Associate Category Manager

Ready for your opportunity to play a leading role on a team accountable for building fact-based, customer driven category-marketing plans? The Associate Category Manager at The North West Company (NWC), uses sales data, customer research, market data, and industry information to better meet the needs of our unique consumer and to optimize financial performance. In conjunction with the Category Manager, you will develop, formulate, and execute a strategy and tactics within the context of the overall category strategy, including assortment planning, procurement, merchandising, retail pricing advertising and promotion, as well as assisting in vendor negotiations and supply agreements. The focus of this role will be on NWC’s Canadian operations.

Joining NWC gives you the opportunity for growth and development, a competitive salary and benefits package, and to be part of a dynamic and diverse culture.

NWC is a leading retailer to under-served rural communities and urban neighbourhood markets in the following regions: Northern Canada, Western Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific islands, and the Caribbean. Our stores offer a broad range of products and services with an emphasis on food. Our value offer is to be the best local shopping choice for everyday household and local lifestyle needs. Check out northwest.ca for more information.

**Your Role**:

- Negotiate and source product, costs, rebates and discounts, FOB points, and contracts/agreements on behalf of NWC, while ensuring NWC quality standards are understood and met by each vendor;
- Determine and authorize category assortment, pricing, and quantification for seasonal and ongoing store programs;
- Develop and manage 1 year Category Plans, inclusive of financial performance goals of sales, gross margin, volume incentives, controllable activity costs, and inventory productivity;
- Complete assortment and margin reviews as well as pricing strategies to ensure gross margin expectations are met or exceeded and are in alignment with corporate targets;
- Work with Supply Chain Analysts and Sales/Operations Managers to ensure category planning and marketing programs are executed and operating effectively; and
- Coordinate the implementation of new product initiatives and new work processes.

**Desired Skills & Experience**:

- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in category management or related field;
- Post-secondary education (degree, diploma, or certification) or an equivalent combination of education/training, and experience;
- Strong Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills;
- Exceptional analytical, problem solving, and decision making skills with the ability to adhere to strict deadlines;
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment;
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, coupled with strong interpersonal skills;
- Strong customer service skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships within the organization, and develop an in-depth understanding of NWC’s customers;
- Must be able to maintain confidential information;
- Previous buying and retail merchandising experience is an asset, and;
- Able to accommodate a flexible schedule with limited travel (up to 20 days a year).

**Location**:Gibraltar House, 77 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB

**Reports To**: Category Manager

We create a collaborative and constructive culture by:
Being Enterprising - Committing to our Customer - Working with Passion - Leading and Developing Others - Demonstrating Respect and Inclusivity - Building Trust

**You may include your resume and cover letter together as a single document. A competitive salary is being offered along with opportunities to learn, develop and advance throughout the organization. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.