• Defines the role of a category 

• Defines category strategy based on the role 

• Organizes and synthesizes industry, competitor and consumer trends into workable category strategies 

• Defines future category needs and opportunities 

• Defines categories to be included in box-level strategy 

• Integrates and links the business plan with the category plan 

• Monitors and adjusts resources based on the category role 

• Manages complexity of multiple categories and varying sub-class roles (i.e., prominent category with stake-in-the-ground sub-class) to improve business performance) 

Business Acumen – Financial Management 

• Plans and coordinates financial management and budgeting tasks 

• Provides input and assists in creating Advance Auto Parts strategic financial plan 

• Sets budgeting guidelines 

• Sets guidelines for risk tolerance in financial programs 

• Communicates targets and objectives to business units based on strategic plan 

• Addresses complex/extreme gaps related to budgeting and financial management 

 Supplier Management/Negotiation 

• Determine supplier value targets and selects supplier audience for strategic sourcing discussions 

• Determine appropriate facts 

• Synthesizes facts gathered from multiple sources to be used in the negotiations 

• Executes supplier negotiations across product categories 

• Anticipates and rebuts supplier's points and counterpoints during the negotiations 

• Assesses effort and time needed to obtain value target sourcing opportunities with each supplier 

• Applies BATNA principles during negotiations 

• Evaluates and utilizes supplier performance information/data for future negotiations and decisions-making 

• Coaches employees in strategic sourcing processes and actions 

Strategic Thinking & Execution 

• Develops milestones that will help implement the vision 

• Creates thorough implementation plans that address possible hurdles and 

• involves support throughout the organization 

• Translates corporate strategic vision into day-to-day operational goals 

• Articulates and reinforces Advance Auto Parts vision and goals to business team 

• Coaches employees to support vision and strategy through operational goal 

Communication 

• Establishes trust and rapport with senior executives having diverse views on an issue 

• Changes others' opinions and perspectives to gain commitment to action 

• Uses communication tools and techniques to shift focus in response to group dynamics 

• Creates environments conducive to productive communication 

Cross-Functional Leadership 

• Manages the formation of teams and ensures team can perform  

• Facilitates the designation of team roles, goals and expectations  

• Removes barriers (resource or other outside constraints) to effective  teamwork  

• Analyzes team process inefficiencies and recommends improvements  

• Assess other team members’ capabilities and provides feedback for improvements  

• Creates team recognition structure and reward possibilities 

• Coaches employees on building teams and the business value driven by teams 

Location & Work Availability:   

This position is Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote), based at our corporate headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina.    

Qualifications: 

• 10+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or strategic sourcing. 

• Proven track record of managing complex category portfolios and leading strategic initiatives. 

• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. 

• Advanced negotiation skills with experience managing top-tier supplier relationships. 

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and coaching abilities. 

• Proficiency in category management tools, ERP systems, and data analytics platforms. 

Certifications, Experience, and Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field (MBA preferred).