Assistant Category Manager

Advance Auto Parts Inc.; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Advance Auto Parts Inc. is seeking an Assistant Category Manager to help develop category strategies and execute SKU-level decisions that support business goals.

The role requires financial awareness and cross-functional collaboration with merchants, procurement, and planning teams. The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in business or related fields and 4–7 years of experience in category management or procurement, with strong Excel/PowerPoint skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field.
• 4-7 years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement.
• Intermediate analytical and financial modeling skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive growth and improve supplier relationships.
• Analyze financial reports and metrics to plan actions for SKUs within budget.
• Collaborate with merchants, inventory, planning, and procurement to manage supplier relationships.

Skills

Analytical skills

Financial modeling

Cross-functional collaboration

Category management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business

Marketing

Supply Chain

Finance

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Summary:Assistant Category Manager supports the development and execution of category strategies that drive business growth, optimize supplier relationships, and enhance customer satisfaction. This role requires a basic understanding of category lifecycle management, financial acumen, and collaboration.Key Responsibilities:Category ManagementDescribes strategic role of assigned categoryIdentifies differences in category rolesRecognizes how category strategy directs business decisionsExecutes SKU-level decisions to support sub-class and role goals and planIdentifies basic terms required in category planning (e.g., freight, payment terms, vendor data, deals)Business Acumen – Financial ManagementIdentifies and explains financial reports pertaining to assigned SKUsPlans business actions for SKUs based on given budget informationIdentifies and explains basic financial metrics (e.g., Camp sales, GMROI) to better plan business actionsApplies basic financial management concepts (COGS, Net OPROI, Receipts, Turnover, etc.) with assistance Supplier Management/NegotiationCommunicates required information to suppliersDescribes how each member of the cross-functional team (i.e., merchant, inventory, planning, procurement) interacts with suppliersExecutes and tracks action items (to-do lists) related to sourcingAssists in defining negotiation requirements to optimize performance at the SKU-level (i.e., cost, quality, time, and performance).Strategic Thinking & ExecutionExecutes detailed tasks needed to implement the vision within own groupand roleDescribes future Company and customer expectations of a given productcategoryTracks and monitors current trends to assist in developing future trends andstrategyReviews strategies and helps determine application within product categoryCommunicationDiscusses business issues and ideas to effectively perform roleDevelop documents to support work efforts within own teamAssists in developing presentations for business groups audiencesWrites using appropriate language and terminology for audiencesCross-Functional LeadershipRecognizes and accepts personal role within business teamIdentifies relationship of own role to other roles on teamDisplays respect for other team members and their rolesAccepts and incorporates positive and negative feedback regarding performanceDevelops constructive working relationships with team members to achieve goalsQualifications:Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field.4-7 years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement.Intermediate analytical and financial modeling skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Tools (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint)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/benefitsCompany 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.Advance Auto Parts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does 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, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected status.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