Sr Director, Strategic Initiatives

Advance Auto Parts • Raleigh, NC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a strategic, results-driven Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives to lead Advance Auto Parts' most critical enterprise priorities. This high-impact leader will oversee a small, high-performing team responsible for translating C-suite strategy into execution, driving complex cross-functional initiatives, solving the company's most challenging business problems, and delivering measurable results. The role combines hands-on leadership with executive influence, requiring close partnership with senior leadership and regular communication of progress, risks, and outcomes to the CEO and C-suite. Success in this role requires strong ownership, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to drive high-stakes initiatives forward in a complex, matrixed organization.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed organization
• Proven people leader with experience delegating work, coaching team members, providing actionable feedback, and developing talent through exposure to high-impact enterprise work
• Strong strategic thinker with an ability to translate ambiguity into clear plans and actions
• Demonstrated track record of owning and delivering high-impact, business-critical work
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with a bias toward action and results
• Ability to influence and align senior stakeholders, including the CEO, C-suite, and executive leadership teams
• Experience operating as an internal consultant or in strategy/consulting roles
• Strong operational discipline with the ability to drive accountability and execution across team
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and present concise, decision-ready recommendations to senior executives and Board-level audiences
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Strategy, or a related field is required.
• 10+ years of experience in enterprise transformation, program management, change management, or related roles, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree such as an MBA, Project Management, Change Management, or a relevant graduate degree is strongly preferred
• Project Management or Change Management certification (PMP, CCMP, Prosci) is a plus
• Experience in retail, distribution, or consumer-focused organizations preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead Critical Initiatives: Own and drive large-scale, cross-functional initiatives from concept through execution, scaling, and delivery of results
• Executive Partnership: Work directly with the CEO, C-suite, and senior leaders to align on priorities, shape execution plans, and ensure outcomes
• Team Leadership & Talent Development: Identify, hire, onboard, coach, develop, and retain team members while delegating work effectively, providing feedback, and creating growth opportunities. Focus on building next generation leaders for the company.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Drive alignment across enterprise functions, business units, and senior stakeholders to remove barriers, accelerate decisions, and maintain momentum
• Program Ownership & Delivery: Shepherd complex initiatives through a matrixed organization, ensuring clear accountability, timelines, and results
• Strategic Problem Solving: Proactively identify risks and roadblocks, diagnose root causes, and implement practical, results-oriented solutions
• Internal Implementation Leadership: Act as an internal implementation leader—bringing structured thinking, data-driven insights, and hands-on execution support
• Performance Management: Define KPIs, track progress, and establish reporting to ensure initiatives deliver measurable business impact
• Stakeholder & Partner Management: Build and manage strong relationships with executive sponsors and key stakeholders to drive decisions and maintain momentum

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior