Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives

At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country running strong and the weekend warriors who want to work like them. It’s our mission to make sure they have the right tools for the job, and an easy, hassle-free experience at our store so they can get in, get out and get on with the job at hand. Your top priority as a Project Manager is to lead enterprise strategic initiatives by driving cross-functional alignment, executing complex projects, and fostering continuous improvement. This role ensures strategic projects are translated into actionable plans that deliver measurable business impact. The Project Manager is expected to be both a strategic leader and an active contributor, engaging directly in the work, supporting the team, and ensuring progress through practical execution. Your positive, professional, roll-up-your-sleeves-to-help attitude contributes to our winning culture and makes sure we leave a lasting impression.

Key Responsibilities:

Project & Program Leadership

• Lead high-impact projects from concept to execution, managing phases, resources, timelines, and costs
• Translate strategic objectives into execution plans designed for sustainable, long-term impact
• Anticipate and identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure proactive execution
• Balance strategic oversight with tactical execution, actively engaging in problem-solving and delivery

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence

• Build strong relationships across Merchandising, Marketing, eCommerce, Retail, Supply Chain, IT, Finance, HR and enterprise businesses
• Influence without direct authority, fostering alignment and collaboration across diverse teams
• Operate as a team player, willing to dig in alongside colleagues to move initiatives forward
• Coordinate and communicate plans to ensure a unified approach

Performance Measurement & Continuous Improvement

• Develop KPIs, targets, and reporting functions to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of initiatives
• Drive continuous improvement through data-driven insights and structured feedback loops
• Actively identify opportunities to streamline processes and remove barriers to execution

Strategic Analysis & Communication

• Facilitate working sessions with cross-functional teams to define scope and present proposals to executives
• Create and deliver compelling, concise presentations for senior leadership based on quantitative analysis
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices, assessing their impact on the business
• Execute ad hoc projects and analyses, presenting findings and recommendations to senior management

What you will bring to the table:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field.
• PMP certification preferred.
• 3–5 years of project management experience, with at least 2 years in strategy, analytics, or management consulting.
• Strong understanding of project management principles, strategic frameworks, and analytical problem-solving.
• Knowledge of retail, supply chain, merchandising, and related business processes.
• Ability to design and implement cross-functional processes that meet business needs 
• Proven ability to lead teams and influence without direct authority 
• Strong analytical skills with experience in financial statements, modeling, and concepts 
• Expertise in MS Excel, PowerBI, and other analytical tools 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal 
• Execution-focused mindset, combining leadership with direct involvement, ensuring progress through active participation and collaboration 
• Demonstrates Northern Tool + Equipment’s 12 Core Competencies

About Us

Northern Tool + Equipment is a family business with roots stretching back three generations to Minnesota’s Iron Range, where our blue-collar work ethic and commitment to serving the people who do the tough jobs was born. Our mission is to be the best in the world at serving the professional tradespeople and those who want to work like them. With over 130 retail stores across 24 states, top national brands and global manufacturing operations designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver the products, prices and advice our customers need to succeed. We’re looking for people who share our blue-collar work ethic. If you’re the kind of person who likes to put your nose to the grindstone to help your customers and company succeed, we’d love to talk to you about becoming a member of our team.

Northern Tool + Equipment is proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Top Midsize Employer in 2023. We are committed to creating a workplace where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive and competitive compensation package that includes: 

• Competitive Pay: Earn $90,300 to $138,330 annually, with your exact compensation personalized based on your skills, experience, and location. We believe in rewarding top talent with pay that reflects your value. 
• Flexible Work Schedule: Achieve the work-life balance you deserve with our full-time, 8-hour shifts, Monday – Friday, complemented by a hybrid work schedule that allows you to work both remotely and in the office. 
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Your health and well-being are our priority. We offer a variety of health plans, so you can choose what best fits your needs. Employees working 30+ hours per week enjoy a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with an enhanced company match to support your financial future. 
• Generous Employee Discount: Love our products? So do we! Enjoy a significant discount on the quality tools and equipment we offer, helping you save on the items you love to use. 
• Get Paid on Your Terms: With our Daily Pay option, you don’t have to wait for payday—access your earnings whenever you need them for added financial flexibility. 
• Paid Holidays: Take time to relax and recharge with 7 paid federal holidays, because we know how important it is to have time for yourself and your loved ones. 
• Incentives: Be rewarded for eligible incentive programs.

When you join Northern Tool + Equipment, you're not just starting a job—you're joining a community that supports your success. Come be a part of a team where your skills, dedication, and passion are recognized and celebrated. Your future starts here!