Ace Hardware Careers | Home Improvement Store Roles

If you’re someone who enjoys hands-on tasks, values great customer service, or just wants to be part of a team that feels grounded in everyday problem-solving, looking into Ace Hardware Careers might be a natural fit. With thousands of stores across the country, and a mix of corporate, retail, and warehouse roles, there’s space here for a wide range of skill sets and experience levels. Whether you’re helping a neighbor find the right paint color, managing inventory at a regional distribution center, or coordinating operations from the corporate office, you’ll find that roles vary just as much as the people who fill them.

Many applicants begin by checking Ace Hardware jobs near me to see what’s open locally, often discovering roles they didn’t expect, like CDL driver positions, warehouse pickers, or even corporate finance opportunities at Oak Brook headquarters. You don’t need to know hardware inside out to get started, and the company tends to value reliability and people-first thinking over technical expertise alone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the major job types, explain the application process, and give you a sense of what it’s really like to be part of the Ace family.

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Ace Hardware Careers | Store Management and Logistics Jobs

Ace Hardware – A Company Overview

Ace Hardware is a well-established name in home improvement and a major presence in local communities throughout the U.S. What sets it apart is its cooperative structure, meaning the stores are independently owned but supported by a unified supply and branding system. Since its founding in 1924, the brand has grown from a small hardware supplier into a network of over 5,000 stores that serve everything from small towns to urban neighborhoods. While each location has its own local character, they all operate under the same philosophy of helpful, personalized service.

The company’s headquarters are located in Oak Brook, Illinois, and it supports a wide network of regional warehouses, corporate departments, and logistics teams. Through its distribution model and commitment to retail support, Ace has built a reputation for delivering consistent value while staying rooted in local relationships. The brand also invests in technology and e-commerce to meet modern shopping needs, while continuing to offer tools, home goods, and DIY products in-store.

Types of Jobs

Ace Hardware offers more than just traditional retail roles. Below is a breakdown of the most common types.

• Sales Associate
  Sales associates are responsible for helping shoppers find the right tools, paint colors, or home improvement products.
• Cashier
  The cashier manages the checkout experience. This includes scanning items, applying loyalty discounts, and occasionally processing returns.
• Floor Supervisor
  Supervisors manage the flow of the store. They ensure displays are updated, employees stay on task, and customers are assisted in a timely manner.
• Assistant Store Manager
  This person helps run day-to-day operations, handles team scheduling, and steps in when the manager is unavailable.
• Warehouse Picker
  Pickers fulfill store orders by collecting and preparing items from large warehouse shelves. Accuracy is critical here, especially for time-sensitive shipments.
• Forklift Operator
  Operating heavy machinery, this role involves lifting and storing large product loads, often on high racks. Safety training is provided, and certifications may be required depending on the location.
• Logistics Coordinator
  This position monitors outbound orders, tracks incoming deliveries, and ensures warehouse workflow stays on schedule. It often includes clerical work but also requires some on-floor involvement.
• CDL-A Truck Driver
  This role involves delivering store inventory on long or short routes. Drivers are expected to handle logs, follow federal safety rules, and communicate with logistics teams.
• Fleet Maintenance Assistant
  Though not a driving role, this position supports the delivery team by handling basic vehicle inspections, logging repairs, and scheduling maintenance.
• Financial Analyst
  Analysts are responsible for tracking performance metrics, managing reports, and helping executives make informed financial decisions. Those with degrees in finance or accounting are a good fit for this role.
• Backroom Support Staff
  This position includes unpacking deliveries, organizing overstock, and helping with seasonal resets. It’s a good fit for those looking for flexible hours and lighter customer interaction.

Salary and Benefits

Pay rates vary by position and location. Entry-level in-store jobs usually start around $13 to $16 per hour, depending on region and experience. Warehouse roles may start a bit higher due to the physical nature of the work, and CDL drivers or corporate positions typically offer competitive salaries. Many employees report receiving annual raises, occasional bonuses, and performance-based incentives. An estimate of the average salary:

• Sales Associate: $13 to $16 per hour
• Warehouse Picker: $15 to $19 per hour
• CDL-A Driver: $22 to $30 per hour
• Assistant Manager: $18 to $24 per hour
• Corporate/Administrative roles: Salaried, based on department and experience

The following are also often included:

• Employee discounts on store products
• Health insurance options for full-time roles
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan eligibility
• Internal promotions through Ace career development programs

Eligibility Criteria

To join them, no formal education or prior retail experience is typically required, but a positive attitude goes a long way. To qualify for most entry-level roles, you should:

• Be at least 18 years old (or 16 in some states with proper documentation)
• Have the legal right to work in the U.S.
• Be comfortable standing for long periods or lifting moderate weights
• Be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends or evenings
• Pass a background check and drug screening
• Provide a valid driver’s license for applicable roles
• Obtain a CDL for long-haul or delivery driver positions
• Show proof of prior forklift certification (or be willing to train on-site)
• Corporate roles require a college degree or equivalent professional experience
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Workday, or similar business software
• The ability to manage tasks independently or as part of a team
• Maintain strong attendance and positive performance reviews

Application Process for Ace Hardware Careers

The first step is to explore Ace Hardware Careers according to your interests. Whether you’re looking to work in a local store, distribution center, or corporate office, their careers site lets you filter jobs by job type, state, or department. You can also refer to LinkedIn if you wish to find specific openings near you. On both platforms, you can narrow your search by using filters such as:

• Location or ZIP code
• Job category (store, warehouse, driving, corporate)
• Full-time, part-time, or seasonal availability
• Entry-level or experienced positions

Take time to read each job description carefully to make sure you meet the qualifications listed before moving forward. Once you’ve found a role that fits, it’s time to start your application. The application typically takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete and includes basic information like your work history, contact details, availability, and references.  After your application is submitted, a hiring manager may contact you within a few days to schedule an interview. If you’re hired, you’ll receive onboarding instructions, including forms and scheduling.

Summary

Ace Hardware offers a rewarding experience for anyone looking to work in a people-first, community-oriented environment. With a wide range of roles from in-store retail to logistics, driving, and corporate positions, there’s something to match every type of worker. The company values reliability, team spirit, and a willingness to learn, making it a strong choice for both entry-level applicants and experienced professionals. With flexible scheduling, steady hours, and supportive teams, working here can be a long-term opportunity or a great first step in your employment journey.

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