Category Manager

Metro Inc.; Golden Horseshoe; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the grocery retail sector is seeking a Category Manager to oversee product categories, ensuring profitability and effective merchandising strategies. The role involves vendor negotiations, product development, and collaboration with store management to optimize sales and customer satisfaction. Ideal candidates will have strong produce knowledge and significant experience in category management.

Benefits

Flexible working hours to promote work/life balance

Hybrid telework

Flexible group insurance plan from day one

Very competitive pension plan

Generous vacation policy

Weekly pay

Employee and family assistance program

Free parking

Professional development opportunities

EV charging stations

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of merchandising/category management experience, preferably in grocery retail.
• Strong produce knowledge; retail produce experience is an asset.
• Proficiency with category management tools is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop sales and promotional strategies to achieve category targets.
• Conduct periodic category reviews using tools like AC Nielsen.
• Manage departmental employee relations, including performance management.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Creative thinking

Education

College Diploma or University degree in a business-related field

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)

SAP

AC Nielsen

Job description

Position Title:

Category Manager

Requisition ID:

42158

Career Group (ADSP):

Administrative

Division:

Fresh & Meat Merchandising (80156532)

Department:

Merchandising

Work Location:

METRO ON - 25 VICKERS ROAD BUILDING C (#A-VICC)

Province:

Canada : Ontario

Position Type:

Permanent

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours to promote work/life balance
• Hybrid telework
• Flexible group insurance plan from day one
• Very competitive pension plan
• Generous vacation policy
• Weekly pay
• Employee and family assistance program
• Free parking
• Professional development opportunities
• Several ED&I programs and initiatives
• EV charging stations

Summary:

The Category Manager (Fresh) is responsible for managing their assigned categories of products including profitability, sales, advertising, category planning, vendor negotiations, SKU selection, and includes our In-store Cut fruit/salad program. Responsibilities also encompass new product development, in-store support, training, and customer service.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Develop sales and promotional strategies including advertising layout, theme events, seasonal opportunities, and in-store demonstrations to achieve category targets.
• Define product assortment and negotiate purchase terms and conditions.
• Set objectives to meet overall budgeted sales and profit targets.
• Implement overall strategies for initiatives and set retail objectives for the category, ensuring compliance with corporate and regional guidelines.
• Maintain promotional calendar to maximize sales and profits.
• Conduct periodic category reviews using tools like AC Nielsen, analyzing retail history, advertising success, product movement, and overall category performance.
• Monitor industry activities, trends, and fads related to merchandising, marketing, assortment, pricing, and promotions, using findings to support continuous improvement and innovation.
• Conduct weekly competitive store visits for first-hand insights.
• Adjust category plans in response to customer needs or market conditions.
• Identify consumer requirements and develop new products and merchandising plans accordingly.
• Maintain contact with Store Managers, Merchandisers, Central Procurement, and others to resolve issues related to products or services.
• Monitor market conditions impacting categories within the retail marketing space.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with business partners.
• Manage departmental employee relations, including performance management.
• Ensure compliance with Quality Standards and Specs for all Produce for Metro Banner.

Qualifications:

• Strong produce knowledge; retail produce experience is an asset.
• 5-7 years of merchandising/category management experience, preferably in the grocery retail industry.
• College Diploma or University degree in a business-related field.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Proficiency with category management tools such as SAP, BW, and AC Nielsen is an asset.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Customer-focused with excellent communication skills.
• Attention to detail, creative thinking, adaptable to change in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in Cut Fruit or similar production departments is an asset.
• Occasional travel required.

The responsibilities and relationships assigned to this role may change as necessary to achieve Metro's business objectives.

Additional Notes:

Metro is committed to an inclusive work environment that reflects the communities we serve. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Please inform us if accommodations are needed during the recruitment process. Only selected candidates will be contacted. Agencies are asked not to contact us or submit unsolicited applications.