Associate Category Manager

Socket.dev; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev in Kelowna, BC is seeking an Associate Category Manager to own category strategies, drive assortment decisions, and optimize revenue across our store network.

You will lead sourcing, pricing, promotions, and vendor partnerships while collaborating with Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Design to transform customer experience and grow basket size. This role emphasizes data-driven decisions and end-to-end program execution.

Qualifications

• Experience in category management or buying in convenience, grocery or QSR sectors.
• Strong understanding of P&L and revenue optimization.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own category strategy, assortment planning, pricing, and promotions.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing and vendor onboarding.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Design.
• Develop promotional calendars and seasonal programs.
• Monitor KPIs and optimize profitability.
• Support store planograms and in-store execution.
• Contribute to budgeting and forecasting cycles.
• Travel to Canco locations for insights.

Skills

Category Management

Sourcing

Vendor Negotiation

P&L Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Excel & PowerPoint

Job description

We are looking for an Associate Category Manager to join our growing team in Kelowna, BC. In this role, you won't just manage products—you'll own portfolios, develop category strategies, and lead initiatives that improve performance and drive revenue across our network of stores. Working closely with Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Design, you’ll be responsible for turning insights into impact.

You will lead both sourcing and program development in your assigned categories, building the right assortment, setting strategic pricing, developing promotions, negotiating with vendors, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure effective in-store execution. Your role is pivotal in transforming customer experience, increasing basket size, and positioning Canco as a convenience retail leader.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own category strategy, assortment planning, pricing, promotions, and vendor relationships for assigned categories.
• Translate customer insights, market trends, and performance data into actionable business plans and revenue-driving programs.
• Develop supplier partnerships that enhance value, improve margins, and supportCanco'sbrand positioning.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing: product selection, negotiations, contract terms, and vendor onboarding.
• Collaborate with store operations and marketing to support flawless in-store and digital execution.
• Develop promotional calendars in partnership with marketing to support seasonal programs and new product launches.
• Maintain ongoing P&L ownership—review category KPIs andoptimize forperformance and profitability.
• Support store planogram development in partnership with design and operations.
• Contribute to team planning cycles including annual budgeting, promotional forecasting, and new product evaluation.
• Participate in business reviews with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive alignment and continuous improvement.
• Travel periodically to Canco locations to gather insights, audit programs, and support local execution.

What You Bring:

• Relevant experience in Category Management, Product Management, Sourcing, or Buying—preferably in convenience, grocery, liquor, or QSR channels.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen withsomeexperienceoptimizingP&Ls.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into business decisions.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and bring ideas to life from concept through execution.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• A builder's mindset: proactive, entrepreneurial, and comfortable with change and ambiguity.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; familiarity with POS data and inventory tools.
• Experience with product assortment planning, merchandising, and supplier management.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.