Sr. Visual Space Planner

Job Summary :       The Sr. Visual   S pace   Planner   is responsible for   partnering with Category Management and other cross functional leads to develop and execute merchandising strategies that drive incremental sales and gross margin for Advance Auto Parts through space productivity.  The Sr. Visual   Space Planner   will be an expert in system-based   planogram creation   & reporting, managing multiple project timelines, and upholding Advance Auto Parts merchandising guidelines. This role is also responsible for providing space planning guidelines to maximize efficient inventory replenishment principles, as well as sales driving plans, based on data analysis.          What will you do?   Analysis :   Partner with Category Management on all space related analysis during line review process, including but not limited   to:   adjacencies, heat maps, sales productivity by store and POG version   Identify   space optimization opportunities on a macro level and lead execution of changes with IOM and Real Estate partners   Effectively use Microsoft database applications, SQL queries, and Excel to pull and interpret reports.   Understand Portfolio Role & Intent and what metrics are most effective to report against.   Communication :   Close partnership with merchandising and real estate counterparts & leads to   establish   project   objectives   and execution strategies   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 Service Garage with resolution within 24- 48 hours .   Communicate   solutions and opportunities within the Category Management   Timeline.      Process :   Understand and adhere to Floorplan milestones. Understand and proactively prepare for Category Management/Planning milestones. Uphold basic Visual Merchandising guidelines and best practices. Be fluid and flexible to the needs of the business.   Floorplan Accuracy, Merchandising & Systems :   Execute Special Project floorplans as assigned and partner with field partners, as needed, to complete deliverables. Understand the basic mapping of floorplans in a system-based environment. Partner with the Planogram team to ensure the mapping of floorplans reflects current prototypes. Create Merchandising Floorplans that match the merchandising strategy and fit into the construction   outlay .

Advanced skills in   MS Office Products Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access    Intermediate Blue Yonder Systems and/or SQL experience   Intermediate   AutoCad   and/or Space Management experience preferred   Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage with various audiences    Demonstrated ability to   leverage   critical thinking and problem solve using large data sets       Top 5 Required Technical Skills:   Visual Merchandising:   Acumen in   optimizing   the presentation of products and services to create a pleasing customer, while maximizing profitability.   Merchandising Strategies:   Understanding of   merchandising strategies and techniques used to increase sales, such as product placement, fixture usage, promotions, advertising, and competitive pricing.   Planogram Creation:   Experience creating product planograms using visual merchandising software, ensuring accuracy in product   skus , inventory   required , fixtures needed, and product placement, while considering   shoppability   and profitability .      Detail-Oriented:   Ability to complete tasks while paying attention to all areas involved, no matter how small, ensuring thorough and   accurate   execution .