Toby Pawlaczyk

Category Management Leader and Professional I combine strategy with data-driven insights to optimize product assortments, pricing strategies, and promotions. With over 25 years in direct-to-consumer and business-to-business industries, I have a proven history of driving growth through detailed analysis and a strong understanding of consumer behavior. Core Expertise: Strategic Category Planning: Developing and executing strategies that align with organizational goals and evolving market trends. Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging advanced analytics to uncover opportunities, predict trends, and enhance profitability. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnering with suppliers, marketing, and operations teams to ensure flawless execution and maximize category performance. Product Assortment Optimization: Crafting product mixes that meet business objectives while addressing consumer preferences. Promotion Strategy and Execution: Designing targeted promotions that engage audiences and deliver measurable financial results. I am passionate about continuous learning and staying at the forefront of industry trends. Thriving in fast-paced environments, I am always seeking opportunities to apply my expertise in category management to drive meaningful business success

Key achievements include: Enhancing digital marketing capabilities through targeted campaigns, SEO/SEM optimization, and data-driven insights. Driving revenue growth by maximizing e-commerce opportunities on both private domain platforms and 3rd-party marketplaces. Developing scalable frameworks for cross-functional collaboration between marketing, sales, and IT teams to ensure seamless execution and measurable results. This role enabled me to deepen my understanding of the digital ecosystem, refine my leadership skills, and deliver transformative results that align with modern e-commerce trends.

End-to-End Sales and Operations Leader Led business unit operations with a primary focus on revenue generation and test-and-learn processes to modernize Tire Discounters and its brands into effective, full-funnel eCommerce businesses. Oversaw multi-channel sales through private domain platforms and major 3rd-party marketplaces. Directed end-to-end logistics/supply chain strategies, including 3PL, drop shipping, and self-managed operations. Successfully launched and established a new private label brand, Mudder Trucker Products, encompassing procurement, branding, and market entry. Developed strategies to build an online national B2B and B2C brand for automotive accessories and preventative maintenance products. Evaluated eCommerce capabilities and provided recommendations for platform growth across in-house and 3rd-party marketplaces. Collaborated with purchasing, marketing, sales, and IT to manage online sales, content, and promotional strategies. End-to-end management responsibilities included P&L, budgeting, reporting, PPC, SEO/SEM, merchandising, pricing, and operational oversight.

Product Development & Global Procurement Leader Spearheaded the creation and development of the ProEFX aftermarket accessory product line, transforming it into a key revenue driver for Keystone Automotive/LKQ. Oversaw every aspect of the product line's lifecycle, from ideation and design to market launch and sales growth. Directed the integration and growth of the Goodmark Industries product line within Keystone/LKQ’s business model, aligning product offerings with market demands to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction. Led the global procurement strategy for major core product lines and categories, ensuring seamless alignment with Keystone/LKQ’s international supply chain. Negotiated with global suppliers, optimized inventory levels, and maintained cost-efficiency while meeting the demands of a complex, global distribution network. Played a pivotal role in positioning Keystone Automotive/LKQ as a leader in the automotive aftermarket industry through innovation, strategic procurement, and product development. Key Skills: Product Line Development · Aftermarket Accessories · Global Procurement · Supply Chain Optimization · Product Lifecycle Management · Strategic Negotiations · Cross-Functional Collaboration

Responsible for overseeing $25 million in annual purchases, ensuring the organization’s procurement strategies align with financial goals and operational needs. Managed all aspects of data integration and ERP system controls, focusing on accurate inventory forecasting to minimize costs while maintaining optimal stock levels. Implemented advanced forecasting methodologies to enhance inventory accuracy and reduce overstock and stockout risks. Led direct wholesale account management, negotiating with international suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favorable terms, and consistent supply chain performance. Streamlined international purchasing systems and processes to improve efficiency, enhance supplier relationships, and align with organizational objectives. Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, and logistics, to ensure procurement activities supported broader business goals. Played a key role in integrating technology solutions to improve procurement accuracy, reporting capabilities, and decision-making efficiency

Held accountability for driving financial performance, including revenue generation, cost control, and profitability. Developed and implemented strategies to optimize operational efficiency, reduce expenses, and increase margins. Successfully managed all aspects of the branch’s operations, ensuring alignment with overall company goals and objectives. Led the recruitment, hiring, and coaching of a high-performing team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and customer-centric service. Conducted regular performance reviews, training programs, and coaching sessions to ensure employees were equipped to meet and exceed business targets. Took charge of merchandising and inventory management, ensuring that product displays, pricing strategies, and stock levels were aligned with market demands and customer preferences. Led efforts to enhance the in-store experience, improving product visibility and increasing sales opportunities. Achieved a 20% increase in sales volume during the first year of managing the branch by implementing targeted sales strategies, improving customer relationships, and enhancing team productivity. Identified new revenue streams, expanded customer base, and maximized existing accounts to drive consistent growth