Carquest Canada Looking for Category Manager at Bolton, Ontario, Canada Full Time

Develops and implements strategic plans to support key product management objectives as defined by the company. Provides oversight and direction to assigned product lines. Must operate cross-functionally with the sales, operations, purchasing, and marketing departments from vision to execution. Has complete product life-cycle responsibility for return on investment (ROI) for the assigned product categories.

Essential Functions:

• Interacts with executive management and contributes to development of strategic plans.
• Provides input on new product concepts and overall product category performance and vision.
• Conducts market research and gathers competitive intelligence for analysis of the competitive position, product quality, and vehicle coverage.
• Provides product roadmap based on market requirements and competitive situation.
• Works closely with vendors and CARQUEST member companies to ensure quality and continuity.
• Acts as the primary liaison between vendors and CARQUEST member companies.
• Develops marketing programs, promotions and packaging designs to strengthen and grow assigned product lines.
• Develops creative pricing programs to allow CARQUEST to maintain competitiveness while maximizing the gross margin opportunities.
• Monitors pricing, gross profit, and inventory levels to ensure adequate return on investment for responsible categories.
• Prepares communications to ensure proper representation of the product management activities.

Required Skills:

• Must have commanding knowledge of the Automotive Aftermarket and the entire product channel.
• Needs ability to look forward into the future and anticipate and plan for future market shifts.
• Needs to have strong computer, interpersonal and math skills.
• Must have exceptional organizational and planning skills (detail-oriented person).
• Must be able to recognize and solve problems independently.
• Good sales and presentation skills are also beneficial
• Ability to deliver high quality results in a fast paced environment

Work Experience Required:

• Completion of University degree
• Experienced in category management functions (preference given to candidates with Automotive Aftermarket and or retail experience)
• 4-6 Years of category management experience