Chief Merchandising & Private Label Leader

Calgary Co-op; Calgary; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Calgary Co-op seeks a visionary Vice President, Merchandising to lead a data-driven transformation of our food propositions across Co‑op, Community Natural Foods, and Co‑op Convenience stores. Reporting to the CEO, this executive will define merchandising strategy, elevate private label, and drive category performance while aligning with our local sourcing and community impact.

You will build a high‑performing team, embed financial discipline, and partner with supply chain, marketing and store

Qualifications

• Enterprise merchandising leadership experience in multi-category retail.
• Strong private label program design and storytelling.
• Ability to bridge merchandising with store operations and supply chain.
• Customer-centric food merchandising focus and market insights.
• Strategic vendor management and supplier relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the product strategy for the Food division across all Calgary Co‑op formats.
• Lead a data- and insight-led transformation of merchandising practices.
• Champion modernization of merchandising using data, tech, and tools.
• Identify and close structural margin gaps across portfolios.
• Define and execute a compelling private label architecture and activation.
• Lead end-to-end private label programs incl. assortment, sourcing, pricing, and in-store activation.
• Ensure private label storytelling aligns with local sourcing, quality, and community impact.
• Drive alignment with operations, marketing, and supply chain for seamless execution.

Skills

Enterprise merchandising leadership

Private label strategy

Integrated merchandising & operational

Customer-centric food experience

Vendor strategy & partnerships

Executive leadership

Education

Undergraduate degree required

Job description

Calgary Co-op seeks a visionary Vice President, Merchandising to lead a data-driven transformation of our food propositions across Co‑op, Community Natural Foods, and Co‑op Convenience stores. Reporting to the CEO, this executive will define merchandising strategy, elevate private label, and drive category performance while aligning with our local sourcing and community impact.

You will build a high‑performing team, embed financial discipline, and partner with supply chain, marketing and store