Associate of Special Projects

Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Level: Salaried

Division: Merchandising

Travel: 10% Travel

About the Role:

The Associate of Special Projects supports the Merchandising Division through data preparation, promotional coordination, pricing support, and cross-functional project execution. This role plays a key part in ensuring category line reviews, pricing initiatives, and vendor programs are supported with accurate data, timely communication, and operational excellence.

This position is designed as a development role within Merchandising, offering exposure to category management, pricing strategy, vendor collaboration, and product lifecycle processes. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, collaborative, and eager to grow into broader merchandising responsibilities.

Responsibilities include:

• Category Support & Data Preparation
• Pull, organize, and prepare data for category line reviews and department planning sessions.
• Assemble performance summaries, product comparisons, and vendor statistics to support decision-making.
• Ensure SKU alignment across systems, maintaining accuracy between member cost, retail pricing, and internal product data.
• Pricing, Promotions & Planning
• Assist with promotional planning, vendor specials, and offer setup across departments.
• Support pricing reviews by gathering cost data, competitive comparisons, and margin analysis.
• Coordinate timelines and information flow between Pricing, Category Management, and vendor partners to ensure smooth execution.
• Operational & Administrative Support
• Maintain documentation, tracking tools, and progress updates for assigned special projects.
• Support execution of cross-department merchandising initiatives that enhance workflow, data accuracy, and efficiency.
• Assist with product updates, item maintenance, and foundational merchandising tasks.
• Participate in vendor and member meetings as needed to support category initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with Category Managers, Merchandise Managers, and DMMs on high-priority division initiatives.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal stakeholders and vendor partners to gather information and facilitate project completion.
• Take on additional responsibilities assigned by DMMs to support division objectives and professional growth.
• Growth & Development
• Participate in training related to merchandising systems, product strategy fundamentals, pricing concepts, and vendor management.
• Proactively seek opportunities to learn core Associate Merchandise Manager (AMM) responsibilities.
• Develop analytical, organizational, and collaboration skills that support future advancement within the Merchandising Division.
• Accountabilities
• Data Accuracy: Ensure reports, SKU alignments, and pricing files are complete, accurate, and error-free.
• Timeliness: Meet deadlines for line review preparation, promotional submissions, and pricing support activities.
• Collaboration: Maintain strong communication and alignment with DMMs and cross-functional partners.
• Professional Growth: Demonstrate continuous learning and increased merchandising competency over time.
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Excel and familiarity with reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Interest in long-term growth within Merchandising.

• Full insurance benefits package including Medical, Dental, & Vision
• Paid time off to foster work/life balance
• Profit sharing
• Bonus Pay opportunities
• Retirement funding opportunities
• Education reimbursement
• Health club reimbursement
• Career advancement opportunities

Headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, the Do it Best Group is the world's largest hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. With nearly $6 billion in annual sales, we support thousands of independently-owned locations across the United States and in more than 60 countries worldwide. Partners in the company have the flexibility to operate under the Do it Best, True Value, or their own local store identities, offering a diverse range of branding options to best serve their communities.

Culture:

Each team member is valued as an individual - with their intrinsic value at the forefront. We prioritize your career growth through one-on-one training, conferences, tuition assistance, mentoring and more. We encourage authentic relationships by hosting social events and fostering a culture where lasting friendships are made. In fact, the three most valued aspects of being a part of the Do it Best team are the culture, the compensation, and the level of fulfillment that each team member experiences from their role.

Our Philosophy: Serving others as we would like to be served

Our Mission: Making the best even better

Our Goal: Helping members grow and achieve their dreams