Associate Category Manager

Excellent career opportunity to join one of the finest Fortune 200 companies in the United States!* *You will also enjoy a wide array of career development programs including the company supported Six Sigma Black Belt training in category management.

NOTE: T his person must live in Atlanta or be open to relocating on their own - No relocation assistance currently provided.

Position: Associate Category Manager — Undercar

Reports To: Senior Category Manager — Undercar & Dorman

Location: Atlanta, GA — (Cumberland/Vinings area) Hybrid - 4 days in office/1 day remote

About the Company

NAPA Auto Parts is a leading U.S. automotive aftermarket distributor and wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC) , a $23.5B global distribution leader. With 20,000+ employees, NAPA distributes more than 800,000 automotive replacement parts, accessories, and service items to retail and commercial customers nationwide. As GPC prepares to separate its Automotive and Industrial businesses into independent public companies by 2027, NAPA will become the standalone Automotive platform—creating greater focus, agility, and investment to accelerate growth and innovation across the automotive aftermarket.

Why This Role Matters

This is an opportunity to help shape and grow a significant portion of NAPA’s Undercar business, supporting a $500M portfolio spanning Chassis, Ride Control, Exhaust, Clutch, Lift Supports, U-Joints, and related Undercar product categories. Partnering closely with the Senior Category Manager, the Associate will help drive day-to-day category performance across promotions, supplier partnerships, marketing, analytics, and new product initiatives, while gaining broad exposure across NAPA’s merchandising organization. This is a unique opportunity for an emerging professional to bring fresh perspective, take meaningful ownership, and grow alongside the category—with strong visibility and a natural path toward future Category Management leadership.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a driven, commercially minded professional who approaches the category with an ownership mentality and is eager to grow into broader leadership responsibility. They are highly organized, proactive, and comfortable navigating financial data and competing priorities, with the humility and curiosity to ask questions and learn quickly. Above all, they are a collaborative, low-ego partner who builds strong relationships and works effectively across teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Category Manager in managing and growing an approximately $500M Undercar portfolio spanning Chassis, Ride Control, Exhaust, Clutch, Lift Supports, U-Joints, and related product categories, sharing accountability for overall category performance
• Facilitate the promotions process across publications and channels, ensuring key milestones, deliverables, and deadlines remain on track
• Serve as a key operational partner to the Category Manager , triaging priorities, proactively resolving issues, and coordinating cross-functionally to keep the business moving
• Lead the marketing component of the category, partnering with Marketing and Promotions on campaigns, promotional activity, and related initiatives
• Analyze category financials and performance data, developing regular reporting and translating insights into clear recommendations and presentations for key stakeholders
• Support supplier relationships and meetings, understanding business objectives and negotiation strategies while helping maintain productive long-term partnerships
• Administer supplier income and Agreement Sheets, ensuring accurate and timely billing, reporting, and documentation
• Manage new line and new supplier setup, ensuring information is captured accurately and key process milestones are achieved
• Maximize B2B/B2C digital channel opportunities and support initiatives that improve category performance and the end-user/customer experience

Professional Qualifications

Requirements:

• 2–4 years of relevant professional experience in Category Management, Merchandising, Product Management, Inventory Planning/Replenishment, Supply Chain, Marketing, Distribution, or another transferable business function; direct Category Management experience is preferred but not required, with greater emphasis placed on the quality and transferability of experience
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, including retail math, category performance analysis, and reporting with proficiency in Excel and ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable business recommendations
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with experience effectively communicating financial and business insights to key stakeholders
• Experience working with suppliers/vendors and/or inventory and distribution operations is highly valued; automotive aftermarket experience is beneficial but not required

Education

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or a related discipline preferred

Personal Characteristics

• Ownership Mindset - Treats the category as their own business and takes personal accountability for its growth and results
• Influencer - Builds trust and moves people to act even without direct authority over them
• Curious Learner - Learns quickly, asks questions early rather than making assumptions, and adapts readily to new systems and ways of working
• Detail-Oriented Shield - Highly organized and attentive to detail; effectively manages multiple priorities and proactively spots roadblocks before they escalate, protecting the Category Manager’s time and focus
• Collaborative Partner - Works effectively as a duo with the Category Manager, building strong relationships and bringing complementary strengths to the partnership

Culture & Environment

NAPA fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented culture where humility, integrity, sound judgment, and “ roll up your sleeves ” work ethic are highly valued. Team members are encouraged to work across functions, share ideas, take ownership, and support one another in achieving common goals. NAPA is equally committed to creating an environment where employees are valued and respected and provided equal opportunities, while offering a supportive environment for continued learning, development, and career growth.

Compensation & Benefits

NAPA offers an attractive compensation package annual bonus opportunity, and a comprehensive benefits package.