Assistant Category Manager

Assistant Category ManagerAssistant Category Manager supports the development and execution of category strategies that drive business growth, optimize supplier relationships, and enhance customer satisfaction. This role requires a basic understanding of category lifecycle management, financial acumen, and collaboration.Key Responsibilities:Describes strategic role of assigned categoryIdentifies differences in category rolesRecognizes how category strategy directs business decisionsExecutes SKU-level decisions to support sub-class and role goals and planIdentifies basic terms required in category planning (e.g., freight, payment terms, vendor data, deals)Business Acumen – Financial ManagementIdentifies and explains financial reports pertaining to assigned SKUsPlans business actions for SKUs based on given budget informationIdentifies and explains basic financial metrics (e.g., Camp sales, GMROI) to better plan business actionsApplies basic financial management concepts (COGS, Net OPROI, Receipts, Turnover, etc.) with assistanceSupplier Management/NegotiationCommunicates required information to suppliersDescribes how each member of the cross-functional team (i.e., merchant, inventory, planning, procurement) interacts with suppliersExecutes and tracks action items (to-do lists) related to sourcingAssists in defining negotiation requirements to optimize performance at the SKU-level (i.e., cost, quality, time, and performance).Strategic Thinking & ExecutionExecutes detailed tasks needed to implement the vision within own group and roleDescribes future Company and customer expectations of a given product categoryTracks and monitors current trends to assist in developing future trends and strategyReviews strategies and helps determine application within product categoryCommunicationDiscusses business issues and ideas to effectively perform roleDevelops documents to support work efforts within own teamAssists in developing presentations for business groups audiencesWrites using appropriate language and terminology for audiencesCross-Functional LeadershipRecognizes and accepts personal role within business teamIdentifies relationship of own role to other roles on teamDisplays respect for other team members and their rolesAccepts and incorporates positive and negative feedback regarding performanceDevelops constructive working relationships with team members to achieve goalsQualifications:Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field.4-7 years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement.Intermediate analytical and financial modeling skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Tools (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint)Benefits Summary:We believe in supporting our Team Members and those they love through comprehensive health & wellness benefits.Company Overview:Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers. As of January 3, 2026, Advance operated 4,305 stores primarily within the United States, with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Company also served 809 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico and various Caribbean islands.Advance Auto Parts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected status.