SummaryA purpose-driven, multi-location organic retailer in Alberta is seeking a strategic and hands-on Senior Category Manager - Grocery to lead the performance, profitability, and product integrity of its grocery and produce categories across all stores. This is a high-impact leadership role with oversight of the Grocery Buyer. The successful candidate will combine strong financial acumen with deep retail grocery experience - bringing discipline to margin management, clarity to product mix decisions, and energy to vendor and in-store partnerships. This opportunity is ideal for a grocery merchant who understands natural and organic retail, values ethical sourcing, and thrives in a dynamic, community-focused environment. You will be responsible for end-to-end category performance across multiple locations. This includes gross margin optimization, inventory turnover, product mix strategy, vendor negotiations, promotional planning, and in-store merchandising alignment. The role requires a balance of analytical rigor, field engagement, and leadership capability - ensuring that every product decision supports financial targets while aligning with the organization's values and customer expectations.Contact Pamela Loupelle at or submit your resume in confidence below.DescriptionLeadership & OversightLead, manage, and hold accountable the Grocery Buyer and support in-store grocery managers.Provide coaching and direction to ensure strong on-hand inventory management and disciplined purchasing practices.Category Performance & Margin ManagementSet and execute pricing strategies to optimize gross margin while maintaining customer loyalty.Analyze reports and market trends to continuously refine pricing and assortment strategy.Improve inventory turnover and reduce waste through disciplined purchasing and product flow management.Product Mix & MerchandisingOptimize category assortment based on store demographics, sales trends, and industry insights.Ensure all products align with organizational ethical and quality standards.Partner with store leadership to maintain logical, compelling merchandising and category placement.Conduct regular store walk-throughs to ensure execution standards are upheld.Promotions & Marketing CollaborationCoordinate monthly flyers and tiered promotions.Partner with Marketing on promotional planning, end caps, signage, and trade advertising (print and digital).Track flyer sales, promotional lift, and new product performance.Vendor Relations & Purchasing AdvantageBuild and maintain strong vendor relationships.Negotiate favorable pricing and discount structures.Attend trade shows and industry networking events to identify new products and secure advantageous terms.Review vendor applications and assess customer product requests.Operational & Tactical ExecutionMonitor out-of-stock levels and implement corrective strategies.Provide in-store support during promotional events and activations.Manage demo schedules and customer engagement initiatives.Support seasonal and monthly purchasing programs.RequirementsDirect retail grocery experience is required.Having natural and organic foods industry experience is preferred.Previous purchasing and people management experience.Strong quantitative and analytical skills with demonstrated business acumen.Experience working with inventory systems and database-driven reporting tools.High level of organization and attention to detail.Comfortable operating in a dynamic, evolving retail environment.Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across stores, vendors, and marketing teamsCorporate CultureFull-time salaried position (40 hours per week on average).Some travel within Calgary and occasional travel across Alberta/Canada required.This is an opportunity for a retail grocery merchant to elevate category performance while protecting the integrity of a natural and organic assortment - driving both financial results and meaningful community impact.Position TypePermanent
