Tire Discounters
Category Specialist - Passenger and Light Truck Tires
Tire Discounters, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, 45208
Join the Tire Discounters Family - Drive Your Career Forward!
About Us:
Tire Discounters, the nation's largest family-owned and operated tire & service business, was founded almost 50 years ago. We are dedicated to providing exceptional automotive service with a focus on transparency and care for our nearly 2,300 team members. We offer diverse career paths, industry-leading training, and a commitment to our core values.
As a family-owned tire and automotive service retailer, our mission is to prioritize people and safety above all else. We are dedicated to delivering a "WOW" experience to our customers and team members, with a commitment to always do the right thing while challenging the status quo.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Category Specialist for Passenger and Light Truck Tires deliver day-to-day execution for the category team. Primary focus areas include item setup and maintenance (including price files and attributes), promotional and plan-o-gram coordination, vendor/logistics communications, routine sales/margin/inventory reporting, and inventory monitoring. The role ensures data accuracy, on-time execution, and smooth cross-functional workflows with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain, escalating exceptions as needed. Working under the direction of the Category Manager, the specialist supports Tire Discounters' merchandising and operational goals within established SOPs and guardrails.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Maintain and update item-level data/attributes, UPCs, and price files in internal systems; ensure accuracy and compliance with standards. Prepare and distribute routine reports (sales, margin, inventory, turns, weeks of supply); flag exceptions for follow-up. Coordinate promotional execution with Marketing, Sales, and Operations; maintain calendars and store communications. Help build and maintain plan-o-grams; coordinate product placement tools and store reset materials. Communicate with vendors on operational topics (availability, lead times, shipping status) and log/resolution tracking. Collect and track supplier rebates and supporting documentation; maintain SLA and issue logs. Support new product introductions and product lifecycle updates (adds, changes, discontinuations). Provide administrative support for vendor reviews, promotional calendars, and training materials. Participate in store visits to audit execution, gather field feedback, and document corrective actions. Prepare plan-o-gram kits and reset instructions; create/print shelf tags and promo signage; verify price/sign accuracy during resets and audits. Monitor out-of-stocks, backorders, and substitutes; update trackers and notify Supply Chain/Category Manager. Support new product introductions and discontinuations: item setup, sample coordination, initial orders, and cross-references/substitutions. Track competitive prices and promotions from defined sources; compile a simple weekly summary for the Category Manager. Process RTVs and warranty-claim documentation; work with vendors/AP to resolve invoice discrepancies and credits. Maintain attachment matrices for services (alignment, TPMS, road-hazard) and ensure they're reflected in plan-o-grams and systems. Submit and track e-commerce content tickets (images/specs/copy) to the web team; verify go-live and accuracy. Maintain SOPs/checklists for item setup, price changes, promo launches, and store resets; version and distribute updates. Assist with compliance checks: MAP monitoring snapshots, label/advertising disclosures, and brand guideline adherence. Compile field feedback and produce simple execution scorecards by store/region with follow-up actions. Coordinate training logistics (rosters, invites, materials) and track completion; maintain the content library. Build and lightly automate recurring reports/trackers using basic Excel formulas, pivots, and charts. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Professionalism and strong interpersonal skills; effective cross-functional collaboration. Basic analytical skills and retail math; comfort working from spreadsheets and reports. High attention to detail and data accuracy; and strong documentation habits. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications, listening and presentation skills. Organized, able to manage multiple timelines in a high-volume environment; follows SOPs. Ability to maintain composure and focus during stressful and challenging situations. Ability to learn Tire Works POS and related PIM/ERP/POS workflows; familiarity with MAP/brand standards is a plus. High ethical standards and personal integrity; maintain confidentiality and comply with company policies, and requirements. Ability to coordinate with vendors, schedule reviews, maintain scorecards, track SLAs/rebates/issues; escalate exceptions with clear summaries. Commitment to continuous improvement: document SOPs and suggest process tweaks. Ability to track defined competitor prices/promos and summarize weekly highlights. Beginner proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint Learn to have working knowledge of Tire Works POS EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
Associate degree or equivalent experience is preferred Minimum 1 to 2 years' experience in purchasing, merchandising, supply chain, field sales, or retail operations required. Experience in the general automotive industry preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Position operates in both an office setting and within our retail sales operations. Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. Engages in routine activities including walking, standing, and sitting, adjusting posture based on tasks and responsibilities. Duties involve continual communication activities, including listening and talking, both in person and through electronic communication channels. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, handle and/or feel; lift/carry up to 25 pounds, and reach with hands and arms. Frequent travel required; 60%+ time spent in stores. Valid driver's license or reliable transportation required.
