Regional Category Manager

Brunel; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food service sector seeks a Regional Category Strategy Manager for their Western Canada operations. This key role focuses on developing and implementing merchandising strategies while collaborating closely with internal teams and external partners to achieve growth objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in category management, excellent analytical and communication skills, and experience leading teams to succeed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in category management or a similar role.
• Bilingual (English/French) and valid passport are assets.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vendor/broker relationships and align partner strategies.
• Lead execution of national category management strategies.
• Hire, train, and manage a high-performing team.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or Marketing

Job description

Introduction

We are currently supporting one of our major food service clients in their search for a Regional Category Strategy Manager—a key leadership role responsible for driving merchandising strategy and execution across Western Canada.

This position leads the development and implementation of regional go-to-market strategies to support broader sales and marketing objectives. You'll be responsible for regional merchandising strategy across all product categories, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with brand, margin, and growth goals.

The successful candidate can be based in Calgary, Edmonton, or Winnipeg (dependent on the candidate’s location).

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Act as a key liaison to regional and divisional leadership for merchandising opportunities and execution.
• Oversee vendor/broker relationships and align partner strategies with company goals.
• Support divisional operating plans to meet growth, market share, and brand penetration objectives.

Sales & Marketing Support

• Deliver timely and actionable communication related to product updates, supply issues, and vendor insights.
• Tailor support for region-specific sales needs and ensure local market dynamics are reflected in go-to-market strategies.
• Collaborate closely with category, marketing, and sales teams to ensure alignment.

Category & Vendor Management

• Lead execution of national category management strategies at the regional level.
• Monitor product plan performance (sales, margin, brand) and adjust as needed.
• Manage vendor transitions and product lifecycle activities (selection, discontinuation, slotting).

Operations & Supply Chain

• Coordinate with the supply chain team to address vendor shortages or inventory issues.
• Support inventory cleanup and liquidation as required.

People Leadership

• Hire, train, and manage a high-performing team.
• Conduct performance reviews and support development plans.
• Foster a culture of growth, engagement, and accountability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or related field (preferred).
• 5+ years’ experience in category management or a similar role within food service, sales, or marketing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities.
• Bilingual (English/French) and valid passport are assets.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as needed.

What We Offer

Why apply through Brunel? Finding the next step in your career can be a full-time job in itself. We manage the process for you: from submitting your resume to coordinating interviews to extending offers and assisting with onboarding. We’ll get you going while you get on with the job.

About Us

Brunel has a reputation for working with some of the best in the business. That’s what we continually strive for. Over 45 years, we’ve created a global network of interesting clients and talented individuals working together through a vast array of services.