Associate Category Manager

Flanagan Foodservice Inc.; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Compensation Package

Be home every night!

Flexible benefits from day one

Profit sharing, pension and RRSP

Uniform and boot allowance

Paid personal days and birthday

Family-oriented culture

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

Flanagan Foodservice Inc. in Canada is seeking an Associate Category Manager to support category lifecycle management and coordinate with the Category Manager and Director of Category Management.

The role emphasizes data integrity, market insights, and collaboration across branches to optimize product launches and pricing strategies. Ideal candidates bring 2–3 years in a related foodservice role, strong Excel and data-analysis skills, and a proactive, organized mindset.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 2-3 years experience in a similar role with a preference within Foodservice.
• Advanced level computer skills including Microsoft Excel and comfortable with various software applications.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in data analysis.
• Highly organized with strong time-management skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a strong command of English language.
• Strong ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Strong critical thinking and proactive problem-solving abilities to address category challenges.
• Must be detail-oriented, with a proactive and problem-solving mindset.
• Demonstrated initiative to work effectively on an independent basis, and within a team environment.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to pivot in response to market changes and shifting business priorities.

Responsibilities

• Support category life cycle management, operational efficiencies, product discontinuations, deletions, dead stock and conversions.
• Communicate long term out of stock gaps to Sales.
• Provide coverage for assigned Category Managers.
• Data integrity within assigned categories.
• Data analysis to support strategy decisions, including Direct Link Insights to highlight gaps and gains in the market.
• Draw data insights from Category Management reporting including sales margin, case returns per case, and vendor performance indicators.
• Manage price changes.
• PO and invoice discrepancies.
• Work with Coordinator to ensure all marketing activity commitments are met.
• Ensure all food safety documents are up to date.
• Provide project support to implement Category Management best practices across the organization.
• Ensures all Food Safety policies, procedures and HACCP guidelines are followed
• Ensures timely follow-up with all required corrective and preventative actions as needed
• Implement and enforce safety protocols in compliance with the OHSA regulations to ensure a safe and secure environment for all employees.
• Provide support to the employees and ensure the accurate and timely reporting for injuries and accidents, and partner with Health & Safety to implement effective countermeasures.
• Provide support and work in collaboration with Health & Safety on the Early and Safe Return to Work Program.
• Conduct, assist with Health & Safety workplace observations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Advanced Excel or similar tools

Data analysis

Verbal and written communication

Time management

Relationship building

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Independent and team work

Education

Post-secondary education in Business Administration/Marketing or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $75,000.00 Annually

Position Summary:

Aligned with the company’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Mission and Values, and committed to delivering exceptional customer service (both external and internal), the Associate Category Manager plays a key role in supporting and coordinating efforts for the Category Manager and the Director of Category Management to assist all company branches and alliances.

What we offer you:

• Competitive Compensation Package
• Opportunity to be home every night!
• Comprehensive Flexible Benefits effective from day one
• Profit Sharing Program, Pension and RRSP plans
• Uniform and Boot Allowance
• Paid Personal Days and your Birthday!
• Family-Oriented Culture
• Employee Recognition Programs

Key Responsibilities:

• Support category life cycle management, operational efficiencies, product discontinuations, deletions, dead stock and conversions.
• Communicate long term out of stock gaps to Sales.
• Provide coverage for assigned Category Managers.
• Data integrity within assigned categories.
• Data analysis to support strategy decisions, including Direct Link Insights to highlight gaps and gains in the market.
• Draw data insights from Category Management reporting including sales margin, case returns per case, and vendor performance indicators.
• Manage price changes.
• PO and invoice discrepancies.
• Work with Coordinator to ensure all marketing activity commitments are met.
• Ensure all food safety documents are up to date.
• Provide project support to implement Category Management best practices across the organization.
• Ensures all Food Safety policies, procedures and HACCP guidelines are followed
• Ensures timely follow-up with all required corrective and preventative actions as needed
• Implement and enforce safety protocols in compliance with the OHSA regulations to ensure a safe and secure environment for all employees.
• Provide support to the employees and ensure the accurate and timely reporting for injuries and accidents, and partner with Health & Safety to implement effective countermeasures.
• Provide support and work in collaboration with Health & Safety on the Early and Safe Return to Work Program.
• Conduct, assist with Health & Safety workplace observations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Completion of post secondary education in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 2-3 years experience in a similar role with a preference within Foodservice.
• Advanced level computer skills including Microsoft Excel and comfortable with various software applications.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in data analysis.
• Highly organized with strong time-management skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a strong command of English language.
• Strong ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Strong critical thinking and proactive problem-solving abilities to address category challenges.
• Must be detail-oriented, with a proactive and problem-solving mindset.
• Demonstrated initiative to work effectively on an independent basis, and within a team environment.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to pivot in response to market changes and shifting business priorities.