Assistant Category Manager

Are you looking for an opportunity to incorporate your passion for cars and your passion for providing best in class customer service? At CARQUEST, we strive to be the best parts provider in the automotive after-market industry. We’re owned by Advance Auto Parts and we are the largest after-market auto parts provider in North America.

We are looking for positive, goal-driven, car enthusiasts to join our Merchandising team who are dedicated to building authentic relationships with our customers.

About the Position:

Our Associate Category Manager will report to the Category Manager and assists in implementation of strategic plans to support key product management objectives as defined by the company. Provides oversight and direction to assigned projects and will operate cross-functionally with the operations, purchasing, and data management departments from vision to execution. Reviews and analyzes sales, inventory and cost data for purpose of developing, implementing and refining product line strategies.

What we have to offer:

• Opportunity to work for the largest after-market auto parts provider in North America
• Visibility to career growth opportunities across the entire Carquest organization
• Access to a robust online training system for personal or leadership development
• A rewarding organizational culture through our Team Member recognition program and team lunches
• Employee discounts on auto parts
• Group employee benefits including health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, AD&D after 3 months
• Financial benefits including group RRSP with employer contribution and discounted Employee Stock Purchase plans for all permanent Team Members

What you bring to the team:

• Works closely with Category Manager and contributes to development of strategic plans.
• Provides input on new product concepts and overall product category performance and vision.
• You are an efficient & adaptable problem solver under pressure & are a resourceful multi-tasker
• Conducts market research and gathers competitive intelligence for analysis of the competitive position, product quality, and vehicle coverage.
• Reviews marketing programs, promotions and packaging designs to ensure timely execution.
• Designs creative pricing programs to allow the company to maintain competitiveness while maximizing the gross margin opportunities.
• Helps to develop product roadmap based on market requirements and competitive situation.

• You are a team player – Interacts and communicates with vendors, member companies and stores to ensure quality and continuity
• You are reliable - while you monitor pricing, gross profit, and inventory levels to ensure adequate return on investment for responsible categories. You are a self-starter who is dependable in completing projects and tasks
• You have excellent communication skills – as you make Request for Quotations and collect and analyze results for purpose of identifying strengths and weaknesses of potential suppliers.
• Mines data and produces merchandising reports that are meaningful and helpful to product management function.

Required Skills and Experience:

• 1 - 3 Years of category merchandising experience; Must have general knowledge of the industry and the entire product channel.
• Purchasing and product planning experience.
• Management of vendor partnerships.
• Database and report creation and management.
• Ability to look forward into the future and anticipate and plan for future market shifts.
• Strong computer, interpersonal, math skills and organizational skills.
• JDA Prospace Software experience is an asset
• Ability to deliver high quality results in a fast paced environment.

• Undergraduate degree or some post-secondary education equivalent to a two-year college or technical school preferred
• Minimal travel required

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, and basis of disability or any other federal, provincial or local protected class.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• RRSP match
• Store discount
• Vision care
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bolton, ON