Category Manager

CarParts.com•Torrance, CA

27d•$100,000 - $125,000

About The Position

As the Category Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction, growth, and profitability of our Private Label Collision Categories. Leveraging your expertise in product management, market analysis, and supplier relationships, you will drive initiatives to enhance our product offerings, optimize inventory, and strengthen our competitive position in the automotive industry.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or related field; MBA preferred.
Proven experience (5+ years) in category management, product management, or global sourcing within the automotive industry.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, extract insights, and make data- driven decisions.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated leadership capabilities with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP systems, and other relevant software applications.

Responsibilities

Category Strategy Development: Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies aligned with company objectives, market trends, and customer demands.
Product Portfolio Management: Oversee the entire product lifecycle from conceptualization to launch, to sunset, including product selection, development, pricing, and promotions.
Market Analysis: Conduct in-depth market research, competitor analysis, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities, emerging trends, and potential risks within the specific categories assigned.
Supplier Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with key suppliers, negotiate favorable terms, and ensure adherence to quality standards and delivery schedules. May require after hours video meetings, vendor communications and overseas travel for in person meetings and trade show attendance.
Diversification of Global Supply Network: Partner with global sourcing team to improve overall product quality and vehicle coverage, supply chain continuity, and to mitigate macro economical events or social and geopolitical issues.
Inventory Optimization: Implement contingencies for slow moving and dead inventory, as well as new sku ramp up inventory to improve overall supply chain efficiency.
Sales and Revenue Growth: Collaborate with data science and marketing teams to develop targeted campaigns, promotions, and pricing strategies to drive sales growth and maximize revenue.
Performance Monitoring: Build, track and analyze category performance metrics, KPIs, and financial indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives and deliver weekly updates to manager and department heads.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams including Sourcing, Demand Planning, sourcing, Data & Catalogue, Procurement, Marketing, and Finance to align priorities, streamline processes, and achieve business objectives.
Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and quality control procedures for all assigned products and evaluate acceptable tolerances while working with suppliers and internal teams to rectify any issues.