Group Manager, Strategic Programs (Merchandising)

Medline Canada Corporation; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 128,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP with company match

Annual Employee Appreciation Week

Paid vacation and personal days

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Career growth and training programs

Open communication with Senior Leaders

Employee referral program

Recognition programs

Social activities

Job summary

Medline Canada Corporation is seeking a Group Manager, Strategic Programs to lead the development, execution, and profitability of key merchandising and strategic business programs. You will oversee a team and drive revenue growth, margin, and market share across the organization.

You will manage pricing strategy and vendor relationships, coordinate with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain, and ensure product lifecycle processes including onboarding and code creation align

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, Healthcare Administration or related field.
• MBA or equivalent advanced business education is an asset.
• 7+ years in product management, merchandising, or related commercial leadership roles.
• 3+ years of people leadership experience.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and pricing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for assigned product portfolios and business programs.
• Lead growth and execution of merchandising, private label, strategic customer, and distribution programs.
• Establish KPIs and regularly evaluate program performance with senior leadership.
• Oversee vendor onboarding and product setup including code creation.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain.
• Manage and mentor a team of Merchandise Sales Specialists.

Skills

Leadership

Pricing strategy

Analytical skills

Vendor relationships

Cross-functional collaboration

Product lifecycle

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business/Marketing/Healthcare Admin

MBA or equivalent (asset)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Value Proposition

As a leading partner in healthcare, Medline Canada's sole purpose is to make healthcare run better – this means being deeply committed to the health and well-being of our customers, employees, partners and our communities. We employ a diverse group of top talent focused on growing and making a difference in the lives of Canadians, coast-to-coast. Compensation is only one part of the Employee Value Proposition that Medline Canada offers our employees. As part of our mission, we offer one of the most competitive and engaging employee experience programs in Canada, which includes:

• Collaborative work environment with highly engaged employees


• RRSP with a company match


• Annual Employee Appreciation Week


• Paid vacation and personal days


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Resources supporting mental, physical, family and financial well-being


• Career growth and training programs


• Open communication with Senior Leaders


• Employee referral program


• Recognition programs


• Social activities


• And much more...

Job Description Summary

This position reports to the VP, Merchandise, Equipment & Service and manages a number of direct and indirect reports. The Group Manager, Strategic Programs is responsible for leading the development, execution, growth, and profitability of key merchandising and strategic business programs across the organization. This role oversees a team of Merchandise Sales Specialists and other program professionals to drive revenue growth, margin enhancement, market share expansion, and operational excellence. The incumbent develops and executes strategic go-to-market plans, manages vendor relationships, oversees pricing strategy and analysis, and directs product lifecycle processes including vendor onboarding, product setup, and code creation. Working cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain, the Group Manager ensures strategic business initiatives align with organizational objectives and deliver measurable results. The role serves as a key liaison between vendors, internal stakeholders, and strategic customers while supporting the continued growth of the Distribution and Sundries businesses.

Job Description Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Management

Develop and implement strategic plans for assigned product portfolios and business programs based on market trends, customer needs, competitive intelligence, and organizational objectives. Lead the growth and execution of merchandising, private label, strategic customer, and distribution programs to drive revenue and profitability. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly evaluate program performance, providing recommendations and action plans to senior leadership. Identify market opportunities, product gaps, and competitive advantages, developing strategies to strengthen market position and customer value. Review market share data and industry trends to create targeted growth initiatives.

Pricing Strategy & Analysis

Lead pricing strategy development and oversee pricing analysis processes to optimize sales, profitability, and competitive positioning. Monitor competitive pricing, market conditions, customer buying patterns, and margin opportunities, making recommendations and adjustments as required. Partner with Finance and Sales leadership to evaluate pricing effectiveness and support strategic business decisions. Ensure pricing governance, consistency, and accuracy across product categories and programs.

Vendor & Product Management

Develop and maintain strategic relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, and vendor partners. Oversee vendor onboarding and vendor creation processes, ensuring compliance with organizational standards and operational requirements. Direct product setup and code creation activities, ensuring timely execution, accuracy, and alignment with merchandising objectives. Manage and expand private label portfolios through supplier collaboration, product selection, and market development strategies. Attend vendor meetings, industry events, trade shows, and customer functions to strengthen relationships and identify business opportunities.

Sales Enablement & Marketing

Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive marketing plans, promotional programs, flyers, catalogs, and sales campaigns. Create and support sales enablement initiatives, tools, and training to improve sales effectiveness and drive program adoption. Partner with Sales leadership to develop and present strategic opportunities to key customers and large accounts. Travel with field sales representatives as required to support customer conversions, growth opportunities, and business development initiatives.

People Leadership

Directly manage and develop a team of Merchandise Sales Specialists and other program professionals. Provide leadership, coaching, mentorship, performance management, and professional development opportunities to team members. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Ensure appropriate staffing, succession planning, and capability development to meet business objectives.

Operational Excellence

Establish and maintain processes that improve efficiency, data integrity, and program effectiveness. Lead cross-functional initiatives involving Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain teams. Continuously review business processes, gather stakeholder feedback, and implement improvements to enhance organizational performance. Support other strategic initiatives and projects as required.

Qualifications

• Education Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.


• MBA or equivalent advanced business education is considered an asset.


• Experience Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in product management, merchandising, portfolio management, category management, strategic programs, or related commercial leadership roles.


• Minimum 3 years of people leadership experience, including hiring, coaching, developing, and managing high-performing teams.


• Experience managing vendor relationships, pricing strategies, and cross-functional business initiatives.


• Healthcare, distribution, dental, medical, or related industry experience is preferred.


• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong business, financial, and commercial acumen.


• Advanced pricing, analytical, and market assessment capabilities.


• Demonstrated experience managing vendor relationships and supplier negotiations.


• Strong knowledge of product lifecycle management, product setup, and code creation processes.


• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.


• Ability to communicate complex business strategies and gain alignment across all levels of the organization.


• Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and related business tools.


• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.


• Category management and strategic planning experience preferred.

The targeted hiring range for this position is $128-150k. Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, and knowledge relevant to the role. The anticipated salary range for this position: $128,200.00 - $192,200.00 Annual This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Medline Canada, Corporation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

About Medline Canada

Medline Canada stands at the forefront of healthcare, providing expertise and a breadth of solutions for every care setting. With 550+ employees, including 100 dedicated sales and clinical professionals and eight distribution centres located coast-to-coast, Medline Canada is proud to serve the entire continuum of care.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity

Medline Canada is committed to diversity and inclusivity and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons/persons of colour and those who identify as women, persons with disabilities and LGBTQ+ persons.

Our commitment to Accessibility

Medline Canada is committed to the principles of the accessibility in Canada. We endeavor to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail]. However, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Through our culture of belonging, our agile and resilient global team is determined to get our customers exactly what they need, at the right time, every time. If you’re a self-starter, eager to grow your career within a high-performing environment, this is the place for you.

Medline is the largest provider of medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions serving all points of care. Through its broad product portfolio, resilient supply chain and leading clinical solutions, Medline helps healthcare providers improve their clinical, financial and operational outcomes.

Headquartered in Northfield, Illinois, the company employs more than 43,000 people worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries and territories. To learn more about how Medline makes healthcare run better, visit www.medline.com.