Kurt Sauer
About Kurt Sauer
Kurt Sauer serves as the Director of Category Management at Advance Auto Parts, where he has worked since 2015. He leads a team managing ten categories in the Automotive Aftermarket industry and has extensive experience in retail management and category buying.
Current Role at Advance Auto Parts
Kurt Sauer serves as the Director of Category Management at Advance Auto Parts, a position he has held since 2015. In this role, he leads a team responsible for managing ten distinct categories within the Automotive Aftermarket industry. His leadership supports over 6,000 company-owned and independently owned locations across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Under his oversight, the total sales volume exceeds $900 million annually.
Previous Experience at Sports Authority
Before joining Advance Auto Parts, Kurt Sauer worked at Sports Authority for nearly a decade. He held several positions, including Merchandise Planner from 2005 to 2010, Inventory Manager from 2004 to 2005, and progressed to Senior Buyer from 2011 to 2014. His experience as a Buyer from 2010 to 2011 contributed to his expertise in category management and retail operations.
Experience at Albertsons
Kurt Sauer's career includes significant experience at Albertsons, where he worked from 1989 to 2003. He held various roles, including Grocery Manager/Assistant Store Manager, Buyer, and Keyperson, Dairy Manager, Frozen Food Manager, and Freight Manager. His tenure at Albertsons spanned over 14 years, providing him with a strong foundation in retail management and procurement.
Education and Expertise
Kurt Sauer studied at the University of Northern Colorado, where he achieved a degree in Social Sciences for Secondary Education from 1985 to 1990. This educational background, combined with his extensive experience in retail and category management, has equipped him with the skills necessary to excel in his current role.
Leadership and Development Focus
In his current position, Kurt Sauer emphasizes the importance of building future leaders within the organization. He focuses on ensuring company success through individual development, which aligns with his commitment to exceeding sales and profit goals consistently.