Retail Development Project Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Iowa, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Lead, develop, and oversee retail growth initiatives, including expansions, relocations, renovations, conversions, and new store openings.

• Act as the main point of contact and trusted advisor for independent Ace retailers throughout the entire project lifecycle.

• Offer project planning, guidance, recommendations, and support for implementation.

• Consult, develop, and close retail project opportunities through consultative selling techniques.

• Educate retailers and stakeholders on the advantages of store renovations and investment opportunities.

• Motivate prospects, retailers, and Ace stakeholders to enhance project penetration within the designated territory.

• Establish relationships with retailers, District Managers, Retail Operations, New Business, Merchandising, and other cross-functional partners.

• Plan and design project scopes for expansions, relocations, renovations, conversions, and new store projects.

• Collaborate with District Managers to create renovation prospect lists and strategies.

• Manage both internal and external resources to adhere to established project timelines.

• Evaluate retail potential and identify right-size/right-place opportunities in existing Ace markets.

• Assist in reviewing potential real estate locations and assessing project feasibility.

• Analyze landlord-tenant criteria and construction lease provisions.

• Monitor project updates and tasks using corporate project management tools.

• Conduct site visits and communication calls to evaluate progress, ensure quality standards, resolve issues, support implementation, and guarantee completion and turnover.

⛳️ Requirements

• B.S. / B.A. degree in business administration or construction, or equivalent experience.

• Experience in capital project selling.

• At least three years of experience in project management, retail operations, store development, construction management, business consulting, account management, or a related area.

• Familiarity with Ace retail operations programs and initiatives.

• Understanding of fundamental retail store operations and management.

• General knowledge of building construction is preferred.

• Ability to create detailed estimates and schedules based on project-scope development.

• Competence in clearly communicating project costs to retailers and stakeholders.

• Capability to assess potential real estate locations for project feasibility.

• Skill in evaluating landlord-tenant criteria and the construction aspects of leases.

• Proficiency in tracking and maintaining project updates using corporate project management tools.

• Ability to lead, manage, facilitate, and coordinate multiple retail projects simultaneously.

• Skill in developing and presenting a project capitalization workbook.

• Capability to build relationships and influence stakeholders without direct authority.

• Effective communication skills with business owners, executive leadership, field teams, contractors, and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Strong presentation abilities.

• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Proficient PC skills, including Microsoft Office and Salesforce.

• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Flexibility to work remotely from a home office and travel throughout the assigned territory, including overnight travel.

🏝️ Benefits

• Incentive opportunities based on role/grade level.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with fully vested matching contributions, quarterly contributions, and annual discretionary contributions.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage.

• 21 days of vacation immediately available.

• Up to 6 paid holidays depending on the month of hire.

• Company car, phone, and fuel card for field-based positions.

• Annual Ace Cares Week.

• 20 hours off work per year for volunteering.

• Opportunities to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Ace Helpful Fund.

• On-site classes and facilitator-led courses.

• Tuition assistance program.

• Performance management and coaching.

• Campus events including Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise sales.

• Mobile services like spas, auto maintenance, car washes and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, and recycling.

• Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, travel, fitness, computers, and more.

• Paid time off for birth/adoption bonding.

• Adoption cost reimbursement.

• Employee Assistance Program offering free therapist and lawyer visits, financial, eldercare, childcare guidance, and entertainment-ticket assistance.

• Identity theft protection.