Category Manager

About us:

Vast-Auto Distribution, a subsidiary of O’Reilly Automotive Inc., is a leader in auto parts distribution and retail across Eastern Canada. It is part of O’Reilly Auto Parts that operates more than 6,000 stores, with more than 92,000 team members across the USA, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Canada under the Parts City Auto Parts and O’Reilly Auto Parts banners.

How you will make an impact?

As a Category Manager, you will use teamwork and collaboration to manage multiple product categories end to end, partnering cross-functionally to develop and execute category strategies that drive financial performance, market share, and inventory health across corporate stores and wholesale customers.

What you’ll do:

• Deliver financial plans by maximizing revenue, margin, and inventory productivity.
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine assortment, sales, and buying strategies aligned with customer needs and business objectives.
• Leverage existing reporting tools while helping evolve new metrics to support smarter decision-making.
• Analyze market, customer, and competitive data to identify growth opportunities and risks.
• Provide clear merchandising direction for assigned categories, ensuring alignment across teams.
• Partner cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Marketing, Operations, and Finance to execute strategies effectively.
• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative vendor relationships that drive innovation, profitability, and long-term value.
• Partner closely with the O’Reilly U.S. merchandising team to support the development of differentiated and proprietary product offerings for the Canadian market.
• Represent the category in key forums, including Joint Business Planning, promotional planning, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Take accountability for key decisions and results.
• Contribute to a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement — for yourself and those around you.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or a related field (required).
• Minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in merchandising, category management, or a related retail/wholesale role (required).
• Automotive industry experience, product knowledge, or training (preferred).
• Familiarity with cataloging systems (e.g., Weatherly Index) or ASE Certification (preferred).
• Strong analytical skills with experience managing or influencing P&L performance.
• Excellent negotiation skills with a win-win approach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications; ability to work with reporting and inventory systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present findings and influence stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer service-oriented mindset with a focus on building strong relationships.

What Sets Us Apart

Grow and succeed in a value-driven workplace that supports your professional development, all within the stability of a Fortune 300 organization.

• Exposure to best practices and tools across a large North American organization, opening doors to diverse career pathways.
• Career growth opportunities through our Promote from Within philosophy.
• Competitive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance, RRSP, and additional employee benefits.
• Commitment to inclusion: We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value different perspectives and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
• Commitment to our customers and team members: We are enthusiastic, hardworking professionals dedicated to teamwork, safety and wellness, and delivering excellent customer service. We lead with respect, honesty, and a win-win attitude while maintaining strong expense discipline.

If you are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to submit your resume. If your application is selected, we will contact you to schedule an interview.

Note: Vast-Auto Distribution does not use AI for job screening purposes