Sr. Category Manager (Hybrid)

Job Description

The Sr. Category Manager will work to develop and implement the tactical aspects of mutually agreed upon strategies for each category directly responsible for, which provide the best experience and value for our customers through a combination of brand assortment, quality, merchandising, pricing, promotions, packaging and availability.  Accomplishments are measured in accordance with the corporately established guidelines of sales, margins, inventory levels, order fill, budgeting, communications, planning and execution, and Gross Margin Return on Investment. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Utilize a category management approach to developing efficient assortments, pricing, and promotional strategies that will maximize sales growth and GMROI performance.

• Provide sales forecasts and meet with key members of the replenishment group weekly. 

• Monitor the fill-rate of vendors and take corrective action with a high sense of urgency when fill-rates fall below the corporate goals, maintain inventory levels (days on hand) and manage to the established goals.

• Lead the successful launch of category plans, ensuring that product and services will be executed flawlessly.

• Sr Category Manager is responsible for new item creation, planogram reviews, disposition of discontinued products, and internal communications.

• Work with the Pricing department to ensure Advance Auto Parts has competitive pricing in the market area including retail, promotional, and professional pricing strategies. This includes the full utilization of our multi-price zone program within the margin goals of the company.

• Relentless negotiations with suppliers for lowest total costs of new and existing programs pricing and/or additional funding for same.

• Implement Best in Class Custom Mix programs on the lines responsible for and first to market strategy for newer application coverage.  Partner with vendors, field team, and replenishment to execute.

• Manage marketing programs for assigned categories. Build effective promotional programs, lead execution, and analyze results in collaboration with suppliers and marketing teams.

• Forecast, monitor, and take action to deliver on key performance metrics. (Sales, Margin, Inventory).

• Develop category knowledge to become product expert and maintain up to date information to react rapidly to industry changes.

• Must embrace working in a highly collaborative team environment to support overall business objectives.  Additional job functions, responsibilities and projects may be assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate degree in Business Administration preferred

• 7 minimum years of experience in Category Management, Vendor Relations, Negotiations, Financial Literacy/Pricing, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LEADERSHIP / SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1 direct report

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.