Category ManagerLocation: Mississauga, ONReports to: Director of MerchandisingAbout the RoleThe Category Manager is responsible for owning the performance and strategy of an assigned product category across physical locations, ecommerce, and other business channels. This role drives category growth, margin performance, assortment planning, supplier partnerships, and promotional execution.Working cross-functionally with operations, marketing, ecommerce, inventory planning, supply chain, and finance, the Category Manager plays a key role in delivering strong commercial performance and customer value.Category ScopeManage a portfolio of approximately 1,000 to 2,500 SKUs within assigned categoriesInfluence assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies across multiple locations and ecommerce channelsManage relationships with domestic and international supplier partnersOversee vendor programs including pricing agreements, rebates, and promotional fundingKey ResponsibilitiesCategory Ownership & StrategyOwn overall category performance including sales growth, margins, inventory health, and assortment strategyDevelop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectivesIdentify opportunities for assortment expansion, SKU rationalization, and innovationMonitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunitiesSupplier Strategy & NegotiationBuild and maintain strong supplier relationshipsNegotiate pricing, rebates, and promotional supportLead supplier business reviews and identify growth opportunitiesSource new suppliers and products both domestically and internationallyManage supplier onboarding and performance evaluationPricing & Margin ManagementDevelop and manage category pricing strategy to balance competitiveness and profitabilityMonitor margin performance at both category and SKU levelsAnalyze cost changes and adjust pricing accordinglyPartner with finance to track rebates and vendor programsAssortment & Product InnovationManage large SKU assortments (1,000–2,500 items)Identify underperforming products and optimize assortmentDrive new product introductions and innovation initiativesSupport development of private label programs, where applicablePromotions & Marketing CollaborationPartner with marketing and ecommerce to develop promotional plansIdentify opportunities to drive category growth through promotionsSupport seasonal programs and product launchesData & Performance AnalysisAnalyze sales, margin, and inventory data to identify opportunitiesTrack key metrics such as revenue growth, gross margin, inventory turns, and SKU productivityProvide insights and recommendations to improve performanceCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with operations to ensure strong in-store executionWork with supply chain and inventory planning to maintain availabilityCollaborate with marketing and ecommerce on growth initiativesCoordinate with finance on vendor funding and rebate trackingStrategic ImpactThis role plays a key part in shaping category strategy, supplier partnerships, and product innovation. The Category Manager will help identify emerging trends, launch new products, and drive growth across both physical and digital channels.Decision AuthorityCategory assortment decisionsSupplier selection and negotiationsPricing strategy and executionPromotional planningProduct innovation within the categoryQualificationsExperienceMinimum 5+ years in category management, merchandising, buying, or procurementExperience in foodservice distribution, grocery retail, or wholesale preferredExperience managing large SKU assortmentsSkills & CompetenciesStrong commercial and financial acumenProven negotiation and supplier management skillsData-driven decision-making abilityAbility to identify market opportunities and innovationStrong cross-functional collaboration and communication skillsBilingual (French & English) is an assetTechnical SkillsAdvanced Excel and data analysis skillsExperience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) or merchandising platformsAbility to analyze large datasetsExperience with business intelligence tools is an assetIdeal BackgroundCandidates may come from organizations such as major foodservice distributors, grocery retailers, or wholesale businesses.Working EnvironmentThis role is primarily office-based in Mississauga, with occasional travel required to locations, supplier sites, and industry events.
