Why join the Vast Auto Distribution team?
Vast-Auto Distribution, a subsidiary of O’Reilly Automotive Inc., is a leader in the distribution and marketing of automotive parts for auto parts stores in Eastern Canada. It offers its customers a complete business solution, including a wide range of quality parts, innovative marketing programs, training, and business management systems. Vast-Auto currently operates 23 company-owned stores across five Canadian provinces.
Vast-Auto Distribution manages the M Mécanique 360, Certified Auto Service, Auto Mecano and OCTO Auto Service Plus banners. To lead today, we had to surround ourselves with the best. Some 500 passionate, talented men and women faithful to the Vast Auto culture contribute to our success.
In order to continue our growth and ensure our customer satisfaction, we are looking for another passionate team player to join us.
Your contribution
Under the supervision and collaboration of the Vice-President, Supply Chain, the Director of Merchandising, will accomplish the following essential functions:
Responsible forhiring,dismissing, evaluating,and overall management and developingt he merchandising and replenishment team to ensure they meet or exceed forecast accuracy, shipping performance, and inventory turn goals.
Oversee the daily job function of the Merchandise Team, Category Managers to achieve high effective assortments within the supply chain and help drive sales.
Provide direction to effectively collaborate with head office and negotiate the best acquisition cost that will position us to be competitive at all levels of sales, while creating maximum profits.
This is an ongoing process of scrutiny at the individual SKU level and demands constant awareness, communication, negotiations and procurement skills.
Coaches Category Managers through strategic and tactical-level analysis and planning during the Business Plan Update process.
Build expertise in each product category under his/her responsibility.
Understand and be able to communicate the manufacturing or sourcing processes, and quality differences of available suppliers. Stay aware of industry trends and competitor positioning in these categories.
Strong initiative to lead our company into the future with the best product at the right acquisition cost. This leadership role is predicated on the aforementioned expertise and the Director’s ability to communicate with positive direction.
Strong ownership of Category Manager engagement, development and results.
Cross-functional leadership and partnership with all departments affecting the flow of goods (i.e., Purchasing, Accounting, Operations, Sales, Marketing/Advertising, Inventory Control and Pricing). The Director of Merchandise understands how each department does their job concerning product.
Support the team in resolving supplier and inventory challenges including late deliveries, partial receipts, and supplier backorders as well as ensure supplier collaboration utilizing CPFR, demand planning or supply chain optimization discussions.
Coaches the teams in executing the inventory anagements trategies to ensure long-term, cost-effective domestic and direct import purchasing practices, effective decision-making and use of Manhattan Associates iReplenishment system to support business changes, promotional programs, seasonal items etc.
Assist the Merchandise team, RA’s and Project Coordinator (PC) with product line updates or changes, new item additions and inventory adjustments to ensure proper inventory management processes are followed, and all merchandise is ordered, received,and sent to retails stores timely.
Monitor service levels, inventory levels and inventory turn rates to ensure DC inventory is being managed efficiently while collaborating with DC management on inventory needs, service levels, capacity and handling cost efficiencies.
Participate incross-functional projects andinitiatives to develop/enhance processes and systems to support fulfillment activities, inventory productivity and flow of product.
Collaborates with other cross-functional departments such as Accounting, DC Operations, Logistics, Marketing and Retail Replenishment teams asrequired to support forecasting, promotions, inventory levels, supplier payments etc.
On site quarterly DC visits to observe operations for process improvement opportunities.
You have what it takes to rise to the challenge?
Self-motivated to a high level of achievement, a strong team player with excellent verbal/writing communication skills.
Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills.
Ability to multi-taskbybalancing/prioritizingmultiple projects
Abilitytomulti-task by balancing/prioritizing multiple projects.
Exceptional interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining professional relationships with internal business partners and suppliers.
Ability to convey a positive and professional image.
Excellent communication (written and verbal), leadership, organizational, and peoples kills.
Willingness and ability to learn at a challenging pace and in a changing environment.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Solid understanding of retail financial metrics and how the Merchandise department affects them.
Understands win/win negotiating and is willing to commit to self-study and group study negotiating technique education.
Willing to commit to extensive product training.
Your qualifications ?
Bachelor’ degree in Supply Chain, Logistics or related field and or equivalent work experience.
Strong knowledge of Supply Chain Management, Inventory Management or Replenishment.
A minimum of 10 years in Automotive Aftermarket with a sales or purchasing background or five years as a Department Manager in a similar retail/wholesale environment.
Good knowledge of French and English, written and oral, is required. You will communicate on a daily basis with work colleagues in English Canada.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Do you want to become an important asset of Vast Auto Distribution?
Send us your resume. If your application is retained, we will contact you to schedule a phone interview.
Note: the masculine is used to lighten the text and is not intended to be restrictive. Vast-Auto
Distribution respects the principles of employment equity.
