Sr. Visual Space Planner

Advance-Auto-Parts; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Advance Auto Parts in Raleigh, NC seeks a Sr. Visual Space Planner to lead space planning strategies and planogram creation, partnering with Category Management and cross-functional teams to drive incremental sales and gross margin.

The role requires expertise in system-based planogram creation, data analysis, and floorplan implementation to maximize efficiency and inventory replenishment. Hybrid in-office/remote flexibility is offered.

Qualifications

• Advanced skills in MS Office including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Strong SQL/Blue Yonder experience for data extraction and reporting.
• Experience with AutoCAD/space management and planogram mapping.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated leadership in retail projects and space planning initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Category Management to analyze space during line reviews and create planograms.
• Identify macro-level space optimization opportunities and lead changes with IOM/Real Estate partners.
• Use SQL and Excel to pull and interpret reports for decision-making.
• Communicate objectives and strategies with merchandising and field partners.
• Support stores with floorplan needs and respond to requests within 24–48 hours.

Skills

MS Excel

MS Word

MS PowerPoint

Verbal communication

Written communication

Leadership

Data analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Design or related field

Tools

Blue Yonder

SQL

AutoCAD

Space Management

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Summary:The Sr. Visual Space Planner is responsible for partnering with Category Management and other cross functional leads to develop and execute merchandising strategies that drive incremental sales and gross margin for Advance Auto Parts through space productivity. The Sr. Visual Space Planner will be an expert in system-based planogram creation & reporting, managing multiple project timelines, and upholding Advance Auto Parts merchandising guidelines. This role is also responsible for providing space planning guidelines to maximize efficient inventory replenishment principles, as well as sales driving plans, based on data analysis.What will you do?Analysis:Partner with Category Management on all space related analysis during line review process, including but not limited to: adjacencies, heat maps, sales productivity by store and POG versionIdentify space optimization opportunities on a macro level and lead execution of changes with IOM and Real Estate partnersEffectively use Microsoft database applications, SQL queries, and Excel to pull and interpret reports.Understand Portfolio Role & Intent and what metrics are most effective to report against.Communication:Close partnership with merchandising and real estate counterparts & leads to establish project objectives and execution strategiesCommunicate effectively and professionally with strategic business partners across the organization. Raise awareness of missed or at-risk milestones and propose an approach to course correction.Support Advance Auto Parts stores by (1) clearly articulating merchandising instructions accurately and (2) partnering with field TMs on Floorplan needs/responding to store requests via Service Garage with resolution within 24-48 hours. Communicate solutions and opportunities within the Category Management Timeline.Process:Understand and adhere to Floorplan milestones. Understand and proactively prepare for Category Management/Planning milestones. Uphold basic Visual Merchandising guidelines and best practices. Be fluid and flexible to the needs of the business.Floorplan Accuracy, Merchandising & Systems:Execute Special Project floorplans as assigned and partner with field partners, as needed, to complete deliverables. Understand the basic mapping of floorplans in a system-based environment. Partner with the Planogram team to ensure the mapping of floorplans reflects current prototypes. Create Merchandising Floorplans that match the merchandising strategy and fit into the construction outlay. QualificationsAdvanced skills in MS Office Products Excel, Word, PowerPoint, AccessIntermediate Blue Yonder Systems and/or SQL experienceIntermediate AutoCad and/or Space Management experience preferredExcellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage with various audiencesDemonstrated ability to leverage critical thinking and problem solve using large data setsTop 5 Required Technical Skills:Visual Merchandising: Acumen in optimizing the presentation of products and services to create a pleasing customer, while maximizing profitability.Merchandising Strategies: Understanding of merchandising strategies and techniques used to increase sales, such as product placement, fixture usage, promotions, advertising, and competitive pricing.Planogram Creation: Experience creating product planograms using visual merchandising software, ensuring accuracy in product skus, inventory required, fixtures needed, and product placement, while considering shoppability and profitability.Detail-Oriented: Ability to complete tasks while paying attention to all areas involved, no matter how small, ensuring thorough and accurate execution.Business Acumen: Understanding how a business operates, including financial literacy, how an organization makes money, organizational knowledge, and short and long term growth strategies.Top 5 Required Leadership Skills:Ownership: Sense opportunities and obstacles that create barriers to resultsSelf-Development: View weaknesses as an opportunity to learn and grow; Actively work to improve weaknessesInnovate: Analyze advantages and disadvantages to new ideasInfluence Others: Can compromise (win concessions) without damaging relationshipsCollaborate: Prioritize business relationships beyond your team to gather differing perspectives and information, and work together; Recognize potential impacts of choices upstream, downstream, and across teams.Certifications, Experience, and Education:Certifications: NoneExperience: 5-7 years of retail and/or project management experience; andEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Design or related field; or equivalent combination of education and/or experienceLocation & Work Availability:This position is Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote), based at our corporate headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Flexibility for occasional travel may be required.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 installers and do-it-yourself customers. Advance operates 5,000 stores and WorldPac branches in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Company also serves independently owned CarQuest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico and various Caribbean Islands. When you join our team, you become one of 60,000 knowledgeable and experienced Team Members who are committed to providing outstanding customer service to our customers, communities, and each other every day.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.#LI-EM1We 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