Manager, Acquisition Operations

Loblaw Companies Limited; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. in Toronto is seeking a Manager, Acquisitions (Operations & Integration) to lead post-acquisition integration of pharmacies into the network.

You will manage operational plans, coordinate with real estate, finance, IT, HR and legal, and ensure seamless system conversions and process standardization. Reporting to senior leadership, you will monitor performance, identify risks, and develop tools and dashboards.

Qualifications

• Experience in operations management, project management, or integration roles in retail/healthcare.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple sites.
• Experience with due diligence and transition support. PMP is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Directly manage and execute operational integration plans for newly acquired pharmacies.
• Coordinate with Pharmacy Operations, IT, Finance, Real Estate, Legal, HR to align on timelines and resources.
• Identify and implement process improvements for onboarding and integration.
• Prepare analyses and reports on performance of integrated acquisitions.
• Support due diligence focusing on operational risks and synergies.
• Provide hands-on support during initial acquisition transitions.
• Develop and maintain operational tools, templates, checklists.
• Address operational challenges and develop mitigation strategies.
• Provide updates and dashboards for stakeholders.
• Mentor field acquisition colleagues on integration best practices.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Operational integration

Change management

Analytical skills

Education

University degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Healthcare Management, Pharmacy, or a related field

Tools

MS Office

SharePoint

PowerPoint

Job description

Location

243 Consumers Road, Toronto, Ontario, M2J 4W8

At Shoppers Drug Mart, we're innovating health and wellness in Canada. From prescriptions to walk-in clinics, and a beloved loyalty program, we're caring and supporting our customers in new ways every day. With more than 1,300 locally owned and operated stores from coast to coast, the Shoppers Drug Mart network is more than a great place to shop, it's a great place to work. We're committed to building our talented team who champion collaboration, kindness and inclusivity. Join our team, and help recognize a healthy future for your career and for all Canadians.

Job Summary

The Manager, Operations plays a pivotal role in the successful execution and post-acquisition integration of strategic pharmacy acquisitions at Shoppers Drug Mart. Reporting to the Senior Director, Acquisitions & Business Development this role is responsible for the hand-on management of operational integration plans, ensuring seamless transitions for acquired pharmacies into the Shoppers Drug Mart network. The incumbent will work closely with cross-functional teams including Real Estate, Finance, Legal, IT, Pharmacy Operations, and Human Resources to develop, implement, and optimize integration processes, controls, and post-deal performance tracking. This role is critical for ensuring that the strategic value of each acquisition is realized through efficient operational alignment and effective change management.

Job Overview & Responsibilities

The Manager, Acquisitions (Operations & Integration) will Lead Operational Integration, Cross-Functional Coordination, Process Optimization & Development. Support Post-Deal Performance Monitoring, Due Diligence, Transition & Onboarding Support, Tool Development & Maintenance Problem Solving & Mitigation, Reporting & Communication, Coaching & Mentoring

• Directly manage and execute the operational integration plans for newly acquired pharmacies, focusing on critical areas such as systems conversion, inventory management, supply chain alignment, and process standardization.
• Act as a central point of contact and coordinator for all operational integration activities, collaborating closely with Pharmacy Operations, IT, Finance, Real Estate, Legal, and HR to align on timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation.
• Proactively identify, prioritize, develop, and implement process improvements for the onboarding and integration of acquired stores, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and adherence to best practices.
• Prepare detailed analysis and reports on the operational and financial performance of integrated acquisitions, tracking key metrics, identifying variances, and providing actionable insights and recommendations to operations leadership.
• Participate in due diligence reviews with a specific focus on identifying operational risks, integration complexities, and potential synergies. Provide detailed information and analysis on operational capabilities, systems, and potential challenges of target pharmacies.
• Provide direct, hand-on support during the initial weeks of acquisition transitions, ensuring smooth conversion of pharmacy systems, operational processes, and staff onboarding from an operational perspective.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve operational tools, templates, and checklists used throughout the acquisition and integration lifecycle.
• Address and resolve operational challenges that arise during the integration phase, developing mitigation strategies to minimize disruption and ensure continuity of business.
• Prepare clear and concise updates, dashboards, and presentations on integration progress, operational performance, and key learnings for various internal stakeholders, including operations leadership.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to field acquisition colleagues and other team members on operational integration best practices.

Qualifications

• University degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Healthcare Management, Pharmacy, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in operations management, project management, or integration roles within the retail, pharmacy, or healthcare sectors.
• Demonstrated hand-on experience in managing complex operational transitions or integrations, preferably involving multiple locations or systems.
• Experience in a role that required significant cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of retail pharmacy operations, including systems, workflows, inventory, and regulatory requirements. Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a track record of meeting deadlines. PMP certification is an asset. Ability to analyze complex operational data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable recommendations. Proactive and resourceful problem-solver with the ability to navigate ambiguity and resolve operational challenges effectively. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex operational concepts clearly to diverse audiences. Ability to build strong relationships and influence outcomes in a matrixed environment, working effectively with diverse teams and personalities. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and demands. Advanced computer skills in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, etc.). Ability to travel as needed to support acquisition and integration activities, approximately 10 to 30 percent.

Why work at Shoppers Drug Mart?

Acting as consultants, supporting internal customers and the Associate-Owners, you will get experience unique to the retail industry while working for an award-winning national brand. Benefit from a purchase discount program, competitive pay and online learning through Academy.

Take ownership of your work and find more ways to care about your work, co-workers, customers and community.

How You’ll Succeed

At Shoppers Drug Mart Inc., we seek great people to continually strengthen our culture. We believe great people model our values, are authentic, build trust and make connections. If that sounds like you, and you are open-minded, responsive to change and up to the challenges provided in a fast-paced retail environment.

Employment Type

Full time

Type Of Role

Regular

Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. recognizes Canada's diversity as a source of national pride and strength. We have made it a priority to reflect our nation's evolving diversity in the products we sell, the people we hire, and the culture we create in our organization. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired.

In addition, we believe that compliance with laws is about doing the right thing. Upholding the law is part of our Code of Conduct – it reinforces what our customers and stakeholders expect of us.

Hiring Range / Échelle Salariale à L’embauche

$80,000.00 - $110,000.00 / 80.000,00$ - 110.000,00$ (per year / par an)

A candidate’s experience and knowledge as well as the geographical region in which the position is located may be factored into the pay a candidate receives for this position. This posting is for an existing vacancy. The Company uses artificial intelligence for the purpose of screening, assessing and/or selecting applicants for this position. / L’expérience et les connaissances d’un candidat ainsi que la région géographique dans laquelle le poste est situé peuvent être prises en compte dans la rémunération qu’un candidat reçoit pour ce poste. Cette offre d’emploi concerne un poste vacant existant. L’entreprise utilise l’intelligence artificielle dans le but de filtrer, d’évaluer et/ou de sélectionner les candidats à ce poste.