Category Manager

Reporting to the Head of Food and Grocery - the Category Manager will be responsible for the strategic growth of the department, through research, negotiation, retail price management, promotional planning and purchasing of products for resale or use at retail. The remit of the Category Management team is to deliver a high-quality product, at the best possible value for the customer and achieve established sales and margin targets. The performance of the duties must ensure a quality service approach to all employees, customers and suppliers within the Healthy Planet guidelines.

Job Duties:
- Develop a strong understanding of Healthy Planet’s vision, objectives. products, services, partners, and value proposition
- Analyze sales history, advertising success, product movement and overall category management and set objectives to meet overall sales and profit targets
- Monitor and analyze all competitive and industry activities and trends regarding merchandising, marketing, assortment, pricing and promotions to develop alternative strategies to maintain and improve Healthy Planets market advantage
- Keep up to date on current food trends, by attending trade shows, analyzing competition, trade publications etc., and make recommendations for new product listings
- Develop, source and manage new product listing processes within their own Category and coordinate new product introductions and listing presentations
- Negotiate trade agreements with suppliers and set retail pricing to deliver budgeted results
- Create and maintain departmental planograms and support retail in their execution
- Assist the Replenishment team with Order/Inventory control programs to manage inventory and maximize quality of products related to the department
- Coordinate and assist with the purchase of labeling and packaging according to government standards (i.e., Food & Drug Act, Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act).
- Ensure compliance with Healthy Planet policies and procedures in all aspects of the procurement process, including documenting, communicating and filing procurement activities according to established standards
- Work with Category Management, support and help develop tools to monitor the category
- Provide leadership and training on the category to the Area Managers/ Store Managers and Supervisors where necessary
- Providing service to several people or departments, working under many simultaneous deadlines
- Be available to support Marketing shows and travel to Food Fairs as and when required
- May be requested to undertake other related duties on a periodic basis

Requirements:
- Post-secondary program with an emphasis in Merchandising, Marketing or Business Management is preferred, plus 3 to 5 years’ experience in a progressively responsible role working with fresh perishables or grocery items or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Extensive retail experience and knowledge of Organic retail industry and food products
- Experience in Produce, meat / deli and dairy
- Excellent negotiation skills with sound knowledge of business principles
- Good judgment and decision-making skills with ability to work with minimum supervision
- Strong interpersonal skills along with clear and effective communication style, both written and oral
- Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.
- Skilled at working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining priorities and a high level of performance
- Experienced in working with various computer software programs; e.g. Microsoft Office/ NAV / Retail reporting databases
- Fluency in English and French shall be considered an asset.
- Driver’s License and access to a car full time is required
- Flexible to travel between Healthy Planet Head office, Stores and Vendor / distributor location.

What We Offer:
- Awesome work environment and company culture
- Medical Benefits and flex spending account for Full-time employees
- Employee discounts
- Corporate Goodlife Membership
- Internal opportunities for growth