The Category Manager - Independent Aftermarket (IAM) Parts is responsible for the strategic leadership, performance management, and growth of assigned product categories within the automotive aftermarket portfolio. This role leads a team of Product Line Managers and works closely with purchasing, supply chain, sales, marketing, and engineering teams to ensure effective portfolio management, successful product launches, and alignment with organizational growth objectives.
The Category Manager ensures the product management team executes against category strategy, maintains strong supplier partnerships, and delivers competitive product offerings that support revenue growth, margin targets, and market leadership.
Key Responsibilities:Category Strategy and Portfolio Management:
- Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies aligned with company growth and profitability objectives.
- Manage the lifecycle of product lines including product introductions, line expansions, rationalization, and end-of-life management.
- Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and customer needs to identify new product opportunities and portfolio enhancements.
- Ensure the category portfolio remains competitive across pricing tiers, coverage, features, and value propositions.
- Leadership and Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Product Line Managers responsible for day-to-day management of individual product segments.
- Establish clear priorities and performance expectations to ensure effective management of product portfolios.
- Promote accountability, collaboration, and professional development within the team.
- Product Launch Management
- Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of new product launches.
- Ensure cross-functional alignment between product management, purchasing, supply chain, marketing, and sales teams.
- Monitor launch timelines, milestones, and deliverables to ensure successful market introduction.
- Supplier and Purchasing Collaboration
- Partner with the purchasing organization to align sourcing strategies with category objectives.
- Support supplier selection, cost management initiatives, and strategic supplier relationships.
- Ensure supplier capabilities meet company standards for quality, cost, delivery, and innovation.
- Financial and Business Performance
- Manage category financial performance including revenue, margin, and inventory health.
- Develop forecasts and business cases to support product development and portfolio expansion.
- Identify opportunities to improve category performance through pricing strategies, cost management, and portfolio optimization.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to support go-to-market strategies, promotional initiatives, and customer engagement.
- Provide category expertise and support for key customer presentations and strategic initiatives.
- Ensure alignment between product strategy and broader business objectives.
Competencies:
- Strategic Thinking
- Leadership and Talent Development
- Business and Financial Acumen
- Product Lifecycle Management
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Program and Project Management
Basic Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline required.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in product management, category management, purchasing, or a related field, preferably within the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Demonstrated experience leading or managing teams and cross-functional initiatives.
- Strong understanding of aftermarket distribution channels, product lifecycle management, and supplier management.
- Proven ability to analyze market data and translate insights into actionable business strategies.
- Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
