Manager of Merchandising

ML6 Search + Talent Advisory; Victoria; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail operator in British Columbia is seeking a Manager of Merchandising to optimize category strategy and inventory planning across multiple convenience store banners. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in retail merchandising, strong analytical skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in retail merchandising or category management.
• Proven track record managing product categories across multiple locations.
• Strong understanding of inventory planning and replenishment strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end category management including assortment strategy and vendor negotiations.
• Manage buying and procurement processes across multiple store formats.
• Analyze sales and performance data to inform purchasing decisions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Merchandising software

Retail systems

Reporting tools

Job description

The Opportunity:

Our client is a BC-based operator of a growing chain of convenience stores and gas stations, serving communities across the province with a focus on accessibility, value, and customer experience. With a commitment to offering curated product selections tailored to regional needs, they are entering a critical phase of operational and merchandising optimization.

They are seeking a Manager of Merchandising to lead category strategy, buying, and inventory planning across multiple banners. This individual will play a key role in developing high-performing product assortments, optimizing pricing and promotions, and ensuring operational execution across locations. The ideal candidate brings experience in grocery, fresh, liquor, convenience, or impulse categories, and thrives in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial retail environment.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead end-to-end category management including assortment strategy, vendor negotiations, promotional planning, and space optimization.
• Manage buying and procurement processes across multiple store formats and banners.
• Oversee inventory planning and replenishment strategies to drive sales and minimize shrink, waste, and stockouts.
• Collaborate with store operations and marketing to ensure in-store execution of merchandising plans.
• Analyze sales, margin, and performance data to inform purchasing and category decisions.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and distributors, negotiating pricing, terms, and promotional support.
• Stay current on market trends and customer preferences, identifying opportunities to improve assortment and customer experience.
• Ensure regulatory compliance in the procurement and merchandising of liquor and fresh food categories.
• Contribute to margin improvement and gross profit growth through effective SKU rationalization and promotional planning.
• Work cross-functionally with finance, supply chain, and operations to support seasonal and regional planning cycles.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in retail merchandising, buying, or category management, ideally in convenience, grocery, liquor, or fuel retail.
• Proven track record managing product categories across multiple store locations and formats.
• Strong analytical and planning skills, with experience using retail data to drive decision-making.
• Experience working with vendors and negotiating pricing and promotions.
• Strong understanding of inventory planning and replenishment strategies, particularly in perishable or fast-moving categories.
• Comfortable in a hands-on, entrepreneurial retail environment with rapid decision-making cycles.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance related to food and liquor retail is an asset.
• Experience with merchandising software, retail systems, and reporting tools.