Group Manager, Strategic Programs (Merchandising)

Medline; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Medline Canada seeks a Group Manager, Strategic Programs to lead the development, execution, growth and profitability of key merchandising and strategic business programs. You will manage Merchandise Sales Specialists and cross-functional teams to drive revenue growth, margin enhancement, and market share expansion.

You will develop go-to-market plans, manage vendor relationships, oversee pricing strategy, and direct product lifecycle processes including onboarding, setup and code creation.

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 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.

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.

• 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, Service and Equipment or designate, 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 cultu