Director of CQ Strategy & Implementation

Advance Auto Parts•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

This role is responsible for developing, refining, and aligning short- and long-term strategies for U.S. Independent and Canadian go-to-market growth initiatives. The Director will ensure strategic priorities are integrated across markets and functions, translating strategy into prioritized execution roadmaps and driving cross-functional collaboration with senior leaders. This position also involves direct leadership of the Canadian Market Development team and engagement with U.S. Carquest Independent ownership groups, acting as a trusted advisor to the President of Carquest.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Marketing, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategy, operations, commercial leadership, or business transformation roles.
Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives in multi-market or multinational environments.
Strong understanding of go-to-market strategies, field execution, and performance management.
Proven ability to influence senior leaders and executive stakeholders without direct authority.
Experience working with independent or franchise-style business models strongly preferred.
Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline
High level of business acumen and analytical capability
Exceptional communication and presentation skills
Collaborative leadership style with the ability to drive alignment and results
Comfortable operating in ambiguity and leading change

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner closely with the President of Carquest to develop, refine, and align short- and long-term strategies for U.S. Independent and Canadian go-to-market growth initiatives.
Ensure strategic priorities are integrated across markets and functions, maintaining clear linkage between enterprise objectives and field execution.
Provide thought leadership on market opportunities, competitive dynamics, and long-range growth initiatives across both the U.S. and Canadian businesses.
Determine the most effective and efficient approaches to implementing approved strategies across teams, functions, and geographies.
Translate strategy into prioritized execution roadmaps, clear accountabilities, and measurable outcomes.
Continuously assess implementation effectiveness, identify barriers, and adjust approaches to improve efficiency, productivity, and sales growth.
Lead and influence cross-functional collaboration with senior leaders in merchandising, marketing, pricing, IT, finance, and operations in both the U.S. and Canada.
Drive alignment across functions to ensure coordinated planning, consistent execution, and optimal resource deployment.
Serve as a connector across organizations, resolving conflicts and accelerating decision-making where needed.
Provide direct leadership to the Canadian Market Development team, including Real Estate, and the U.S. Independent Business Development Manager.
Set clear expectations, objectives, and development plans to build strong bench strength and execution capability.
Model collaborative, results-oriented leadership behaviors across all interactions.
Serve as a leader in engagement with U.S. Carquest Independent ownership groups.
Address owner concerns, identify systemic issues and opportunities, and partner with Independent Sales Directors to develop and deploy action plans.
Represent enterprise leadership in discussions impacting the independent channel, ensuring transparency, trust, and alignment.
Act as a trusted advisor to the President of Carquest and participate regularly in executive-level forums and planning sessions.
Lead meetings and represent the organization in the President’s absence as required.
Prepare executive-ready updates, recommendations, and materials for senior leadership and executive team audiences.