Category & Trade Manager – Automotive Aftermarket

A leading private importer and distributor in the automotive aftermarket is seeking a senior, hands-on Category & Trade Manager to fully own and grow its automotive segment, with a strong focus on lubricants and additives.

This is a business-critical role, reporting directly to the CEO, with end-to-end responsibility for category strategy, supplier partnerships, portfolio expansion and commercial results.

About the Company:

A profitable, privately owned market leader in Israel’s automotive aftermarket, specializing in automotive additives, lubricants, car care and DIY products.

The company represents exclusive global brands and serves thousands of B2B customers nationwide, including garages, fuel stations, car wash chains, spare parts stores and retail chains.

Your Mission

You will own the automotive category from strategy to execution.

This is not a desk role. You are expected to deeply understand the products, the garages, the distributors, the competition and the commercial levers that drive growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Full commercial ownership of the automotive category
• Managing international lubricant and additive brands
• Daily interaction with overseas suppliers: negotiations, contracts, pricing and portfolio decisions
• Product positioning, pricing strategy, promotions and category differentiation
• Market and competitor analysis; identifying growth opportunities
• Acting as the professional authority for sales agents and key customers
• Close partnership with sales teams and senior management
• Hands-on involvement in product selection, forecasting and import processes

Who We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in the automotive aftermarket, with a strong background in lubricants / additives
• Deep understanding of B2B distribution to garages and workshops
• Strong commercial and negotiation capabilities
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on, field-oriented mindset
• Comfortable working both in offices and in real-world field environments
• High-level English (supplier-facing role)
• Strong Excel and pricing skills
• Independent decision-maker with true business ownership mentality