Job Description

Director, Assortment Planning is a merchandising facing role focused on leading a team of assortment planners who build assortment plans by channel and for each node of Advance’s multi-echelon supply chain, in accordance with the merch category strategy, customer preferences and competitive positioning. These assortment planners are responsible for both, merchant line reviews and run-the-business assortment priorities.

This role also requires the leader to be field focused so that they can monitor, maintain, and optimize assortment availability across Advance Auto Parts & our Independent stores. The Director will serve as a field liaison on concerns related to assortment gaps and work to establish strategies to improve our assortment availability for DIY, Pro and Strategic accounts. This role needs to partner closely with the inventory team on inventory depth for the chosen assortment across our stores and distribution centers.

In addition, this role is responsible for leading a team through ongoing transformation of assortment planning process and tools, and ensuring execution across the team is at or above the expectations.

This position is part of a Hybrid work arrangement requiring four days in office at the Advance Auto Parts headquarters in Raleigh, NC.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead a team of managers and planners who develop and execute category strategies and build assortment plans for front room and back room categories across stores and distribution centers.

• Establish a vision and strategy to guide the team in developing process improvements to optimize assortment availability.

• Closely collaborate with cross-functional leadership and business partners to identify opportunities, prioritize the product roadmap, and deliver timely support.

• Develop and lead a team responsible for delivering world-class availability solutions while simultaneously optimizing assortment by node.

• Foster a culture within the team which establishes best practices around discovery, optimization strategies, continuous/rapid testing & learning, with a relentless focus on delivering customer value.

• Continually evaluate and assess all operational and administrative processes and procedures, to identify, document and adopt best practices in alignment with our organizational objectives and strategic business plans.

• Build subject matter expertise in AAP product offerings, including any line reviews, quarterly assortment review, and rapid business reviews to better inform and optimize decision making and identify potential opportunities in assortment.

• Stay on top of competitive intelligence, customer insights and category strategies to close the gap and enhance our offerings.

• Be accountable for the financial impact of decisions related to assortment upgrades for Market Driven Availability initiatives, for both AAP stores and the strategic accounts.

• Invest time in coaching and developing talent on the team. Ensure team members are collaborating effectively and aligning with the goals for core merchandising and inventory management.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to effectively present information and interact effectively across all levels of the organization; proven ability to cultivate relationships with key stakeholders across functions in order to achieve business/brand objectives and drive process improvement; experience in leading complex cross-functional teams.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Software, especially advanced excel.

• Solid analytical skills required; ability to develop and communicate findings and recommendations, creating actionable strategies.

• Strong attention to detail, planning, and organizational skills.

• Ability to operate in a complex, rapidly changing environment while adhering to tight schedules.

• Ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple teams and projects simultaneously - ensuring timely and accurate completion of each; outcome-focused and experienced in project management as a means to plan, track, communicate progress and ensure on time delivery of projects.

• Advanced understanding of the supply chain; ability to see the organization as an integrated whole and comprehend how each component contributes to the achievement of organizational goals and objectives.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Mathematics or similar field; and

• 15 years’ experience in merchandising, assortment planning, inventory management or related functions

  • At least 5 of these years in a leadership role; building, developing and leading teams

• Or, equivalent combination of education and experience

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position directly supervises Managers of people; total team size is approximately 10 Team Members.

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