Co Op Account Manager

Job Title:          Co-op Account Manager, Ace Hardware 

Location:         Vernon Hills, IL     

Department:    Rust-Oleum US Sales

Reports To:     Director of Sales, Ace Hardware 

Direct Reports/Manages others:  No

 

Rust-Oleum Corporation is a worldwide leader in protective paints and coatings for both home and industry. We offer a wide range of products including decorative fashion paints, durable industrial roof repair coatings and, of course, our famous rust-fighting formula that started it all.

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY

The Co-op Account Manager role for Ace Hardware partners closely with the Director of Sales and National Account Executives (NAEs) to drive sales growth across all assigned product platforms. This position plays a key role in supporting Rust-Oleum’s partnership with Ace Hardware by managing key sales processes, dealer communication, and trade show execution. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sales Support & Execution – 30%

• Support NAEs and the Director of Sales in achieving and exceeding assigned sales goals by expanding product distribution, managing promotional execution, and leveraging Ace’s distribution network.
• Collaborate with Ace’s merchant team to identify opportunities for new listings, promotions, and assortment optimization.

Field & Communication Support – 20%

• Serve as the primary contact for field sales teams, providing timely updates, materials, and program support.
• Manage and maintain the internal SharePoint site, ensuring all content is accurate, current, and easily accessible for the field.

Trade Show Leadership – 20%

• Lead planning, coordination, and execution of all Ace Hardware trade show activities, including logistics, booth setup, product samples, and post-show follow-up.

Vendor Portal & Reporting – 10%

• Own and manage all functions related to Ace Hardware’s Vendor Portal and Promotional Dashboard, ensuring data accuracy and timely reporting.

Cross-Functional Support – 20%

• Product Line Reviews
• P&L Development and Maintenance
• Promotional Planning and Tracking
• Returns & Allowances
• Forecasting and Demand Planning
• Competitive Analysis and Market Insights
• Portal Content Management
• Sample and Empty Can Preparation for Line Reviews / Trade Show

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required job knowledge and skills:

• Field Sales experience.
• Excellent verbal and written skills as well as presentation skills.
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative work style.
• Strong computer application knowledge including Excel, PPT, and Word as well as familiarity with customer portal management.
• SAP and Microsoft BI experience a plus

Required Education or certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree

Qualifications or previous experience: 

• 5 + years of Sales Field experience.  Key account management a plus.
• Demonstrated track record of leading customers to growth.
• Previous experience with 2 step distribution preferred

Describe other special requirements such as travel or physical requirements such as lifting: 

• Up to 40% travel. 

Salary Target Range: $70,000 - $90,000, bonus eligible 

From big benefits to small, we take care of our associates!  After 30 days of employment, you will be eligible for a benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, disability and business travel insurance, flexible spending accounts, EAP, stock purchases and vacation/sick days/parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan after three months of employment. Associates are vested in the RPM Pension plan after completing five years of service.  Rust-Oleum offers 9 paid holidays and one floating holiday per year.  You are also eligible to earn three weeks of vacation on an