Jennifer Vrba
About Jennifer Vrba
Jennifer Vrba is a Senior Category Manager at Advance Auto Parts, where she has worked since 2014. With extensive experience in merchant-driven marketing and category management, she has held various roles in the retail sector, including positions at Sears Holdings Corporation and Pella Corporation.
Work at Advance Auto Parts
Jennifer Vrba has served as Senior Category Manager at Advance Auto Parts since 2014. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing category management functions, including managing communications and actions with cross-functional support groups for planogram resets. Her focus includes merchant-driven marketing strategies, which encompass circular ad planning, online channels, loyalty programs, in-store signing, and vendor collaboration. Her tenure at Advance Auto Parts has spanned a decade, during which she has contributed to the company's growth and operational efficiency.
Previous Experience in Retail
Before her current role, Jennifer Vrba held various positions at Sears Holdings Corporation. She worked as an Associate Buyer for Infant and Preschool Toys from 2005 to 2008, and later as a Buyer for the same category from 2012 to 2014. Additionally, she served as an Associate Buyer for Infant Hardlines from 2008 to 2011. Her experience at Sears provided her with a solid foundation in retail buying and category management.
Sales Experience at Pella Corporation
Jennifer Vrba worked as a Sales Representative for Residential at Pella Corporation from 2001 to 2004. This role allowed her to develop skills in sales and customer relationship management, contributing to her overall expertise in the retail and marketing sectors.
Education and Expertise
Jennifer Vrba earned her Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Elmhurst College, where she studied from 1997 to 2000. Her educational background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary for her roles in category management and retail marketing. She demonstrates expertise in trend analysis, research, and marketplace exploration, which aids in identifying growth opportunities.
Key Contributions and Initiatives
Throughout her career, Jennifer Vrba has played a significant role in streamlining merchant processes, particularly during the integration of two companies. She has successfully managed profitable categories by fostering collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams and the vendor community. Her ability to analyze trends and market opportunities has been instrumental in driving business success.