As the Senior Director of Merchandising Technology & Engineering at Advance Auto Parts, you will drive the strategic vision, development, and optimization of our merchandise technology platforms across online and in-store operations. This role focuses on merchandising, pricing, inventory visibility, product data management, and digital transformation to enhance the customer experience and improve operational efficiency.
You will collaborate with merchandising, supply chain, e-commerce, IT, and data analytics teams to align technology initiatives with business objectives. We are seeking a seasoned leader with deep expertise in software engineering, cloud technologies, AI/ML, and retail merchandising systems, coupled with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
This position requires four days a week in office at our Raleigh, NC headquarters.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Digital Transformation:
• Define and execute the technology roadmap for merchandising systems, ensuring alignment with business growth and digital transformation initiatives.
• Drive innovation in merchandising technology, leveraging AI/ML for pricing optimization, personalized product recommendations, and demand forecasting.
• Partner with merchandising, supply chain, and e-commerce leaders to optimize inventory visibility, pricing strategy, and product lifecycle processes.
• Evaluate build vs. buy decisions for merchandising platforms, ensuring scalability, performance, and cost efficiency.
Technology Strategy & Innovation:
• Oversee the architecture, development, and integration of merchandise-related platforms, including:
• Product catalog management and item lifecycle automation.
• Dynamic pricing engines and competitive intelligence tools.
• Product recommendation and personalization systems.
• Ensure seamless integration of merchandising systems with:
• ERP, supply chain management, order fulfillment, and e-commerce platforms.
• Data analytics, BI tools, and AI-driven decision-making models.
• Drive platform modernization, adopting cloud, microservices, APIs, and event-driven architecture for scalability and agility.
Operational Excellence & Performance Optimization:
• Ensure high availability, reliability, and scalability of all merchandising platforms.
• Strengthen data quality, governance, and accuracy within product catalog and inventory systems.
• Establish automated monitoring, performance tracking, and predictive analytics to reduce downtime and improve response time.
• Drive process improvements using agile methodologies and DevOps best practices.
Cross-Functional Leadership & Team Development:
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of engineers, architects, and product managers in merchandising technology.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a strategic technology partner to senior leadership, translating business needs into scalable technical solutions.
Vendor & Technology Ecosystem Management:
• Evaluate and manage relationships with third-party technology vendors, SaaS providers, and consulting partners.
• Drive cost optimization, contract negotiations, and vendor performance management.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends in retail technology, AI-driven merchandising, and inventory automation.
Qualifications:
Experience:
• 10+ years in software engineering, with at least 5 years in leadership roles within retail or e-commerce (preferably in the automotive aftermarket).
• Proven experience leading and delivering large-scale merchandising technology solutions.
• Strong understanding of product data management, inventory systems, pricing, and catalog management.
• Experience driving digital transformation and AI/ML adoption in merchandising.
Technical Skills:
• Expertise in cloud platforms, microservices, APIs, and agile methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with e-commerce platforms, ERP integrations, and merchandising systems.
• Knowledge of AI/ML applications in pricing, demand forecasting, and personalization.
• Familiarity with data analytics, BI tools, and automation in retail merchandising.
Leadership & Communication:
• Strong executive presence and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including C-suite, product, and engineering teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities in a fast-paced environment.
Education:
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree is a plus.
Preferred Skills:
• Experience with automotive aftermarket technologies.
• Understanding of advanced supply chain, order management, and fulfillment systems.
• Proven ability to drive digital transformation initiatives in a growth-focused retail environment.
About Us:
At Advance Auto Parts, we are revolutionizing the automotive retail experience through cutting-edge technology. Join us to lead merchandising technology innovation and make a lasting impact in the future of automotive retailing.
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