About Us:
Tire Discounters, the nation's largest family-owned and operated tire & service business, was founded almost 50 years ago. We are dedicated to providing exceptional automotive service with a focus on transparency and care for our nearly 2,300 team members. We offer diverse career paths, industry-leading training, and a commitment to our core values.
As a family-owned tire and automotive service retailer, our mission is to prioritize people and safety above all else. We are dedicated to delivering a "WOW" experience to our customers and team members, with a commitment to always do the right thing while challenging the status quo.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Category Specialist for Passenger and Light Truck Tires deliver day-to-day execution for the category team. Primary focus areas include item setup and maintenance (including price files and attributes), promotional and plan-o-gram coordination, vendor/logistics communications, routine sales/margin/inventory reporting, and inventory monitoring. The role ensures data accuracy, on-time execution, and smooth cross-functional workflows with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain, escalating exceptions as needed. Working under the direction of the Category Manager, the specialist supports Tire Discounters' merchandising and operational goals within established SOPs and guardrails.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Maintain and update item-level data/attributes, UPCs, and price files in internal systems; ensure accuracy and compliance with standards. Prepare and distribute routine reports (sales, margin, inventory, turns, weeks of supply); flag exceptions for follow-up. Coordinate promotional execution with Marketing, Sales, and Operations; maintain calendars and store communications. Help build and maintain plan-o-grams; coordinate product placement tools and store reset materials. Communicate with vendors on operational topics (availability, lead times, shipping status) and log/resolution tracking. Collect and track supplier rebates and supporting documentation; maintain SLA and issue logs. Support new product introductions and product lifecycle updates (adds, changes, discontinuations). Provide administrative support for vendor reviews, promotional calendars, and training materials. Participate in store visits to audit execution, gather field feedback, and document corrective actions. Prepare plan-o-gram kits and reset instructions; create/print shelf tags and promo signage; verify price/sign accuracy during resets and audits. Monitor out-of-stocks, backorders, and substitutes; update trackers and notify Supply Chain/Category Manager. Support new product introductions and discontinuations: item setup, sample coordination, initial orders, and cross-references/substitutions. Track competitive prices and promotions from defined sources; compile a simple weekly summary for the Category Manager. Process RTVs and warranty-claim documentation; work with vendors/AP to resolve invoice discrepancies and credits. Maintain attachment matrices for services (alignment, TPMS, road-hazard) and ensure they're reflected in plan-o-grams and systems. Submit and track e-commerce content tickets (images/specs/copy) to the web team; verify go-live and accuracy. Maintain SOPs/checklists for item setup, price changes, promo launches, and store resets; version and distribute updates. Assist with compliance checks: MAP monitoring snapshots, label/advertising disclosures, and brand guideline adherence. Compile field feedback and produce simple execution scorecards by store/region with follow-up actions. Coordinate training logistics (rosters, invites, materials) and track completion; maintain the content library. Build and lightly automate recurring reports/trackers using basic Excel formulas, pivots, and charts. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Professionalism and strong interpersonal skills; effective cross-functional collaboration. Basic analytical skills and retail math; comfort working from spreadsheets and reports. High attention to detail and data accuracy; and strong documentation habits. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications, listening and presentation skills. Organized, able to manage multiple timelines in a high-volume environment; follows SOPs. Ability to maintain composure and focus during stressful and challenging situations. Ability to learn Tire Works POS and related PIM/ERP/POS workflows; familiarity with MAP/brand standards is a plus. High ethical standards and personal integrity; maintain confidentiality and comply with company policies, and requirements. Ability to coordinate with vendors, schedule reviews, maintain scorecards, track SLAs/rebates/issues; escalate exceptions with clear summaries. Commitment to continuous improvement: document SOPs and suggest process tweaks. Ability to track defined competitor prices/promos and summarize weekly highlights. Beginner proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint Learn to have working knowledge of Tire Works POS EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
Associate degree or equivalent experience is preferred Minimum 1 to 2 years' experience in purchasing, merchandising, supply chain, field sales, or retail operations required. Experience in the general automotive industry preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Position operates in both an office setting and within our retail sales operations. Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. Engages in routine activities including walking, standing, and sitting, adjusting posture based on tasks and responsibilities. Duties involve continual communication activities, including listening and talking, both in person and through electronic communication channels. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, handle and/or feel; lift/carry up to 25 pounds, and reach with hands and arms. Frequent travel required; 60%+ time spent in stores. Valid driver's license or reliable transportation required.