Outside Sales Representative

Ace Hardware Corporation

. Identify, contact, and develop business customers within an assigned market or territory .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeCleveland • Ohio • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $57,000 - $65,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in B2B Sales, Account Management, and Customer Relationship Management, with a strong focus on consultative selling and territory planning. Proficient in leveraging customer data and CRM tools to drive sales growth and enhance customer satisfaction.

Highest-signal resume keywords

B2B Sales ExperienceConsultative Selling SkillsCRM Tools ProficiencyCustomer Needs AssessmentTerritory Planning

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

Account ManagementSales ReportingPipeline DevelopmentCustomer DiscoveryNeeds Assessment

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationStrong OrganizationTime ManagementNegotiation SkillsIssue Resolution

Tools & Technologies

CRM ToolsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Outlook

Industry Keywords

B2B CapabilitiesCustomer-Facing SalesSales Process ExecutionVendor ResourcesRetailer Coordination

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify, contact, and develop business customers within an assigned market or territory
Build a pipeline of prospects and active accounts using customer data, market knowledge, referrals, CRM activity, and retailer input
Conduct customer discovery, site visits, needs assessments, quote follow-up, and account planning
Understand customer operations and recommend relevant Ace products, services, programs, and solutions
Connect customers with product categories, vendor resources, special order options, delivery or fulfillment options, trade credit, digital tools, and B2B capabilities
Represent Ace for Business professionally and with a customer-focused approach
Coordinate with participating Ace retailers on customer opportunities, order needs, fulfillment timing, and follow-up
Provide recommendations regarding B2B lead identification, customer information capture, opportunity routing, customer handoff, and service expectations
Execute the sales process from prospecting and qualification through meetings, opportunity tracking, quote follow-up, order coordination, and post-sale account development
Maintain accurate CRM records, sales notes, customer activity, pipeline status, and next-step actions
Use sales data, customer history, and pipeline information to prioritize accounts and recommend growth actions
Leverage vendor representatives, product experts, sourcing support, category initiatives, and Ace B2B programs
Connect customers and retailers to product training, sales events, special order support, and account-specific resources
Support adoption of B2B digital tools, trade credit, e-commerce features, vendor programs, and customer growth initiatives
Follow up on customer questions, order status, delivery expectations, service needs, and issue resolution
Escalate service gaps, product needs, or process barriers through appropriate Ace and retailer contacts
Provide regular updates to the Field Sales Manager, Ace B2B leadership, and participating retailer contacts

Requirements

What you’ll need

A minimum of two years of B2B sales, outside sales, account management, or related customer-facing sales experience preferred
Ability to prospect, build a pipeline, conduct customer meetings, identify needs, follow up on quotes, and develop recurring business accounts
Strong consultative selling skills
Ability to understand customer operations and recommend practical product, service, and program solutions
Ability to work effectively with independent participating Ace retailers, retailer leaders, store associates, vendors, customers, and internal Ace teams
Clear communication regarding sales opportunities, customer needs, coordination, and next steps
Strong organization, time management, follow-through, and territory planning skills
Ability to use CRM tools, customer data, sales reporting, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other business technology
Ability to analyze customer activity, sales trends, and pipeline information
Ability to travel daily within an assigned territory and work flexible hours, including overnight travel as needed
Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field preferred, or equivalent practical experience
Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, negotiation, and issue-resolution skills
Ability to work independently with limited supervision while maintaining accurate communication, activity records, and follow-up discipline

Benefits

Comp & perks

Incentive opportunities, based on role/grade level
Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year, quarterly contributions, and annual discretionary contribution
Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance benefits for you and your dependents
21 days of vacation immediately available (prorated in the first year)
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 to volunteer
Opportunities to help Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Ace Helpful Fund through the Ace Foundation
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
On-site/mobile services including mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, and recycling
Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, travel, fitness, computers, and more
Birth/adoption bonding paid time off
Adoption cost reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program with free therapist and lawyer visits, financial, eldercare and childcare guidance, and entertainment ticket assistance
Identity theft protection