Strategic Account Manager, Hardware

Strategic Account Manager, Hardware

Chicago, IL

About us:

Stanley 1913 - Built for Life® since 1913.

The Stanley 1913 brand has fueled the human experience since the iconic Stanley vacuum bottle revolutionized the way people enjoyed food and beverage. Today, our colorful and thoughtfully designed products including the popular Quencher™ series go beyond function, elevating everyday moments with style and empowering active lifestyles. We're a community of creators, builders, and inventors who believe in creating sustainable products for a better life and world that minimizes our impact on the planet.

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Stanley 1913 is seeking a highly motivated Strategic Account Manager to lead and grow our presence within the hardware channel, with primary responsibility for the Ace Hardware cooperative network. This role will lead the strategic relationship with Ace Hardware, driving sales growth, optimizing assortment, and delivering merchandising strategies that expand Stanley 1913's footprint across the channel.

The ideal candidate has strong experience leading national retail accounts, hardware or cooperative retail networks, and understands the operational and merchandising dynamics of independent hardware retailers.

This is a remote opportunity open to candidates based in the Greater Chicago, IL area only.

Account Management & Strategy

• Serve as the primary account lead for Ace Hardware, being a great partner with corporate teams and supporting field execution across the cooperative.
• Develop and execute annual sales, assortment, and growth strategies for the hardware channel.
• Identify opportunities to expand Stanley 1913's presence across Ace's network of independent retailers.

Sales & Revenue Growth

• Deliver annual sales and margin targets for the hardware channel.
• Drive sell-in and sell-through through assortment optimization, seasonal programs, and promotions.
• Collaborate with Ace merchandising teams to secure new product placements and expanded distribution.

Merchandising & Programs

• Lead planning for Ace market events, promotional periods, and seasonal resets.
• Partner with marketing and retail merchandising teams to develop hardware-specific displays, packaging, and promotions.
• Monitor retail performance and recommend adjustments to improve productivity.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with supply chain, demand planning, and operations teams to ensure product availability and inventory flow.
• Work closely with marketing to align brand storytelling and product launches with the hardware retail audience.
• Provide regular updates and insights to internal leadership on channel performance.

Channel Expertise

• Understand the unique dynamics of co-op and independent retail networks.
• Support initiatives that help independent Ace retailers successfully sell Stanley 1913 products in-store.

• 7+ years of sales or account management experience in consumer goods, outdoor products, or lifestyle brands.
• Experience leading hardware, farm & ranch, or independent retail channels preferred.
• Prior experience working with co-op retail structures (Ace Hardware, Do it Best, True Value, etc.) is a strong plus.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally across sales, marketing, and supply chain teams.
• Willingness to travel to Ace markets, trade events, and key retailer meetings.
• Background in drinkware, outdoor, or lifestyle brands.
• Experience launching new products or programs within retail channels.
• Familiarity with seasonal merchandising and promotional planning.

• Expanded Stanley 1913 assortment and placement across Ace retailers.
• Strong sell-through performance and retail partner engagement.
• Successful execution of seasonal programs and new product launches.
• Growth of Stanley 1913's brand presence within the hardware channel.

Stanley 1913 is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Stanley 1913 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.…