César Zaldívar
Product Manager · Search & eCommerce Strategist
Introduction
About Me
Innovative Product Manager with 25+ years of experience in eCommerce, search optimization, and omni-channel retail. Adept at leveraging data insights, AI personalization, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize product findability, increase conversion rates, and drive revenue growth.
25+
Years Experience
Bilingual
English & Spanish
Cypress, TX
Based in Houston Metro
Career Journey
Professional Experience
Advance Auto Parts
Product Manager – Search
Houston, TX · Mar 2023 – Present
- Define vision, strategy, and roadmap for search and discovery across omni-channel platforms (POS, B2B, eCommerce)
- Design innovative search experiences beyond traditional aftermarket automotive practices
- Evaluate market-leading search technologies and implement optimal solutions
- Leverage 20+ years of expertise to improve search relevance, usability, and conversion
- Enhanced product findability, increasing customer engagement and simplifying purchase paths
Academy Sports + Outdoors
Manager, Site Optimization & Search Architecture
Katy, TX · Nov 2021 – Mar 2023
- Owned strategy for onsite search optimization, AI personalization, and A/B testing
- Developed attribute-based navigation and implemented product data governance
- Created dashboards to track search KPIs; delivered monthly performance insights to leadership
- Benchmarked search experience against competitors and translated insights into improvements
- Improved search relevance and navigation led to measurable gains in conversion of 2.5% and order value
AutoZone
Digital Experience Product Owner Sr.
Memphis, TN · Oct 2014 – Nov 2021
- Wrote user stories, requirements, and acceptance criteria for catalog, search, promotions, and checkout
- Led Agile teams to deliver enhancements for B2C and B2B commerce channels
- Collaborated with marketing, merchandising, and IT to launch impactful features
- Delivered "Shop by Vehicle," generating billions in revenue and positioning AutoZone as the top Automotive Aftermarket Parts DIY website with strong SEO practices
AutoZone
Ecommerce Catalog Team Leader
Chihuahua, MX · Oct 2005 – Oct 2014
- Managed a team of 10–16, creating and maintaining online product content
- Standardized catalog best practices and trained internal and vendor teams
Expertise
Core Competencies
Product Management & Roadmapping
Vision-driven strategy and execution
Search & Discovery Optimization
SEO, AI & Personalization
Agile/Scrum Leadership
Stakeholder Management
Data Analysis & Metrics
KPI Development & Insights
Omni-channel eCommerce
B2B/B2C Strategy
Catalog Management
Data Governance & Quality
Tech Stack
Tools & Technologies
Learning
Education
Houston Community College
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, B.A.T.
Houston, TX
Expected Dec 2028
University of Texas, El Paso
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
El Paso, TX
Aug 2000 – Dec 2002
ITCH
Mechanical Engineering
Chihuahua, MX
Aug 1998 – May 2000
Houston Community College
Linux Essentials
Houston, TX
Issued May 2026