AVP, Tire Merchandising

The Assistant Vice President, Tires Merchandising leads the development and execution of merchandising strategies across a portfolio of high-volume tire categories within a defined geographic region. This role translates enterprise tire strategies into store-level assortments and programs that drive sales, margin, and customer satisfaction. The AVP partners cross-functionally with Inventory Planning, Marketing, Finance, and Retail Operations to deliver commercial results and support Pep Boys' long-term category vision. This position manages a team of analysts and is responsible for supplier relationships, assortment optimization, pricing influence, and operational execution across the tire business.

• Develop and execute category strategies and annual business plans that support sales, margin, volume, and profitability targets for assigned regions and tire categories.
• Create localized store-level assortments based on market insights, customer behavior, and competitive trends; balance direct-sourced and outside-purchase supply options to maximize value.
• Monitor KPIs including revenue, margin, volume, product mix, and competitive gaps; recommend adjustments to strategy based on customer trends, operational feedback, and market intelligence.
• Manage relationships with key tire vendors, supporting negotiations, agreements, and joint business plans; ensure supplier performance and alignment with company standards.
• Partner with Pricing and Marketing teams to inform promotional strategies, pricing recommendations, and in-store execution that support traffic, conversion, and regional relevance.
• Collaborate with Inventory Planning to improve SKU productivity, optimize replenishment, and align supply with forecasted demand; support reverse logistics and slow-moving inventory reduction initiatives.
• Partner with Retail Operations to support back-room productivity, product knowledge, and merchandising execution; ensure programs and assortments are executable and aligned with store needs.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of analysts; foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement; support adoption of new systems, tools, and processes across merchandising.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing coupled with 8-10 years of experience. Understanding of tire category dynamics, including OE and aftermarket tire markets. Strong knowledge of merchandising principles, pricing levers, and good-better-best assortment frameworks. Familiarity with vendor management, global sourcing, and supply chain fundamentals. Knowledge of retail financial metrics including GMROI, inventory turns, margin optimization, and demand forecasting. Working knowledge of procurement and merchandising systems (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa, Oracle). Understanding of cross-functional retail operations including marketing, store operations, and supply chain logistics. Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with ability to convert insights into actionable strategies. Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills; able to communicate with executives and external partners. Effective negotiation and relationship-building skills with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-moving retail environment. Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, and guide teams. High business acumen with understanding of key retail, merchandising, and financial drivers. Skilled in business tools including Excel, PowerPoint, analytics platforms, and merchandising reporting systems. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Must be able to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods during investigations and audits.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Regular travel to stores, regional offices, and distribution centers required.
• Work hours may vary based on case urgency, including nights or weekends.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Life insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Supplemental benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO and holiday pay
• On-demand pay partner (DailyPay)
• Reduced benefits available for part-time team members

Pep Boys is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

#LI-NR1