Sr. Category Manager

Job Description Workday Job Profile:      Senior Category Manager Business/Posting Title:    Senior Category Manager Grade:    11

Job Summary

H ighly strategic and experienced   Senior Category Manager   lead s   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 think ing 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   f inancial 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   m anagement 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 . Q ualifications:
• 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).

Benefits

Summary

We believe in supporting our Team Members and those they love through comprehensive health & wellness benefits. Learn more here:  https://jobs.advanceautoparts.com/us/en/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. Additional  information about Advance, including employment opportunities, customer services, and online shopping for parts, accessories and other offerings can be found at  www.AdvanceAutoParts.com . We are an

Equal Opportunity

Employer and do 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 and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class. We are an

Equal Opportunity

Employer and do 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 and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. California Residents click below for Privacy Notice: https://jobs.advanceautoparts.com/us/en/disclosures