Emery Jensen Distribution is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ace Hardware Corporation that distributes hardware & home improvement products to the independent Pro Lumber, Paint, Hardware, and E-retailer customer segments.The Merchandising Program Manager working with the Director of Merchandising sets strategy and executes budgeted goals for their specific merchandising department (e.g. paint, tools, hardware, LG, etc.) for Emery Jensen Distribution (or Ace Wholesale Holdings). Each Merchandising Program Manager is responsible for the following:selection of vendors and items,the pricing of items at Emery Jensen sell price and dealer retail markets,the development of assortments, programs, and products for pro, hardware, paint, e-comm and B2B customers, andthe negotiating of vendor programs and the development of promotional offerings. The Merchandising Program Manager works hand in hand with the appropriate sales team members (as well as direct to customer/retailer) to drive successful sell-thru of these programs and promotions. The position provides leadership within the organization via a thorough understanding of the competitive marketplace, trends & opportunities for Emery Jensen customers to grow via differentiated assortment, and the ability to articulate and drive an action plan to execution.Key Activities or Accountabilities:Strategy and Business PlanningProgram DevelopmentCross Functional Relationships Financial ManagementPromotional PlanningConvention PlanningRetailer CommunicationTeam management (based on category responsibility)Skills Needed:Product passion – Natural and fanatical curiosity around product and retail marketplace, demonstrated and put into action. Convertible to multiple categories based on changes in responsibilities.Strategic thinking – Ability to envision, create and present strategy to drive disruptive wholesale and/or retail growth in category sales and profitResults-oriented – Ability to drive results to and above plan with full accountability, proactively shifting efforts as trends and business variables changeLeadership – Demonstrated and active leadership across the organization, vendors and retailers as authority in respective category. Superior problem-solving skills.Negotiation skills – Superior negotiation skills with proven results leveraging company scale, business drivers and strategiesPresentation skills – Ability to plan, assemble and present with excellence strategy, execution and updates to leadership, across the organization, vendors and retailersExperience and Technical Requirements7+ years of business experience3+ years managing product categoriesExcellent problem-solving skills requiredExcellent interpersonal skills requiredUnderstand financial measures that impacts corporationDemonstrate strong decision-making skillsHighly creative, flexible and adaptable with good follow-throughVersatility to shift category responsibility every 3-5 yearsProven ability to multi-task projects and meet deadlinesExcellent verbal and written communication skills Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Power Point,Knowledge of PCM, SAP and guided Ad-hoc reporting toolsAbility to travel 25% of timeCompensation Details:$132000 - $145000Why 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 / Emery Jensen Distribution 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 3 years resulted in incentives being paid out above 106.6% of your target opportunity!)Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year and annual discretionary contribution (once eligibility requirements have been met). Over the past 3 years, company contributions (matching & discretionary) for fully eligible employees have averaged 7.3% 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 dependents21 days of vacation immediately available (prorated in the first year) and up to 6 paid holidays depending on the month of hireYour 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 FoundationAce 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 reviewWe know the work environment matters. That’s why Ace holds frequent campus events like Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise salesWe 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 moreBirth/Adoption bonding paid time offAdoption cost reimbursementEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to free visits to therapists and lawyers, guidance on financial matters, elder and childcare, and assistance with tickets to entertainment eventsIdentity 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 AlertWe want to hear from you!Emery Jensen Distribution delivers wholesale products and best-in-class service to independent retailers in the Pro Lumber Yards, Home Centers, Paint, Hardware Stores, Decorating Stores, and E-retailer space. Our goal is to support sustainable and profitable growth for our customers by offering the broadest assortments, best pricing, and most knowledgeable team. We have national scale, a regional focus and the commitment to serve our customers and support each other. Come find out why a career with Emery Jensen Distribution is right for you.Equal Opportunity EmployerEmery Jensen Distribution 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.DisclaimerThe 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 Emery Jensen Distribution 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. Emery Jensen Distribution reserves the right to change job duties, including essential job functions, according to business necessity.It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.