New Business Market Development Manager

Ace Hardware Corporation

Market Development Manager responsible for business development and market expansion in MI & WI. Managing relationships with potential candidates and stakeholders to drive Ace’s market share growth.

Posted 4/25/2026full-timeMilwaukee • Missouri, Wisconsin • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $100,000 - $128,600 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage the business development process in MI & WI
Recruit, educate, and motivate potential candidates
Execute the technical operating procedures from Interest-to-Application
Conduct demographic work, trade potential, sales forecasting, and site audits
Create the proforma and secure approval from stakeholders
Assist with securing financing and completing the Ace membership application
Pursue every opportunity in a market as it relates to potential candidates

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of 5 years of experience in retailing, franchising, real estate or market development work
College Degree in business preferred but not required
Ability to develop, secure, and close a new store and/or conversion opportunity
Strong negotiation skills
Strong presentation skills to a variety of ‘audiences’
Interpersonal ability to create trust, respect and understanding
Business Acumen – understand the economics of business and retailing
Understanding of the lease negotiation process
Strong grasp of capitalization and financing opportunities, methods and processes
Understanding of the balance between the benefit of store density and cannibalization and the resultant ramifications of these on the Ace brand
Franchise intelligence – understanding of our “franchise” competitors
Ability to create strong, respected coalitions with Retail Operations
Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Ability to work flexible hours and extensive travel overnight (3-4 days/week)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Incentive opportunities, based on role/grade level
Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution
Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision and disability)
Life insurance benefits for you and your dependents
21 days of vacation immediately available
Company Car, phone and fuel card are provided for field-based positions
Employee discounts on Ace merchandise
Adoption cost reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

business developmentsales forecastingsite auditslease negotiationcapitalizationfinancing methodsstore density analysisfranchise intelligence

Soft Skills

negotiation skillspresentation skillsinterpersonal skillsbusiness acumentrust buildingcoalition building