Peter Capuano, MBA

Sr. Director, Assortment Planning @ Auto-Wares Group of Companies

About

Dynamic executive with a passion for transforming businesses, empowering teams, and driving breakthrough results through strategic leadership and innovative solutions. As an Executive Leader in Assortment Planning, Inventory Optimization and Reverse Logistics, I bring a strategic approach to driving operational efficiency and implementing sustainable solutions that create measurable impact. I have a proven track record of transforming inventory management practices, developing innovative processes for slow-moving and obsolete inventory, and establishing high-impact liquidation and donation partnerships. My expertise spans strategic assortment planning, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration, allowing me to align diverse teams and streamline complex processes across distribution centers and retail networks. Passionate about building high-performing teams and delivering value through continuous improvement, I’ve earned recognition for my contributions to industry best practices and frequently present on topics of reverse logistics and optimization. A few highlights include: • Accelerated contribution margin from 8% to 85% at Advance Auto by implementing comprehensive strategy for slow and obsolete inventory management, achieving record profitability in slow and obsolete items. • Pioneered and led launch of automated in-market replenishment (IMR) system across 5,000+ locations, ultimately improving stock accuracy and availability while reducing operational costs. • Built recurring revenue stream by repurposing aging inventory for niche markets, creating strategic partnerships in regions with high demand, such as Central America. I am excited to expand my professional network and see what the future holds. If you would like to connect, please email me at petercapuano@mac.com. AREAS OF EXPERTISE Inventory Optimization & Management Strategic Assortment Planning Sustainable & Reverse Logistics Business Process Improvement Data-Driven Decision Making Cross-Functional Leadership

Country

United States

City

Cloverdale

Industry

Retail

Skill

Customer Insight, Supply Chain Management, Retail Replenishment, Order Management, Attention to Detail, Performance Analysis, Driving Results, Performance Metrics, Demand Planning, Financial Goals, Quantitative Analytics, Merchandise Planning, Financial Results, Influencing Others, Product Management, Inventory Optimization, Product Assortment Planning, Reverse Logistics, Sustainability & Operations, Data Analysis

Experience

Sr. Director, Assortment Planning

Auto-Wares Group of Companies

2025-12 - Present · 9 mos

Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

Responsible for leading the company’s demand forecasting, part lifecycle management, assortment strategy and inventory optimization. Build and execute data-driven frameworks that improve availability, reduce working capital, and strengthen vendor performance across a multi-DC, multi-store automotive aftermarket network. Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance planning capabilities, modernize analytics infrastructure, and ensure assortments align with customer demand and market potential.

Sr. Director, Inventory Analytics & Assortment

Advance Auto Parts

2020-8 - 2024-12 · 4 yrs 5 mos

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Promoted multiple times throughout tenure to lead development and implementation of advanced inventory assortment & optimization strategies across distribution centers and retail locations, focusing on SKU segmentation, lifecycle management, reverse logistics, and replenishment systems. Partnered with merchandising, logistics, finance, and field teams to design cross-functional solutions that improved inventory reporting, demand planning, and SKU availability, driving alignment with strategic business goals. Recognized with Citizens Award for Best Sustainability Program for Advance Auto Parts. • Reduced Non-Working Inventory (NWI) by $85M (35%) within 9 months through innovative reserve processes addressing liquidations, vendor allowances, pricing strategies, and streamlined reverse logistics operations. • Restored $25M in inventory reclamation per period with minimal margin impacts by redesigning reverse logistics for store closures, centralizing operations at single DC, and enhancing sell-down strategies.

Director, Inventory Optimization

Advance Auto Parts

2018-3 - 2020-8 · 2 yrs 6 mos

Director, Market Availability

Advance Auto Parts

2016-7 - 2018-3 · 1 yr 9 mos

Sr. Manager, Market Availability

Advance Auto Parts

2013-10 - 2016-7 · 2 yrs 10 mos

Sr. Analyst

Advance Auto Parts

2012-5 - 2013-10 · 1 yr 6 mos

Sales & Operations Manager

Best Buy

2006-1 - 2012-4 · 6 yrs 4 mos

Roanoke, Virginia, United States

Served as leader in performance management and professional development for leaders and associates, with focus on coaching, training, management theory, P&L objectives, and time management. Directed team of Geek Squad agents specializing in home theater and computer installations, overseeing all aspects of sales and operations, including P&L analysis, customer trends, attachment rates, and expense control. Managed full-cycle hiring, training, and onboarding processes to build high-performing team. Developed structured behaviors to improve customer experience and drive financial growth, while actively promoting community involvement and implementing creative strategies that aligned with corporate initiatives to enhance team engagement and cohesion. • Developed and implemented associate training program that became district standard, streamlining onboarding and accelerating skill development across multiple locations. • Received Top Achiever award in 2010, recognized with highest national performance award for outstanding results and contributions.