Category Manager

Joining our team has its advantages!

• Flexible schedule to promote work/life balance
• Telecommuting in hybrid mode
• Group insurance from the first day
• Very competitive pension plan
• Generous holiday policy
• Personal days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free parking
• Opportunity for professional development

SUMMARY:

The Category Manager is responsible for managing the produce and floral category and additional assigned categories of products including profitability, sales, advertising, category planning, vendor negotiations, SKU selection.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop sales and promotional strategies including advertising layout, theme events, seasonal opportunities and in-store demonstrations in order to achieve category targets
• Define product assortment and negotiating terms and conditions of purchase
• Set objectives to meet overall budgeted sales and profit targets
• Accountable for meeting overall strategy and implementation. Implement overall strategies for initiatives and set retail objectives for category. Comply with corporate and regional guidelines
• Maintain promotional calendar to maximize sales and profits
• Monitor all competitive and industry activities (including trends, etc.) regarding merchandising, marketing, assortment, pricing and promotions and use findings to support continuous improvement and innovation in the category.
• Conduct weekly competitive store visits to gain first hand insight
• Modify category plans as needed to be responsive to customer needs or market conditions
• Identify consumer requirements and develop new products & merchandising plans to meet those requirements
• Maintain contact with Store Managers, Merchandisers, Central Procurement and others to answer questions or resolve issues regarding products or services in assigned business initiatives
• Monitor market conditions that impact categories within the complete retail marketing place
• Develop and enhance relationships with business partners
• Manage departmental employee relations, including performance management
• DSD Ethnic - ensure correct vendor selected for each store and maintain cost & retail files

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Produce and floral department experience
• Strong produce and floral knowledge
• College Diploma or University degree in business related field
• 5-7 years of retail experience (preferably within a management role) within the grocery industry
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills
• Intermediate to Advanced level knowledge of MS office - Outlook, Word, Excel
• Proficiency with Category Management Tools such as: SAP, AC Nielsen's would be an asset
• Attention to detail, creative thinking, ability to manage change, strong communication skills and customer focused.