Manager, Strategic Initiatives Independent Stores

Summary

The Strategic Initiatives Manager, ISO plays a critical role in advancing the Independent Store Owner (ISO) channel as part of the company’s broader enterprise transformation priorities. This position leads strategy development and execution efforts that strengthen ISO partnerships, unlock sustainable sales growth, and drive operational excellence. The manager will work collaboratively across multiple functions to align resources, manage complex initiatives, and deliver measurable value for both the ISO customer base and the company.

Responsibilities

• Lead and Drive ISO Partnership Strategy: Own the planning, development, and execution of comprehensive ISO partnership rebuilding strategies that ensure long-term mutual growth and value creation.
• Oversee Sales Growth Initiatives: Guide and coordinate strategic sales programs aimed at accelerating sales growth with ISO customers, including identifying and closing sales in/out gaps across multiple key product categories.
• Manage Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead and influence diverse cross-functional teams—including Merchandising, Finance, Supply Chain, Technology, and Sales Operations—to secure alignment, accountability, and effective execution of ISO initiatives.
• Enable ISO Stratification and Mutual Commitment: Establish and manage frameworks for ISO partner stratification, tiering, and segmentation that clarify mutual commitments, prioritize resources, and optimize engagement models.
• Partner for Pricing and Rebate Optimization: Collaborate closely with Merchandising and Finance to design dynamic pricing strategies, rebate models, and promotional programs that enhance ISO partner competitiveness and profitability.
• Advance Data Analytics and Reporting: Champion ongoing improvements in data analytics and reporting capabilities to support ISO initiative measurement and insight generation. Oversee the implementation and adoption of tools such as the NAPA Impact platform to enhance decision-making.
• Drive Supply Chain and Technology Enablement: Identify and implement supply chain optimizations and technology solutions that support ISO sales efficiency, product availability, and customer satisfaction.
• Governance and Progress Tracking: Establish governance structures, key performance indicators (KPIs), and risk management practices that enable transparent progress tracking and timely course correction on ISO strategic objectives.
• Engage ISO Channel and Internal Stakeholders: Maintain consistent communication and partnership with ISO customers and internal stakeholders to facilitate alignment, adoption, and sustained initiative success.
• Support Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to refine ISO strategies, operational processes, and analytical approaches based on evolving business needs and market dynamics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Strategy, Sales, Operations, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in sales strategy, business development, or enterprise transformation initiatives, preferably within retail, wholesale, or distributor environments.
• Proven success leading complex, cross-functional projects and managing relationships with external partners or customers.
• Strong analytical proficiency with demonstrated ability to drive data-supported strategies and business insights.
• Experience collaborating with Merchandising and Finance on pricing, rebates, or promotional financial models preferred.
• Knowledge of supply chain processes and technology enablement strongly desired.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at multiple organizational levels.
• Comfortable working in dynamic, ambiguous environments with a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

Leadership

• Embodies the following values: serve, perform, influence, respect, innovate, team.
• Effectively communicates by motivating and inspiring others through clear and proactive communication.
• Delivers results and drives customer success by committing and focusing on outcomes to deliver results and making the customer the center of decisions.
• Makes balanced decisions and thinks strategically by being a forward thinker.
• Develops high-performing teams by providing inclusive leadership, attracting and developing world-class talent, providing ongoing feedback, and building trust across the organization.

Physical Demands / Working Environment

This role is primarily office-based with a typical work environment involving standard office conditions

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GPC conducts its business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. GPC's policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons.