Category Manager - Merchandising

Brandt Group of Companies; Regina; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading merchandising company in Canada is seeking a dynamic Category Manager- Merchandising to oversee the entire category lifecycle. The role includes vendor management, promotional planning, and performance analysis to align with the company's strategic vision. The ideal candidate should have experience in category management, strong analytical skills, and the ability to develop effective in-store merchandising strategies.

Qualifications

• Experience in category management and merchandising.
• Strong analytical skills to track performance trends.
• Proven vendor negotiation and management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Own category lifecycle from product onboarding to promotional execution.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies to improve in-store presence.
• Monitor SKU performance and vendor scorecards.

Skills

Category management

Vendor management

Promotional planning

Data analysis

Job description

Overview

Brandt is looking for a dynamic and results-driven Category Manager- Merchandising to join our growing marketing and merchandising team. This position plays a critical role in owning and driving the full category lifecycle — from product onboarding and assortment strategy to pricing, vendor management, and promotional execution — all with a focus on aligning in-store presence with Brandt's strategic vision.

Responsibilities

• Own the category from end-to-end: feedback gathering, product selection, supplier negotiation, and performance tracking.
• Develop, refine, and execute Good-Better-Best strategies where applicable.
• Identify market gaps and opportunities, with a focus on private label product development.
• Monitor SKU performance, vendor scorecards, and category health across all regions and locations.

In-Store Merchandising & Brand Presence

• Provide store-level merchandising direction including planograms, end-cap strategies, and aisle layout.
• Guide in-store product placement to drive conversion, improve traffic flow, and elevate customer experience.
• Oversee visual presentation, POP (Point-of-Purchase) materials, signage, and in-store branding execution.
• Collaborate with store teams and regional leaders to ensure consistent execution of merchandising standards.

Promotional Planning & Execution

• Work with Marketing Account Managers to plan annual and seasonal promotional calendars.
• Lead the development of promotions, SPIFF programs, and in-store contests to support category growth.
• Deliver complete creative briefs and maintain adherence to timelines for marketing asset development.

Vendor & Inventory Management

• Source and onboard new suppliers with focus on margin improvement and supply chain reliability.
• Collaborate with supply chain to manage stock levels, especially for seasonal and long-lead items.
• Participate in vendor negotiations, rebate programs, and strategic planning sessions.

Data & Performance Analysis

• Track and report category sales, margin performance, inventory turns, and customer demand trends.
• Partner with analytics and finance teams to build reporting dashboards.
• Use market research and field feedback to inform assortment strategy and pricing decisions.

Visiting field branches is a necessary responsibility. This role includes in-store merchandising standards and working with marketing on other in-store experience and POP needs. This position is expected to be in the field 20% of the time, and the office 80% of the time working on their category and key responsibilities. Other travel to trade-shows may be required as the business unit grows.