Independent Aftermarket Channel Strategist

IAM Channel Strategist

The IAM Channel Strategist is responsible for analyzing the Independent Aftermarket (IAM) landscape and developing strategies to strengthen the company's position within key distribution channels. This role focuses on identifying market opportunities, customer needs, and industry trends to help guide product strategy, portfolio development, and go-to-market initiatives.

The IAM Channel Strategist works cross-functionally with product management, purchasing, sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to translate market insights into actionable strategies and programs that support revenue growth, market share expansion, and improved customer engagement within the automotive aftermarket.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze trends within the automotive Independent Aftermarket including distribution channels, customer behavior, and competitive activity.
• Identify emerging opportunities, market gaps, and industry shifts that could impact company strategy.
• Develop insights on customer needs, service models, and evolving market dynamics.

Channel Strategy Development

• Develop strategic recommendations to strengthen the company's presence within key IAM channels.
• Identify opportunities to improve channel coverage, product accessibility, and overall value proposition to distributors, retailers, and repair professionals.
• Support long-term channel strategy planning and growth initiatives.

Customer and Industry Insights

• Gather and analyze customer feedback, market research, and industry data to identify pain points and opportunities for innovation.
• Translate insights into actionable recommendations for product development, service offerings, and channel programs.
• Serve as an internal expert on IAM market trends and channel dynamics.

Cross-Functional Strategic Development

• Partner with Category Managers and Product Line Managers to align product portfolio strategies with channel needs.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to support go-to-market strategies and channel engagement initiatives.
• Work with purchasing and supply chain teams to ensure strategies are operationally feasible and scalable.

Strategic Program Development

• Lead or support strategic initiatives designed to improve customer engagement, channel performance, or market competitiveness.
• Develop business cases and strategic proposals to support new initiatives or investments.
• Track and measure the effectiveness of channel strategies and programs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, product management, market strategy, sales strategy, or related field.
• Strong understanding of the Independent Aftermarket ecosystem including distributors, retailers, and service professionals.
• Experience analyzing market data and translating insights into strategic initiatives.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Core Competencies:

• Market and Industry Analysis
• Strategic Planning
• Customer and Channel Insights
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Business Case Development
• Data Analysis and Strategic Thinking