketing, partnerships, financial processes, sales reporting, customer service, relationship building, problem-solving, strategic planning, category management, consumer insights, event planning
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate’s problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit. Demonstrating relevant experience and providing specific examples of past successes will be crucial for securing the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI)
- Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM software, and project management tools. Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools, as well as presentation software, is also beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Winning
- Excellence
- Love
- Integrity
- Gratitude
- Humility
- Teamwork
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement
- Adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Customer-focused and committed to providing exceptional service
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate Ace’s value of Love in your daily work?
- How do you handle working with multiple teams and stakeholders, as highlighted in the Teamwork value?
- How do you approach continuous learning and improvement, as emphasized in the Excellence value?
ASSUMPTION: Ace Hardware values a collaborative, customer-focused, and results-driven work environment. Candidates should be able to demonstrate alignment with these values and provide specific examples of how they embody them in their work.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Balancing strategic planning with operational tasks
- Navigating a large, complex organization with multiple stakeholders
- Adapting to changes in regulations, market dynamics, and consumer behavior
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other marketing specialist roles, this position places a greater emphasis on partnerships, financial processes, and regulatory knowledge
- Industry-specific context requires familiarity with outdoor power equipment regulations and battery equipment sales incentives
- Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for growth within the marketing department or into management, with potential to lead strategic projects or teams
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other marketing specialist positions, its unique focus on partnerships, financial processes, and regulatory knowledge sets it apart. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate relevant experience and expertise in these areas.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a marketing plan to drive sales growth of battery-powered outdoor power equipment
- Managing a strategic partnership with a major vendor to secure program participation and maximize contributions
- Conducting consumer insights research and analysis to inform marketing strategy and product development
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, operational, and analytical aspects of the role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and provide specific examples of their approach and outcomes.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the marketing department?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments, such as merchandising, ecommerce, and field staff?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
- How does Ace Hardware support the growth and development of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates the candidate’s interest in the role and commitment to success. These questions also provide valuable insights into the work environment and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant marketing, partnerships, and financial processes experience
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, communication, and customer service abilities
- Research Ace Hardware’s values and be prepared to discuss how you align with them
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview 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.
