Come join the TEAM!

Joining our team has its advantages:

• Flexible working hours to promote work/life balance
• Hybrid telework
• Flexible group insurance plan from day one
• Very competitive pension plan
• Generous vacation policy
• Weekly pay
• Employee and family assistance program
• Free parking
• Professional development opportunities
• Several ED&I programs and initiatives
• EV charging stations

SUMMARY:

The Category Manager (Fresh) is responsible for managing their assigned categories of products including profitability, sales, advertising, category planning, vendor negotiations, SKU selection, assigned categories includes our In-store Cut fruit/salad program and includes new product development, In store support, training and customer service.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop sales and promotional strategies including advertising layout, theme events, seasonal opportunities and in-store demonstrations in order to achieve category targets
• Define product assortment and negotiating terms and conditions of purchase
• Set objectives to meet overall budgeted sales and profit targets
• Accountable for meeting overall strategy and implementation. Implement overall strategies for initiatives and set retail objectives for category.  Comply with corporate and regional guidelines
• Maintain promotional calendar to maximize sales and profits
• Complete periodic category reviews in selected categories in conjunction with AC Nielsen and selected members of the vendor community.  Conduct analysis of retail history, advertising success, product movement and overall category movement
• Monitor all competitive and industry activities (including trends, fads, etc.) regarding merchandising, marketing, assortment, pricing and promotions and use findings to support continuous improvement and innovation in the category.
• Conduct weekly competitive store visits to gain first hand insight
• Modify category plans as needed to be responsive to customer needs or market conditions
• Identify consumer requirements and develop new products & merchandising plans to meet those requirements
• Maintain contact with Store Managers, Merchandisers, Central Procurement and others to answer questions or resolve issues regarding products or services in assigned business initiatives
• Monitor market conditions that impact categories within the complete retail marketing place
• Develop and enhance relationships with business partners
• Manage departmental employee relations, including performance management
• Responsible for compliance  with regards to Quality Standards and Specs for all Produce for Metro Banner

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong produce knowledge, Retail Produce experience an asset.
• 5-7 years of merchandising/category management experience preferably within the grocery retail industry
• College Diploma or University degree in business related field
• Intermediate to Advanced level knowledge of MS office - Excel, Outlook & Word
• Proficiency with Category Management Tools such as: SAP, BW & AC Nielsen's would be an asset
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills
• Customer focused with strong communication skills.
• Attention to detail, creative thinking, ability to manage change,  in fast changing environment
• Cut Fruit or similar production department experience is an asset
• Occasional travel required