Sr. Manager Visual Merchandising Operations

Advance Auto Parts•Raleigh, NC

17d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Manager Visual Merchandising Operations to lead and optimize our space planning and floor planning processes in partnership with Visual Merchandising Leadership. This role is critical in ensuring that our store layouts, product placement, and assortment strategies support an exceptional customer experience while maximizing sales and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in retail space planning, category management, and merchandising operations with expertise in planogram execution, store planning technologies, and training programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management or a related field. MBA preferred.
7+ years of experience in space planning, floor planning, or merchandising operations within the automotive aftermarket, retail, or consumer goods industry.
Strong knowledge of planogram software, JDA/Blue Yonder
Proficiency in data analytics and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Excel) to analyze store layouts and optimize space productivity.
Experience with store fixture planning, signage placement, and category management strategies specific to aftermarket auto parts.
Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills to influence teams across the organization.
Ability to manage multiple projects, adapt to business changes, and drive process improvements in a fast-paced retail environment.

Responsibilities

Space & Floor Planning Strategy Develop and implement strategic space planning and floor planning initiatives.
Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, and store operations teams to optimize store layouts.
Analyze sales data and customer traffic patterns to inform space allocation decisions.
Training & Process Development Create and lead training programs to ensure that store teams and key stakeholders effectively utilize space planning tools and best practices.
Standardize floor planning and planogram execution processes across the organization
Technology & Innovation Manage and optimize space planning software (e.g., JDA/Blue Yonder, Apollo, AutoCAD, or other planogram tools) to improve efficiency and decision-making.
Partner with IT and vendors to enhance existing store planning technologies and introduce new innovations that drive operational improvements.
Utilize data analytics and insights to measure store performance, planogram compliance, and space productivity, making data-driven recommendations for improvement.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership Serve as the liaison between operations, merchandising, supply chain, real estate, and store teams to ensure a seamless approach to store planning and product placement.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to refine space planning processes, ensuring alignment with evolving business needs.
Develop and present strategic recommendations to senior leadership, driving informed decisions on store layouts, product adjacencies, and planogram effectiveness.