Sr. Visual Merchandising Specialist

Job Description

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 67,000 knowledgeable and experienced Team Members who are committed to providing outstanding customer service to our customers, communities and each other every day.

Job Summary

The Sr. Visual Merchandise Specialist is responsible for partnering with Real Estate, Space Planning & Design, Inventory, Independents and the Visual Fixture team to develop and execute merchandising strategies that drive incremental sales and gross margin for Advance Auto Parts. The Sr. Visual Merchandise Specialist will work as an expert in analyzing return on space at a micro (sku/shelf) level, managing timelines and upholding Advance Auto Parts merchandising guidelines. This role is also responsible for delivering accurate store/mapping/sku relationships to maximize efficient inventory replenishment principles, ordering fixturing and developing merchandising floorplans.

What will you do?

Floorplan Accuracy, Merchandising & Systems (40%):

• Produce and distribute error-free, effectively merchandised, profitable Floorplans with clear, concise instructions through intermediate understanding and navigation of Blue Yonder Floorplanning and AutoCAD systems. Build Special Project floorplans as assigned and partner with field partners as needed to complete deliverables. Understand basic mapping of floorplans in a system-based environment. Partner with the Planogram team to ensure mapping of floorplans reflects current prototypes. Create Merchandising Floorplans that match the merchandising strategy and fit into the construction outlay.

Analysis (20%):

• Understand interaction and impact of business factors: how facings, mins and capacity impact sales

and inventory.

• Effectively use Excel and Access to pull and interpret reports.

• Understand Portfolio Role & Intent and what metrics are most effective to report against.

• Analyze and articulate key differentiators between Advance Auto Parts and other retailers through competitive shopping exercises.

Process (15%):

• Understand and adhere to Floorplan milestones. Understand and proactively prepare for Category Management/Planning milestones. Uphold basic Visual Merchandising guidelines and best practices. Coordinate and follow Space Planning & Design, Real Estate, and Independent timelines.

Communication (15%):

• Communicate 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 the Floorplan Merchandising mailbox with resolution within 24-48 hours. Communicate solutions and opportunities within the Real Estate Grand Opening Timeline.

Cross Functional Relationships (10%):

• Establish and develop relationships with space planning, planogram, and inventory teams. Be a vocal, strategic partner to the IOM and Visual teams through team meetings and mapping processes. Build trust by proactively providing credible and value-added support. Work with other members of the Visual Merchandising Team and partner with other teams as necessary (e.g., Space Planning & Design, Inventory Planning, and Store Support).

Required Skills, Certifications, Experience, & Education

• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Advanced PC skills, systems aptitude and experience

• Ability to work independently and with a high level of energy and initiative

• Demonstrated ability to self-manage in a hybrid working environment

• Ability to interface with all levels of management

• Assertive and flexible

Technical Skills

• Merchandising Strategies: Understanding of merchandising strategies and techniques used to increase sales, such as product placement, fixture usage, promotions, advertising, and competitive pricing.

• Project Management: Skill in the process of leading the work of a team to achieve all project goals within a predetermined scope, timeframe, and budget.

• 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.

Leadership Skills

• Ownership: Sense opportunities and obstacles that create barriers to results

• Self-Development: View weaknesses as an opportunity to learn and grow; Actively work to improve weaknesses

• Innovate: Analyze advantages and disadvantages to new ideas

• Influence Others: Can compromise (win concessions) without damaging relationships

• Passion for Customers: Use knowledge about customers to put new ideas into action

Certifications

• None

Experience

• 2-4 years of retail and/or project management experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or Design

Preferred Skills

• Intermediate AutoCad and/or Space Management experience preferred

• Merchandising, Merchandise Planning, or Retail experience

• Retail analysis/reporting experience

Work Location & Availability

• Raleigh HQ / Hybrid

• Full Time

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.

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