Interim Consultant - Category Manager

Subway; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Interim Consultant - Category Manager to join their dynamic Marketing team. This pivotal role involves developing innovative strategies for Food & Beverage, driving growth, and enhancing brand presence. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in category management and consumer marketing, with exceptional analytical and leadership skills. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment, working collaboratively across teams to launch new products and optimize menu offerings. Join this exciting journey towards healthier living and business excellence, and make a significant impact in a leading restaurant brand.

Benefits

Insurance Plans (Medical/Life)

RSP

Competitive Bonus

Company Holidays

Qualifications

• 3+ years in category management, product innovation, or consumer marketing.
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Food & Beverage innovation strategies.
• Monitor category performance and identify growth opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional teams in product launches and marketing initiatives.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Project Management

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing

Bachelor’s degree in Advertising

Bachelor’s degree in Communications

Tools

Consumer Research Methodologies

Digital Menu Pricing Tools

Job description

Interim Consultant - Category Manager Toronto, ON, Canada Req #1674 Thursday, April 17, 2025

Region: Toronto

Why Join Us?

At Subway, “better” is baked into our DNA. We are a brand that believes in continued improvement … in our lives, our businesses, and our planet. From the handshake that started our very first sandwich shop to earning our position as one of the world’s leading restaurant brands, we’ve always embraced change and the path ahead. And today, we're making better living way easier.

Our purpose is about more than the food we serve in our restaurants. It’s centered on fueling healthy businesses and healthier lives. It is one of the most exciting times to join the Subway team and contribute to our transformational journey.

About the Role:

We have an exciting temporary opportunity to support our Marketing team as an Interim Consultant - Category Manager to cover a Maternity leave based in Toronto Canada. The Interim Consultant - Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing Food & Beverage innovation strategies and consumer marketing initiatives to drive growth and profitability for Subway Canada. This role involves closely monitoring category performance, consumer trends, and competitive dynamics to identify opportunities that align with business objectives. The Interim Consultant - Category Manager will support national marketing programs, ensure consistency across consumer touchpoints, and lead cross-functional teams in new product launches, menu innovation, and brand-building initiatives.

If you feel that this is the role for you, and you are successful with your application, be ready to be Bold, Empowered, Accountable, and ready to have Fun in a fast-paced and agile working environment.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Category Management

• Develop and maintain deep expertise in the assigned category, including market trends, consumer insights, and competitive threats.
• Oversee day-to-day category operations to meet budget commitments and drive growth.
• Create and execute strategic plans for brand and product positioning, portfolio assortment, sales targets, and pricing strategy.
• Utilize category and consumer insights to develop a three-year strategic plan and business cases for new product introductions.
• Validate new product concepts through consumer testing, collaborating with the Director of Insights.
• Drive menu optimization, value menu pricing, and promotional effectiveness strategies.

Communication & Relationship Management

• Prepare and deliver key business presentations for stakeholders, including the National Franchisee Board and Canadian/US Leadership Team.
• Develop marketing briefs based on category, consumer, and product insights to inform national marketing campaigns.
• Work closely with digital and operations teams to communicate pricing and menu updates across platforms.
• Ensure consistent brand messaging across all consumer touchpoints (e.g., mass media, packaging, PR, and retail activations).
• Align strategic innovation priorities with cross-functional teams to ensure execution excellence.
• Lead cross-functional team meetings, set agendas, and communicate updates effectively.
• Manage Limited-Time Offer (LTO) programs in collaboration with Pepsi, including board presentations, product supply coordination, and in-store execution.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in category management, product innovation, or consumer marketing.
• Ability to travel up to 10% as required.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading new product introductions from ideation to commercialization.
• Business acumen with the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Exceptional project management and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication, including business presentation expertise.
• Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and navigate ambiguity effectively.

Preferred:

• Experience in the Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR), Food & Beverage, or CPG industry.
• Knowledge of value menu pricing, promotions, and bundling strategies.
• Familiarity with consumer research methodologies (e.g., Nielsen, Ipsos, or internal insights teams).
• Understanding of menu innovation, food trends, and recipe development.
• Experience with franchisee engagement and working with multi-unit stakeholders.
• Understanding of digital menu pricing, online ordering platforms, and delivery partnerships.
• Awareness of sustainability, health-conscious trends, and ethical sourcing in food & beverage.

What do we Offer?

• Insurance Plans (Medical/Life)
• RSP
• Competitive Bonus
• Company Holidays
• And More…..

Actual pay is determined based on a number of job-related factors including skills, education, training, credentials, qualifications, scope and complexity of role responsibilities, geographic location, performance, and working conditions.

Other details:

• Job Family: Mktg Mgmt & Support
• Pay Type: Salary
• Employment Indicator: Temporary

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