KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Development and Alignment

• Partner closely with the President of Carquest to develop, refine, and align short‑ and long‑term strategies for U.S. Independent and Canadian go‑to‑market growth initiatives.

• Ensure strategic priorities are integrated across markets and functions, maintaining clear linkage between enterprise objectives and field execution.

• Provide thought leadership on market opportunities, competitive dynamics, and long‑range growth initiatives across both the U.S. and Canadian businesses.

Strategy Implementation and Execution

• Determine the most effective and efficient approaches to implementing approved strategies across teams, functions, and geographies.

• Translate strategy into prioritized execution roadmaps, clear accountabilities, and measurable outcomes.

• Continuously assess implementation effectiveness, identify barriers, and adjust approaches to improve efficiency, productivity, and sales growth.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Lead and influence cross‑functional collaboration with senior leaders in merchandising, marketing, pricing, IT, finance, and operations in both the U.S. and Canada.

• Drive alignment across functions to ensure coordinated planning, consistent execution, and optimal resource deployment.

• Serve as a connector across organizations, resolving conflicts and accelerating decision‑making where needed.

Leadership and People Management

• Provide direct leadership to the Canadian Market Development team, including Real Estate, and the U.S. Independent Business Development Manager.

• Set clear expectations, objectives, and development plans to build strong bench strength and execution capability.

• Model collaborative, results‑oriented leadership behaviors across all interactions.

Independent Owner and Field Engagement

• Serve as a leader in engagement with U.S. Carquest Independent ownership groups.

• Address owner concerns, identify systemic issues and opportunities, and partner with Independent Sales Directors to develop and deploy action plans.

• Represent enterprise leadership in discussions impacting the independent channel, ensuring transparency, trust, and alignment.

Executive Interaction and Governance

• Act as a trusted advisor to the President of Carquest and participate regularly in executive‑level forums and planning sessions.

• Lead meetings and represent the organization in the President’s absence as required.

• Prepare executive‑ready updates, recommendations, and materials for senior leadership and executive team audiences.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Marketing, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategy, operations, commercial leadership, or business transformation roles.

• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross‑functional initiatives in multi‑market or multinational environments.

• Strong understanding of go‑to‑market strategies, field execution, and performance management.

• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and executive stakeholders without direct authority.

• Experience working with independent or franchise‑style business models strongly preferred.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline

• High level of business acumen and analytical capability

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills

• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to drive alignment and results

• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and leading change

TRAVEL

Periodic travel across the United States and Canada as business needs require.