Center of Plate Divisional Merchandising Manager

***Position Summary:******Location:***The successful candidate should be able to commute to Calgary or Edmonton DC at least 4 days a week.**What We Offer :*** Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and EAP Benefits after 30 days of employment* FULL flex benefits program* Company matching RRSP* Profit Sharing* Family culture and advancement opportunitiesExecutes product merchandising activities within the assigned division that support goals for the protein category. In alignment with the Regional Merchandising Manager, collaborates and communicates with key stakeholders on the NA category teams, marketing teams, sales teams, supply chain teams and with vendors to ensure a competitive product assortment that meets the unique demands of the local market and executes strategies to achieve sales, margin and brand goals. Communicates and supports the strategic market share growth and product positioning of the division by aligning our Vendor / Broker partner network to direct selling and educational opportunities that support the best interest of the customers we serve. This role serves as the primary point of contact for the regional protein vendor/broker community and is responsible to develop, prioritize and execute best in class partnership strategies that align with the company’s long range plan and divisional goals. * Develops and maintains a high level of industry and product expertise to be the primary source of knowledge for the protein category.* Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals and other literature and attending related conferences, seminars, training, supplier visits, etc. Maintains peer relationships in the field to share issues and ideas.* Leverages internal and external category data and customer insights to inform decision‐making.* Performs other duties as assigned.***Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:**** High School / Equivalent required* Bachelor Degree in Business, Marketing or a related field preferred* At least 3 years of product / category knowledge with a specific focus on the protein category or previous marketing experience preferred as typically obtained through a bachelor’s prepared education or or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.* Must have deep product knowledge of the protein category, including an understanding of market dynamics, supply chains, and quality standards for meat, seafood, and poultry.* Must have extensive knowledge of commodity markets and the ability to interpret and react to market fluctuations for perishable goods.* Musts have proven ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure, particularly for time-sensitive buying opportunities.* Exceptional collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including Category, Limson, vendors and the broader sales and merchandising teams.* Must have basic knowledge of local market(s) and marketing segments.* Ability to understand, follow and create processes in order to complete projects.* Must have good time management, administration, and organizational skills and attention to detail.* Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.* Proficiency in analyzing information; able to use analytics and associated tools (e.g., Excel, Google) in creative ways to tell the product story, garner buy‐in, provide insights and to support decision‐making.* Must have good financial acumen and ability to learn and understand Margin, Pricing, Freight and other related financial metrics* Ability to inject creativity, fresh thinking, and new perspectives and to generate new and imaginative ideas, while using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.* Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.* Positive attitude, problem‐solver mentality, willingness to experiment and be creative.* Must have the ability to multi-task and be able to work “exceptional” hours including evenings and weekends and be able to take on new responsibilities with a strong desire to succeed.* Proficient communication skills ‐ both written and verbal ‐ to communicate effectively with a broad‐based team including diverse internal stakeholders and vendors.* Experience with SAP an asset***Equipment / Tools / Technology:**** Desktop or laptop computer* Google Apps (Gmail, Calendar, Sites, Drive, Docs, Groups)* Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer)* Networked printer/copier/facsimile machine* Gordon Food Service systems - including Business Analytics, cost, pricing and reporting systems#J-18808-Ljbffr