Category Specialist

**Description**:
Hi there, we’re Article. Since 2013, we have been redefining the furniture industry one sofa at a time, it’s not easy — it requires solving challenging, meaningful problems. This is where you come in, as a **Category Specialist**, you’ll help us build and manage product lines that drive catalog growth, enhance market share, and maximize portfolio profitability. If you have experience in Buying or Merchandise Planning, this role will feel right in your wheelhouse.

**We are looking for TWO Category Specialists. Both are fixed-term positions.**
- **9 months fixed-term**:

- **12 months fixed-term.**

**Target start date**:March 31st, 2025 (This date is flexible)

**Why We Need You**:
As a member of the Category Management team, you’ll play a crucial role in identifying and leveraging emerging trends within the furniture and decor industry. Your analytical skills will help determine which new products will deliver the greatest value to Article’s expanding assortment.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive environment designed to help you hone and advance your expertise in product categories. Our diverse team of Category and Merchandising professionals will provide ample opportunities for growth and development.

Join us in shaping the future of furniture shopping with remarkable product offerings that delight our customers.

**Why Article?**

As a Particle (people of Article), you will have a high level of autonomy to solve challenging, meaningful problems the best way you can. That means you’re trusted to explore solutions you believe will work best (you’re the expert, after all). You’ll do all this while growing your skills within a company that is redefining the furniture industry.

**About the Team**

We are a hybrid team coming into the office 3 days a week. In-office days are Tuesday-Thursday.

**What You’ll Do**:
**Product & Performance Analysis**
- Prepare and update weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance reports.
- Analyze sales trends and customer reviews to uncover key insights and opportunities, providing actionable recommendations to the Category Manager.
- Conduct regular market analysis to ensure competitive pricing and identify assortment opportunities.
- Monitor product quality issues and escalate concerns as needed, collaborating with stakeholders to develop resolution plans.

**Assortment Management**
- Maintain accurate and updated product attributes across internal tools and reporting systems.
- Implement pricing strategies, clearance schedules, and promotional plans in partnership with the Category Manager.
- Support the product lifecycle management process, including product launches and discontinuations.
- Prepare quarterly assortment summaries for Marketing & Sales, highlighting key product attributes, hero items, and launch timelines.
- Support with product knowledge training for customer-facing teams and provide ongoing support post-launch to address any questions or inquiries.
- Assist with ad hoc projects that drive category growth and innovation.

**Who You Are**:

- 1-2 years of experience in a buying, merchandising, or product-related position.
- Excel/Google Sheets experience - you'll be using these tools daily. You will be assessed on your experience during the interview.
- You’re someone who gets into the details and analyzes the best options before making a decision.
- You move fast but stay organized.
- You see a design and style, and you understand why and how it would fit into our Article Product offerings.
- Legally able to work in Canada.
- Completion of criminal background check.

**Perks & Benefits**:
**Wealth**:

- The expected salary is $63,000 to $70,000. The actual base pay can increase beyond this range and will be based on various factors, including transferable skills, training and certifications, work experience, business needs, and market demands.

**Office Space**:

- The Article HQ is a converted warehouse, with an open accessible layout and no offices (even for our founders)
- Work from your desk, an Article sofa, collaboration spaces, or a private meeting room
- Standup desks can be requested too
- Our kitchens are stocked with salty, sweet and healthy snacks, & all the premium coffees and teas to keep you buzzing
- Onsite fitness equipment with showers and towel service
- A dog-friendly office - well-socialized pups are welcome

**Getting here**:

- Free street parking (first come, first serve; no reserved spots for senior leaders)
- Indoor secure bike storage with change rooms and showers
- 20-minute walk to either Main Street
- Science World or VCC Clark Skytrain stations

**9-month fixed-term contract receives the following benefits**:

- Prorated vacation
- 45% discount on our entire product range (15% for friends and family)

**Only the 12-month fixed-term contract receives the following benefits**:

- 15 days of vacation*
- 6 well-being (sick) days
- 1 Inclusion and Diversity Day
- Hybrid work: 3 days a week in the offi