Merchandise Category Lead - Engines & Components

The Merchandise Category Lead is responsible for driving sales and profitability within an assigned product category by owning the product assortment strategy, optimizing brand programs and pricing, and supporting internal SKU rationalization standards. This role blends merchandising expertise with category specialization to guide brand performance and category growth. The Category Lead works closely with vendors to evaluate performance, recommend inventory strategies, and identify new brand opportunities that align with business goals.

In partnership with cross-functional teams—including TDM and Marketing, the Category Lead ensures accurate, compelling product presentation across digital and print channels. Strong vendor relationships and data-driven decision making are key to delivering strategies that enhance the customer experience and elevate overall category performance.

(includes other duties as assigned):
Responsible for managing the product assortment and SKU mix within assigned brands, with a focus on category performance, profitability, and customer experience. Maintains a strong awareness of product data on the part detail page—including attributes, digital assets, pricing position and other critical information—and communicates with internal teams and vendors to address any gaps or inaccuracies. Monitors key inputs such as sales trends, vendor feedback, return rates, product availability, and competitive activity to guide decisions around SKU rationalization and brand optimization, and to support strategic growth initiatives.

Supports margin strategy by collaborating with Pricing and analyzing brand-level performance and competitor activity. Accountable for driving return on invested capital (ROIC) in their assigned category, including both financial and human capital. This includes evaluating the ROI of adding new SKUs, onboarding new vendors, and recommending stocking strategies. Category Leads are expected to consider the long-term profitability and resource efficiency of assortment decisions and vendor partnerships.

Leads the evaluation of new brands based on industry trends, new manufacturers, employee suggestions, profitability goals, and category assortment fit. Communicates and collaborates with the Vendor Onboarding team to negotiate pricing and vendor programs. Determines initial stocking levels for new SKUs and brands, using trend analysis, vendor input, and category insights to ensure the right products are available for customers.

Collaborates with vendors to review sales performance and identify opportunities for inventory expansion, while balancing strong in-stock availability with inventory efficiency. Recommends the most effective fulfillment method—stocking or drop ship—based on vendor capabilities and internal requirements. Prepares sales information for vendor meetings that lead to actionable plans for improving sales, service, and quality in support of category goals. Ensures the accuracy and completeness of product content presented to customers.

Partners with the Tech Data Management (TDM) team to prioritize attributes, digital assets, and other data needs for website presentation. Participates in catalog and ADV processes by providing product picks for printed and digital marketing collateral. Supports special projects tied to category initiatives, such as vehicle builds or event-related needs. Utilizes and analyzes department category reports and regularly communicates to the supervisor and department manager on YOY category and line-level performance, progress on rationalization efforts, resolution of assigned JIRA tickets (from Pricing/Costing and other teams), and status updates from weekly audits…