Category and Space Planning Manager

Analyticsmart Consulting Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Analyticsmart is seeking a Category and Space Planning Manager to optimize product assortment, shelf space, and store layouts, driving sales and customer experience across the retail footprint. You will leverage data analysis and planogram tools to inform decisions and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

The role requires 5+ years in category management/space planning, proficiency with space planning software, and strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in category management, space planning, or retail merchandising.
• Proficiency with space planning/planogram software (e.g., JDA Space Planning).
• Strong analytical skills with Excel, SQL, or BI tools (Tableau, Power BI).
• Solid understanding of retail metrics (GMROI, sell-through, inventory turns, sales per square foot).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with merchandising goals.
• Analyze sales, margin, and inventory data to identify assortment opportunities.
• Create and maintain planograms using space planning software.
• Collaborate with buyers, vendors, and store ops to optimize placement.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis to inform decisions.
• Lead periodic category reviews and space resets across formats.
• Coordinate with supply chain to align space plans with stock levels.
• Monitor category KPIs like sales per square foot and inventory turns.
• Manage new store layouts, resets, remodels from a space planning view.
• Present findings to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards and visual merchandising.

Skills

Category management

Space planning

Retail merchandising

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Retail Management, or related field

Tools

JDA Space Planning

RELEX

Tableau

Power BI

SQL

Job description

Analyticsmart is a boutique analytics firm specializing in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) industry across Canada and the United States. Our mission is to transform data into meaningful, measurable, and actionable insights that drive growth and profitability for businesses.

By leveraging cutting‑edge technology, we optimize decision‑making and operational efficiency, helping brands gain a competitive advantage.

Founded in 2009, Analyticsmart has built long‑standing partnerships with global brands and retailers. With offices in Toronto, Montreal, and New York City, we are a financially disciplined, growth‑focused organization scaling into larger enterprise opportunities.

What Sets Us Apart

• Expansive bonus and incentive structure
• Prime office locations (Toronto, Montreal, NYC)
• High‑growth, innovation‑driven environment
• Exposure to both emerging brands and global enterprises
• Strong culture of ownership, collaboration, and impact

The Opportunity

The Category and Space Planning Manager is responsible for optimizing product assortment, shelf space, and store layout to maximize sales, profitability, and customer experience. This role combines category management expertise with space planning and merchandising strategy, using data analysis and planogram tools to drive decisions across the retail footprint.

What you'll do

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with overall business and merchandising goals
• Analyze sales, margin, and inventory data to identify opportunities for assortment optimization
• Create and maintain planograms and floor plans using space planning software (e.g., JDA/Blue Yonder, Nielsen Spaceman, RELEX, or similar)
• Partner with buyers, vendors, and store operations teams to determine optimal product placement and shelf allocation
• Conduct market and competitor analysis to inform category and space decisions
• Lead periodic category reviews and space resets across store formats
• Collaborate with supply chain and inventory teams to ensure space plans align with stock levels and replenishment cycles
• Monitor and report on category performance KPIs (sales per square foot, sell‑through rate, inventory turns, margin contribution)
• Manage new store layouts, resets, and remodels from a space planning perspective
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with brand standards, visual merchandising guidelines, and store execution requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Retail Management, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in category management, space planning, or retail merchandising
• Proficiency with space planning/planogram software (e.g., JDA Space Planning)
• Strong analytical skills with experience in Excel, SQL, or BI tools (Tableau, Power BI)
• Solid understanding of retail metrics (GMROI, sell‑through, inventory turns, sales per square foot)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment

Success in This Role

• Projects are delivered accurately on time and with clear ownership across all participating vendors.
• Walmart stakeholders receive concise, objective insights and recommendations that are easy to act on.
• Vendor communication is organized, professional and consistent, with risks and decisions documented early.
• Category deliverables meet high standards for data quality, analytical rigor, storytelling and presentation readiness.
• Processes become more efficient through stronger planning, reusable tools and disciplined follow‑up.

Core Competencies

Strategic and analytical thinking

Attention to detail with a strong visual/spatial sense

Coll aboration and cross‑functional influence

Adaptability in a dynamic retail environment

The pay range for this role is:

75,000 - 85,000 CAD per year (Analyticsmart)