BBQ Sales Associate

Mt. Prospect Ace Hardware is looking for a motivated and customer-focused Sales Associate with a passion for BBQ and grilling to join our team. While this role includes assisting in all areas of the store, the BBQ Specialist will be the go-to resource for customers shopping for grills, smokers, accessories, and outdoor cooking supplies. This associate will also play a key role in planning and running our BBQ events, grilling demos, and vendor collaborations.

Responsibilities:

• Provide outstanding customer service across all departments, with a special focus on the BBQ and grilling category.
• Assist customers in selecting grills, smokers, accessories, fuels, seasonings, and other BBQ-related products.
• Stay knowledgeable on product features, promotions, and grilling trends to make informed recommendations.
• Help organize and execute in-store BBQ events, cooking classes, and grilling demos.
• Maintain BBQ department displays, ensuring products are well-stocked, clean, and merchandised attractively.
• Support the overall store team by working in other departments as needed (hardware, paint, garden, etc.).
• Operate POS system and assist with customer transactions.
• Participate in ongoing product training and vendor sessions to enhance BBQ expertise.
• Contribute to a positive team environment by assisting co-workers and providing a welcoming store atmosphere.

Qualifications:

• Previous retail or customer service experience preferred, but not required.
• Strong interest in BBQ, grilling, or outdoor cooking; prior hands-on experience a plus.
• Outgoing personality with strong communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and during special events.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and multitasking across departments.
• Willingness to learn and share product knowledge with customers and teammates.

Why Join Us:

At Mt. Prospect Ace Hardware, you’re not just working in a store—you’re becoming part of a community. As the BBQ Specialist, you’ll have the opportunity to combine customer service with your passion for grilling, while also growing your retail skills in a supportive, family-oriented environment.

Notice to Applicant about this Employer: You are applying for a job with an independently owned and operated cooperative member of Ace Hardware Corporation, who owns and operates this Ace Hardware retail store location. Ace Hardware Corporation is not the employer for this position. The independent store owner alone is responsible for and independently makes all decisions concerning employment related matters, including hiring, firing, discipline, supervision, staffing and scheduling. Ace Hardware Corporation will not receive a copy of any applications submitted for this position, does not control interviews and/or hiring decisions, and has no control over or responsibility for the employment policies and practices of the independent store owner. If hired, the independent store owner will be your only employer. The Ace Hardware trademarks, logos and designs are owned by Ace Hardware Corporation and used by independent store owners under a license from Ace Hardware Corporation

We are your local hardware store and we are a part of your community. Ace Hardware has over 5,000 stores around the world with the majority of those stores independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. These hard working men and women are part of the fabric of your community. They are small business owners who are local and loyal...just like it ought to be. While others have become large and impersonal, at Ace, we've remained small and very personal. That's why we say a visit to Ace, is like a visit to your neighbor.