Interim Consultant - Category Manager

The Subway HR Team; 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 exciting temporary role involves developing and executing innovative strategies for Food & Beverage, driving growth and profitability. You will monitor market trends, lead cross-functional teams, and manage new product launches in a fast-paced environment. If you are passionate about marketing and ready to make a significant impact, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team that values empowerment, accountability, and fun while contributing to a transformational journey in the food industry.

Benefits

RSP

Competitive Bonus

Company Holidays

Qualifications

• 3+ years in category management or consumer marketing required.
• Strong strategic planning and analytical skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Food & Beverage innovation strategies.
• Prepare and deliver key business presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Project Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing

Tools

Consumer Research Methodologies

Job description

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?

• RSP
• Competitive Bonus
• Company Holidays

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.