Category Manager - Cheese & Dairy products

Lufa Farms; Montreal; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in sustainable food systems is seeking a Category Manager for Cheese & Dairy products. This full-time role involves negotiating with suppliers, developing new product offerings, and supporting merchandising strategies. Ideal candidates are bilingual with strong negotiation skills and experience in the food industry.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental program

Disability programs

Access to TELUS Health Virtual Care

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Strong bilingual communication skills in French and English.
• Experience in negotiation and organization.
• 3-5 years of experience in the food industry is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate agreements and purchase prices with suppliers.
• Propose new products and suppliers based on market trends.
• Monitor the performance of Junior Purchaser and track inventory.

Skills

Bilingual communication

Negotiation

Adaptability

Organization

Education

Post-secondary degree

Bachelor’s degree in commerce

Job description

Category Manager - Cheese & Dairy products

Full-time

Presence : On site

Contract position : No

Description

At Lufa Farms, we’re on a mission to create a better food system by growing food where people live and growing it more sustainably. We built the world’s first commercial rooftop greenhouse and partner with local farms and food makers to offer fresh, local, responsible food across Quebec. We are seeking a Category Manager to prioritize our values while maintaining supplier relationships and developing new partnerships and products.

The Category Manager reports to the Head of Purchasing and is responsible for implementing merchandising and purchasing strategies based on forecasts and market trends, anticipating the needs of Lufavores, while aligning with Lufa Farms' vision and values. You will develop product categories through negotiations and supplier relationships, monitor category performance, and evaluate yields based on KPIs.

Responsibilities

1. Communication with suppliers and negotiation:
   • Negotiate agreements, purchase prices, and promotional calendars;
   • Call major suppliers daily to ensure optimal results;
   • Visit competitors to monitor market prices and strengthen negotiation positions;
   • Develop and follow a promotional calendar with each supplier.
2. Development of new products and partnerships:
   • Propose new products and suppliers following company guidelines;
   • Develop a compelling product offering based on market trends.
3. Merchandising:
   • Ensure compliance with merchandising rules;
   • Regularly audit the product category;
   • Address customer feedback promptly with solutions.
4. Management:
   • Monitor the performance of your Junior Purchaser daily;
   • Track inventory, profits, and losses.

Requirements

• Strong bilingual communication skills in French and English;
• Strong work ethic, adaptability, and respect for deadlines and products;
• Experience in negotiation and organization;
• Post-secondary degree.

Assets

• 3-5 years of experience in the food industry;
• 2-3 years of management experience;
• Bachelor’s degree in commerce.

Schedule

• Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm, with availability for supplier contact evenings and weekends.

Benefits

• Health insurance, dental, and disability programs after probation (shared cost);
• Access to TELUS Health Virtual Care and Employee Assistance Program.