**The Job** The **Store Systems Consultant** is responsible for providing support to Ace retail locations by delivery of consistent training that furthers improved execution of retail processes and procedures which lead to operational excellence and enhancement of the store model. This position is considered a subject matter expert in all facets of operating an existing Ace retail store (people, inventory, and financial management) as well as what is needed to ensure the success of a new Ace store including New Investors, Branch Outs, Conversions and Change of Ownerships. The Store Systems Consultant will work with existing retailers to improve operations and the store model. The Store Systems Consultant will also work with new investors both before their store opens to teach them business foundational skills and processes and after the store opens to assess progress and set them up for continued success. The Store Systems Consultant will also be able to handle multiple types of training engagements at different functional levels. Such as analyzing business trends, financials, metrics, and store environments to identify opportunities for improving performance within their assigned territories. The Store Systems Consultant will readily share information supportive of process and documentation improvements. **What you’ll do:** + **Delivers Field Training** - Delivers training to Ace store owners, managers, and associates to drive retailer business results. Conducts training that motivates, builds competencies, and improves store performance and contributions to their store results. Leads medium-sized engagements (single or multi-store), which are considered normal difficulty and with moderate risk. Will handle engagements that include “bolt on” software packages such as Retailer Soft Inventory or Margin Master. Training may be delivered in person or through virtual platforms. + **New Business Requirements** – Coach and support new stores at Ace by working closely with New Business Retailers to ensure their successful onboarding and set-up, in accordance to established Ace Best Practices, of their most valuable asset, inventory from day 1. Mitigate risk to both the owner and Ace by using a standardized approach to new store start-up and tailoring it to each specific situation. Instruct owners on the Ace model of Inventory Management using specific stores' POS and Inventory Management systems. Typical issues include System set-up, RSO, PSO, Mango, ICM, In stock position, and inventory accuracy. + **Serves as an operations expert** – Expert and consultant on Ace’s standards, management tools, Ace supported POS systems and training systems to maximize operational excellence. Stays current on operational standards, systems, procedures, and resources to enhance the ability to provide leadership and maximize business results. Provides input to internal partners to ensure training remains relevant and continues to drive continuous improvement. + **Builds Solid Relationships** – Creates a partnership with Retail Ops, Retailers, and Store Managers, that stimulates transfer of training, return on training investment, and improves store results. Creates trust when delivering training and is viewed as a trusted advisor to those receiving training. **What you will need:** + Minimum 5 years’ experience + Has a thorough understanding of Ace Hardware Corporation and operational initiatives + In-depth knowledge of accepted Ace Best Practices (AWOR) + Ability to work remotely with various corporate departments. + A working knowledge of the operational aspects of a retail store, preferably through direct experience + Has an in-depth knowledge of the Activant Eagle for Windows systems + A working knowledge of Retailer Soft’s bolt-on software + Strong facilitation/presentation skills. Ability to deliver training in a store, virtual setting or classroom setting + Ability to consult, influence, and coach adult learners + Ability to think outside of the box + Strong organization, planning, and time management skills + Outstanding interpersonal skills to engage with others, solid negotiating and conflict resolutions resolution abilities + Able to foster teamwork and collaboration. Can motivate others, both internal and external, to perform enthusiastically + Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as attention to detail and follow up + Self-managing, self-motivating, open-minded; comfortable working with an off-site manager + Skilled in negotiations and conflict resolution. Ability to recognize strengths and weaknesses and coach accordingly + Problem-solving: strong analytical and problem-solving skills + Excellent PC skills, including skilled knowledge of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, & Outlook, Smartsheet, as well as various MS Operating Systems + Ability to travel extensively 80-90% **Compensation Details:** $100900- $126100 per year \#LI-CS1 **Why should you join our team?** We live our values - W.E.L.I.G.H.T (Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, and Teamwork). Gratitude. Humility. Love. You don’t often see values like these in most corporate statements, but Ace is different. These things are important to us. They represent our commitment to the company, our employees, to Ace retailers and to the Ace brand. In addition to providing our employees a great culture, Ace also offers competitive benefits* that address life’s necessities and perks, many of which expand and improve year after year, including: + Incentive opportunities, based on role/grade level (rapid company growth over the past 5 years resulted in incentives being paid out at an average of 122% of your target opportunity!) + Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year in addition to quarterly contributions and annual discretionary contribution (once eligibility requirements have been met). Over the past 5 years, company contributions (matching, quarterly & discretionary) for fully eligible employees have averaged 9.6% of total eligible compensation + Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision and disability – up to 26 weeks short-term disability and long-term 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 + Company Car, phone and fuel card are provided for field-based positions + Your career at Ace is more than just a job. It’s a chance to be part of something meaningful. We help locally-owned businesses thrive and make an impact in their communities – and we support our employees in doing the same by offering an 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 + Ace invests in every employee we hire, with a key focus on development and coaching. We offer on-site classes, facilitator-led courses, and a generous tuition assistance program, plus a performance management approach that goes beyond the typical annual review + We know the work environment matters. That’s why Ace holds frequent campus events like Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise sales + We bring them to you! Services such as mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, recycling and more! + Employee discounts on Ace merchandise (including top brands like Weber, Traeger, Yeti, Craftsman, DeWalt and more), 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 _* Benefits are provided in compliance with applicable plans and policies._ **Want to be notified when new jobs are posted? Follow the link below to create an account and set up custom job alerts:** Create Job Alert (https://acehardware.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/jobAlerts) **We want to hear from you!** When most people think of career opportunities with Ace Hardware, they often think of the helpful cashiers and sales associates at their local store. However, have you also considered the people behind the scenes who select, promote, ship and process the invoices for more than 75,000 products? Maybe you haven't, but we'd like you to. Because together we help our customers take care of their homes. Come find out why a career with the Ace Hardware Corporation is one of America's best kept secrets. **Equal Opportunity Employer** Ace Hardware Corporation 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 or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws. **Disclaimer** _The pay range for this position starts as listed in the job posting, but could be higher based on education and experience. Please note, compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each opening. We take into consideration the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, such as an individual’s education, training and experience, the position’s work location, required travel (if any), and external market conditions when determining the final salary for potential new hires._ _Be aware that salary estimates published via alternate online job boards may not be a true representation of the actual pay range offered for this position. Please refer to the Ace position description for the accurate starting pay range information and feel free to discuss this with a Talent Acquisition professional if you are chosen to move forward with an interview._ _This written “Position Description” is not intended to cover all aspects of the position listed. It is meant to cover the basic/general essential job functions of a particular position. Ace Hardware Corporation reserves the right to change job duties, including essential job functions, according to business necessity._ Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,800 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 60 countries. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S. and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; and Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico. Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the helpful hardware folks. For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com.