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Commercial Parts Pro

Advance Auto Parts · Wauwatosa, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a commercial account you kept or grew. What did you actually do?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that commercial growth comes from retention and follow-through, not one-time sales.

Tell me about a time you coached a coworker who wasn't meeting expectations.

What they are checking: Whether they can give direct, useful feedback to team members, since this role partners with the GM on coaching.

How do you decide which commercial customers to visit or call when you can't get to everyone this week?

What they are checking: Whether they use sales data and account potential to spend limited time where it pays off.

Describe a time you had to work through a hard disagreement with a manager about how to run things.

What they are checking: Whether they can push back respectfully and still carry out decisions, since this role partners closely with the GM.

What would you do

A repair shop calls with a vehicle on the lift and needs a part in thirty minutes, but you don't have it. Walk me through what you do.

What they are checking: Whether they know how to source quickly through FDO, special order or second source, since a waiting bay costs the shop money.

Three deliveries are due and one driver just called off. How do you dispatch the rest of the day?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize by customer impact and still meet delivery standards with fewer hands.

A shop's credit account is past due, but they're also one of your biggest buyers. How do you handle that conversation?

What they are checking: Whether they can protect the store's money without damaging a relationship the business depends on.

A mechanic says the part you sent was wrong and blames your counter. What do you do first?

What they are checking: Whether they fix the customer's problem before assigning blame, which keeps the account loyal.

About the work

How would you build and keep a network of second source suppliers in this area?

What they are checking: Whether they treat outside suppliers as relationships to maintain, which is how commercial orders get filled when the system says no.

How do you manage the core bank and commercial returns so they don't pile up?

What they are checking: Whether they know cores and returns are real money that disappears when they are not tracked and processed on time.

What does a good commercial stocking program look like for a busy shop, and how would you keep it right?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that putting the right parts on a customer's shelf locks in their business and cuts emergency runs.

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The full job description

As published by Advance Auto Parts.

Job Description Professional level sales position capable of supporting advanced functions on the commercial side of the business. Position is responsible for profitable growth of the commercial business via customer retention and growth. Position partners with GM to manage Team Members. The role has expert knowledge of automotive system and part knowledge. The role has the ability to source from numerous places including special order, FDO, second source, etc. The role has the ability to direct the drivers to ensure timely and accurate delivery. Position is full time. Primary Responsibilities · Maintain commercial customer relationships · Provide GAS2 selling experience commercial customers · Achieve personal / store sales goals and service objectives · Provide day-to-day supervisory support for Team Members · Collaborate with GM on coaching and developmental needs for Team Members · Dispatch drivers ensuring delivery standards are achieved · Maintain commercial stocking programs · Build and maintain a network of second source suppliers Secondary Responsibilities · Maintain core bank and commercial returns · Maintain commercial credit accounts · Partner with GM to ensure proper driver coverage Success Factors · Friendly communication · Ability to locate and stock parts · Safety knowledge and skills · Operating inventory systems and store equipment · Parts and automotive system knowledge skills · Operating POS and Parts lookup systems · ASE P2 certified or ASE ready equivalent · Advanced solution, project and product quality recommendation ability · Ability to source from numerous places including special order, FDO, second source, etc. · Advanced selling skills for commercial customers · Ability to multi-task and remain organized · Effective communication, listening and problem solving skills Essential Job Skills Necessary for Success as a Commercial Parts Pro · Working knowledge of automotive systems, and diagnostic ability to include: internal engine, suspension, brakes, electronic, exhaust, etc. · Speak and write English (Spanish a plus); communicate effectively and build strong relationships with customers, peers and management · Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, parts catalogs, and procedure manuals; ability to write simple correspondence · Understand and execute instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form · Successfully complete the Parts Knowledge Assessment · Use basic math accurately: add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals · Use Microsoft software effectively (Word, Excel required) · Strong organizational skills · Understand Commercial profitability concepts, including knowledge of competition, market opportunities, and customer prioritization (may work with the Commercial Account Manager to determine pricing discounts for specific Commercial customers) · Ability to work an assortment of days, evenings, and weekends as needed Prior Experience that Sets a Commercial Parts Pro up for Success A minimum of 3 years of prior automotive parts experience preferred Proven sales ability with past experience in fulfillment of customer transactions Formal or informal experience leading teams, including supervising daily tasks, and working together to achieve goals Education High school diploma or general education degree (GED) Certificates, Licenses, Registrations ASE certification preferred, but not required Physical Demands The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will predominantly be walking or standing. The employee is required to be able to talk and hear, and use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually working inside; however, they will occasionally be outside and exposed to various weather conditions while performing such tasks as installing batteries and wiper blades. The employee is also occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; explosives; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Position is eligible for sales commission based on individual or store performance. 


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