Assistant Category Manager

At Amaranth Whole Foods Market, we're more than just a grocery or supplement store; we're your family-owned whole foods market. Since 1994, we've been proudly serving Alberta communities with locally sourced foods and wellness products that support healthy living. With four locations across the province, Amaranth continues to grow while staying true to our roots, caring for our community and providing the transparency our customers value most. We believe that healthy lifestyles start at home, and our mission is to deliver an outstanding experience every day, one person at a time. If you're a motivated individual who strives to help others and provide exceptional service, we encourage you to apply

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Assistant Category Manager Department: Grocery Department: Grocery

Reports to: Category Manager - Grocery

Direct Reports: None

Position Overview

The Assistant Category Manager - Grocery supports the Grocery Category Manager in ensuring optimal product selection, pricing, promotions, and inventory control across all locations. This role also acts as a key link between head office and store teams, helping to implement merchandising plans and provide in-store support when needed.

This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, retail-savvy team member with strong organizational skills and a keen interest in product management, merchandising, and operations. The successful candidate will be someone who can work independently, prioritize effectively, and take initiative while aligning with Amaranth's values and goals.

Priority Accountabilities

These are the outcomes the team member is accountable for, as outlined in the accountability chart. These outcomes include:

• Support for Category Managers and Buyers: Assist with the execution of purchasing, pricing, and promotional strategies. Collaborate closely with Category Managers and Buyers to align with organizational goals.
• Out-of-Stock Management: Help monitor and meet targets for in-stock levels by identifying and addressing inventory gaps in a timely manner.
• Inventory Turnover: Track and support initiatives to improve inventory turnover, minimizing waste and optimizing product flow.
• Reporting & Analysis: Run regular overstock, sales, and performance reports to guide decisions around product lifecycle, promotions, and purchasing.

Secondary Accountabilities

These accountabilities support the effective completion of the Priority Accountabilities:

• Assist with new product mix selection based on customer requests and vendor suggestions.
• Attend in-person vendor meetings and store walkthroughs as required.
• Provide in-store support during promotional events and Customer Appreciation Days.
• Assist with coaching and mentoring grocery leads and in-store buyers when applicable.
• Provide temporary coverage for grocery leads in case of absences or high-volume periods.

Tactical Responsibilities

These are the processes that the team member is responsible for executing:

• Support with purchasing.
• Managing inventory levels through various reporting.
• Track flyer sales and new product performance.
• Support with promotional and merchandising plans across locations.
• Monitor and support perishable buying practices.
• Help ensure stores are following category standards and timelines.
• Organize and manage demo schedules and event activations in partnership with stores.

Qualifications and Attributes:

• Retail experience is essential; grocery background strongly preferred.
• Prior purchasing and merchandising experience is a strong asset.
• Extremely detail-oriented, with excellent follow-through.
• Self-directed with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines independently.
• Strong communicator with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with Amaranth's product standards and customer service expectations.
• Solid understanding of spreadsheets, POS systems, and inventory databases.
• Must be located within Calgary or willing to relocate prior to start date.

Time Requirements:

• Full-time hourly position, up to 40 hours per week.
• Typically Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends based on event or store needs.
• Entitled to a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts longer than 5 consecutive hours.
• Some travel within Calgary and occasional travel across Alberta/Canada may be required.

Basic Physical Requirements:

• Sit for extended periods and perform computer-based work.
• Walk, bend, twist, and reach overhead and below shoulder level.
• Use of ladders (up to 12 feet), office equipment, and inventory tools.
• Lift items up to 50 lbs with available support tools.

Incentives:

• Health Spending Account after waiting period served.
• Workplace Savings Plan eligibility after waiting period served.
• Staff Discount of 30% off all regular priced Amaranth merchandise.
• Health First Product Discount – 40% off regular prices of all Health First products.
• Staff Purchase Credit of $3.00 for each shift worked (cannot be carried over or accumulated).

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $26.00-$30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Calgary, AB T2H 2H9