In Category Management Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

Highly strategic and experienced Senior Category Manager leads the development and execution of innovative category strategies that align with our corporate vision and accelerate long-term business growth. This role demands deep expertise in category lifecycle planning, financial oversight, supplier negotiations, and cross-functional leadership. Requires strategic thinking and capabilities to turn complex market insights into actionable plans and mentor teams to deliver exceptional results.

What will you do?

Category Management

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).

Why Join Us?

Lead high-impact initiatives that shape the future of our business.

Collaborate with top-tier talent in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Competitive compensation, benefits, and performance incentives.

A culture that values innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.