📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Specialist - CRM Direct Mail
🔹 Company: Ace Hardware
🔹 Location: Oak Brook, Illinois
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-18
🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing day-to-day operations of Ace Rewards direct mail channel
- Collaborating with internal teams and external vendors
- Executing direct mail campaigns and managing barcodes
- Assisting with monthly reporting and billing functions
- Responding to internal and external inquiries about Ace Rewards
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong attention to detail, multitasking skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. It also involves cross-functional collaboration and vendor coordination.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage day-to-day operations of Ace Rewards direct mail channel
✅ Collaborate with internal teams (Creative Services, IT, Finance, Consumer Marketing) and external vendors
✅ Execute direct mail campaigns, including planning, writing creative briefs, refining creative, obtaining approvals, and proofing
✅ Manage barcodes and spreadsheets, create direct mail Promo IDs, and update monthly execution guides
✅ Manage Ace Rewards exclusives and other promotions flowing through the direct mail channel
✅ Complete monthly billing functions for the direct mail channel
✅ Assist with Ace Rewards signage inventory and update creative as necessary
✅ Help with monthly reporting content, vendor meetings, and ad-hoc requests
✅ Respond to internal and external inquiries about Ace Rewards
✅ Support team with ad-hoc projects as needed
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of administrative, creative, and analytical tasks. It requires strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related discipline
Experience: A minimum of 1 year of marketing or customer service experience
Required Skills:
- Attention to detail
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work cross-functionally with other teams and departments
- Previous direct mail experience (a plus)
- Proficiency with MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with CRM systems
- Knowledge of the hardware industry
ASSUMPTION: While direct mail experience is preferred, the company is willing to train the right candidate with a strong marketing background and a keen eye for detail.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $65,000 - $81,000 per year
Benefits:
- Incentive opportunities
- Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, and disability)
- 21 days of vacation immediately available and up to 6 paid holidays
- Volunteer time off, tuition assistance, employee discounts, and more
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a marketing specialist role with 0-2 years of experience in the retail industry.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail (Hardware)
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1924
Company Description:
- Largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world
- Over 5,500 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 70 countries
- Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois
Company Specialties:
- Information Technology
- Supply Chain
- Consumer Marketing
- Customer Care
- E-Commerce
- Retail Operations
- Merchandising
- and Retail Support / Distribution Centers
Company Website: http://www.acehardware.com
ASSUMPTION: Ace Hardware is a well-established company with a strong presence in the hardware retail industry. It offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for career growth.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level marketing role
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Ace Marketing Manager
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a marketing manager role
- Opportunities to work on various campaigns and projects
- Chance to gain experience in a retail environment
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth within the marketing department and the broader organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters
Office Location(s): 2915 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523, US
Geographic Context:
- Oak Brook is a suburb of Chicago, Illinois
- Close proximity to shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Easy access to public transportation
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with a focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- On-site interview with the hiring manager and potential team members
- Final interview with the director of marketing
Key Assessment Areas:
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Cultural fit
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant marketing experience and achievements
- Tailor your resume to emphasize skills and experiences relevant to this role
- Prepare examples of your ability to manage projects and meet deadlines
ATS Keywords: Marketing Specialist, Direct Mail, CRM, Campaign Management, Barcode Management, Marketing Coordinator, Marketing Associate
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and experiences throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365)
- Direct mail software (e.g., Pitney Bowes, Quadient)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the marketing industry and can be learned on the job if necessary.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Winning
- Excellence
- Love
- Integrity
- Gratitude
- Humility
- Teamwork
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Fast-paced
- Results-driven
- Customer-focused
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you detail-oriented and able to manage multiple priorities?
- Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally?
ASSUMPTION: Ace Hardware values a positive, collaborative work environment and seeks candidates who are a good cultural fit with the company's values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Managing multiple priorities and tight deadlines
- Collaborating with various internal teams and external vendors
- Adapting to changes in the direct mail channel and campaign strategies
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers many opportunities for growth and learning, it also presents challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to work well under pressure.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Marketing Coordinator - Direct Mail (Retail Industry)
- Similar responsibilities and required skills
- Potentially more focus on administrative tasks and less on campaign strategy
- May have less exposure to cross-functional collaboration
- Marketing Specialist - CRM (Technology Industry)
- Similar required skills and responsibilities
- Potentially more focus on digital marketing and less on direct mail
- May have more exposure to data analysis and CRM software
- Marketing Manager - CRM (Retail Industry)
- Similar required skills and responsibilities
- Potentially more focus on strategic planning and team management
- May have less exposure to day-to-day campaign execution
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of marketing, project management, and customer service skills, with a focus on direct mail and CRM systems.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing a direct mail campaign from start to finish, including planning, execution, and analysis
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to refine creative and obtain final approvals
- Implementing a new barcode management system to improve efficiency and accuracy
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from campaign management to process improvement.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the direct mail channel, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role collaborate with other marketing teams and departments?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the marketing department and the broader organization?
- How does Ace Hardware support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company's long-term vision for the Ace Rewards program, and how does this role contribute to that vision?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions help candidates better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant marketing experience and skills
- Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your qualifications
- Prepare examples of your ability to manage projects and meet deadlines
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
