Category Manager - Contract

Pet Valu; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet retail company is seeking a Category Manager for a full-time contract role in Markham. The candidate will manage private label and national brands of pet treats, focusing on sales growth and inventory management. Ideal candidates have 7+ years of experience in retail category management or purchasing. Strong analytical skills and leadership ability are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• 7+ years Retail Category Management and/or Purchasing experience, ideally in consumable categories.
• Involvement in enhancement and execution of category management processes.
• Thorough knowledge of retail purchasing dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Develop merchandise strategy around company directives.
• Communicate strategies to internal and external partners.
• Plan, execute and deliver annual category reviews.
• Ensure product assortment, sales, and margins align to budgets.
• Develop strong vendor relationships with key suppliers.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Negotiation skills

Education

University degree in quantitative/analytical business discipline

Job description

Join to apply for the Category Manager - Contract role at Pet Valu .

Hybrid: Markham, Ontario

What is the role?

The Category Manager of Food manages the private label OR national brands of pet treats with accountability for increased sales, profits and inventory turns. The incumbent must understand consumer and store needs, and product positioning while working closely with peers in Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations.

What will you do?

• Develop merchandise strategy around company directives
• Communicate strategies to internal and external partners
• Plan, execute and deliver annual category reviews
• Ensure product assortment, sales, margins and buying plans are aligned to budgets
• Provide direction on planning, pricing and assortment
• Ensure pricing strategies support financial objectives
• Negotiate product costs and promotional programs
• Develop strong vendor relationships with key suppliers
• Manage product life cycle, exit strategy and aged inventory
• Manage store and warehouse inventory levels with Supply Chain
• Ensure planograms are maintained and updated
• Keep abreast of market trends and implement into category strategy
• Grow market share

What will you need to succeed?

Education and Experience

• University degree in quantitative / analytical business discipline
• 7+ years Retail CM and / or Purchasing experience, ideally in the consumables categories : mass retailers, pet, grocery, children’s, housewares
• Involved in enhancement and execution of category management processes
• Thorough knowledge of retail purchasing dynamics (category management, seasonality, life cycle, margin requirements, negotiating, clearance programs, store sales improvements, item introductions, budgeting, promotional planning and planogramming)

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to lead and motivate
• Results oriented with proven track record
• Hard-working, independent and accountable
• Co-operative and collaborative

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Retail