Handler Announces NAPA Associate Category Manager – Undercar & Dorman Search

ATLANTA, GA. – August 18, 2026

We are pleased to announce Handler’s launch of a search for NAPA to hire an Associate Category Manager-Undercar & Dorman.  This key role will be based at headquarters in Atlanta, GA.

The Associate Category Manager – Undercar & Dorman will play an important role supporting a $500 million-plus portfolio spanning Power Steering, Bearings & Seals, CV Shafts, and Dorman. Partnering closely with the Category Manager, this individual will help drive category performance across promotions, supplier partnerships, marketing, analytics, and new product initiatives. This is much more than an administrative support role. NAPA is seeking someone with a true ownership mentality—someone who treats the category as their own business, takes accountability for its performance, proactively manages priorities, and helps identify opportunities for growth. The Associate Category Manager will work cross-functionally across Merchandising, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Inventory, Digital Commerce, and Operations, while supporting important supplier relationships and helping keep key initiatives and deadlines on track.

The ideal candidate will have 2–4 years of Category Management, Merchandising, Assortment Planning, or Retail experience within a fast-paced retail, distribution, or consumer products environment. We seek candidates with strong commercial acumen, exceptional analytical capability, and the ability to quickly become the operational and analytical partner to the Category Manager. Success in this role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, independently manages projects, prioritizes competing initiatives, and consistently delivers exceptional execution.

Specific functions and responsibilities of the position include:

  • Experience in Category Management, Merchandising, Product Management, Inventory Planning/Replenishment, Supply Chain, or Distribution; direct Category Management experience is preferred but not required, with greater emphasis placed on the quality and transferability of experience
  • Strong financial and analytical acumen, including retail math, category performance analysis, and reporting with proficiency in Excel and ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable business recommendations
  • Excellent presentation and communication skills, with experience effectively communicating financial and business insights to key stakeholders
  • Experience working with suppliers/vendors and/or inventory and distribution operations is highly valued; automotive aftermarket experience is beneficial but not required

    Education Requirement — Bachelor’s degree required

Next steps:

  1. To learn more about this exciting role, listen to our audio
  2. Qualified and interested, or to refer a colleague, contact our Search Consultant, Kathleen Leard

We look forward to hearing from you.