Laura Payne
About Laura Payne
Laura Payne is a Senior Manager of Customer Solutions at Advance Auto Parts, where she has worked since 2008. She has extensive experience in procurement and sales within the automotive industry, specializing in strategic proposal development and contract negotiation.
Work at Advance Auto Parts
Laura Payne has been employed at Advance Auto Parts since 2008, where she holds the position of Senior Manager, Customer Solutions. In this role, she has been instrumental in overseeing customer solutions and enhancing service delivery. Her work is based at the Corporate Headquarters located in Raleigh, NC. Payne's responsibilities include managing customer relationships and ensuring that solutions align with the needs of clients. She has maintained this position for 16 years, contributing significantly to the company's customer engagement strategies.
Experience at AutoNation
Prior to her tenure at Advance Auto Parts, Laura Payne worked at AutoNation as the Director of Purchasing from 1996 to 2008. During her 12 years in this role, she gained extensive experience in procurement within the automotive sector. This position allowed her to develop skills in strategic sourcing and vendor management, which have been beneficial in her subsequent roles. Her experience at AutoNation laid a strong foundation for her career in the automotive industry.
Education and Expertise
Laura Payne studied at Saginaw Valley State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English from 1982 to 1986. She also attended Delta College, completing an Associate of Arts (A.A.) from 1982 to 1984. Her educational background has equipped her with strong communication skills, which are essential in her current role. Payne specializes in strategic proposal development, bids, and contract negotiation and management, showcasing her expertise in these areas.
Background in Automotive Sales
Laura Payne has extensive experience in both procurement and sales within the automotive industry. Since the acquisition of CARQUEST by Advance Auto Parts in 2014, she has been involved in Government and Fleet sales, as well as new vehicle dealer sales. Her background in these areas has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the automotive market and customer needs, enhancing her effectiveness in her current roles.
Skills in Project Management
In her professional career, Laura Payne has developed strong skills in project management and direct customer contact. She has a proven track record in communications with field leadership and sales teams, which has been crucial for successful project execution and customer satisfaction. Her ability to manage projects effectively contributes to her success in the automotive industry.