DescriptionIn this role, you will do more than manage product lines-you will revolutionize them. By leveraging modern data analytics and cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) tools, you will optimize inventory, spearhead dynamic forecasting, maintain vendor relationships, and maximize organizational profitability across assigned categories. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where you can build strong vendor partnerships and put the right products in the right stores at the perfect price, we want you on our team.
How You Will Make an Impact (Essential Functions)- Shape & Execute Strategy: Design and implement dynamic buying philosophies, pricing structures, dynamic forecasting models, and marketing strategies for assigned auto parts lines.
- Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology & AI: Utilize sales, gross profit, ad hoc reporting, AI-assisted predictive analytics, machine learning applications, and dynamic pricing software to drive category efficiency, demand modeling, catalog accuracy (ACES/PIES standards), and category performance targets.
- Champion Vendor & Program Management: Select top-tier vendors, lead supplier relationship development, and negotiate programs focused on strategic, win/win outcomes.
- Master the Market & Demand Analysis: Analyze market data, vehicle-in-operation (VIO) trends, and competitive industry activities to anticipate customer demand and optimize the product line lifecycle.
- Manage Product Line Lifecycle: Add and delete products in response to automotive industry changes, technological advancements, and shifting customer demands. Manage all operational aspects, including new line loads, cost changes, and program changes.
- Innovate & Evaluate: Test new product lines, track and evaluate sales performance, and drive high-impact promotional strategies across company networks.
- Optimize the Supply Chain: Proactively troubleshoot supply chain obstacles by collaborating with our vendor community, internal departments, and AI-driven ERP tools.
- Drive Cross-Department Collaboration: Participate in team decisions, align strategies across leadership and internal departments, and ensure operational harmony regarding merchandise.
- Foster a Safe Environment: Ensure an atmosphere of safety, professionalism, and respect for
associates and customers at all times.
RequirementsWhat You Bring to the Table (Qualifications & Skills)Experience & Education- Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
- Experience: 5 to 7 years of experience, ideally within automotive aftermarket merchandising, product management, operations, or distribution.
- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of automotive aftermarket product categories, vendors, cataloging standards, and distribution channels.
Skills & Mindset- Financial Acumen: Strong ability to evaluate category opportunities based on statistical data, sales trends, and margin analysis.
- Analytical Power: High-level analytical skills with intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, reporting software, and the broader Microsoft Office Suite.
- AI & Technological Aptitude: Proficiency or familiarity with incorporating AI tools, machine learning applications, predictive demand modeling, or dynamic pricing software to drive category efficiency and catalog accuracy.
- Negotiation Expertise: Proven track record of collaborative vendor management and successful, mutually beneficial negotiations.
- Self-Starter Drive: High sense of urgency, strong organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Exceptional Communication: Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills to align strategies with leadership, suppliers, and internal teams.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a diverse workforce, participate actively in team activities, and build collaborative partnerships across departments.
- Organizational Skills: Strong time management, task prioritization, and accountability.
Requirements & Working Environment- Driving Record & Valid License: Must maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record and/or reliable transportation for scheduled shifts, vendor visits, and industry events.
- Attendance & Punctuality: Maintain acceptable, regular, and predictable attendance and punctuality to meet business needs and operational goals.
- Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted. Frequently required to walk, stand, sit, reach, lift, carry, bend, kneel, squat, and stoop. Must have considerable mobility to stand and/or sit for long durations during meetings, industry events, and data reviews.
- Vision Requirements: Specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Work Environment: Primary work setting is a professional office environment, with occasional exposure to warehouse environments (moving vehicles/equipment, varying temperatures, moderate noise) during line reviews or operational visits. When visiting warehouses, appropriate footwear protection and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are required per Company policy.
- Compliance & Integrity: Must submit to and successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen. Must maintain the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and professionalism, adhering to all federal, state, local, OSHA, and company guidelines.
