Category Manager - Technology

Some of what you will do:

The Category Manager is responsible for building successful go-to-market strategies, driving innovation, and managing sales, margin, and turnover for their categories within the designated channels assigned- B2B and/or stores and online.  The Category Manager is responsible for the full scope of managing the product category portfolio. This includes supplier selection, product selection, and strategic negotiation. They are responsible for leading various projects and initiatives for their categories, providing guidance and inspiration to their Category Specialists and Centres of Excellence partners. They are responsible for ensuring that the department and overall company vision and brand identity are upheld through a differentiated and curated product assortment, with our customers' needs at the heart of their categories strategic focus.

Specifically, You Will:

• Manage financial plans for our retail stores, online, and/or Business-to-Business banners.

• Ensure the assigned portfolio’s go-to-market strategy is relevant and timely based on its respective channel.

• Manage an extended aisle and dropship program through our e-commerce channel.

• Build an assortment and execute promotional plans that are relevant to the respective channels.

• Develop and execute, in coordination with our Own Brand Procurement and Product Development team, a strategic own brand strategy to differentiate our product offering.

• Negotiate all vendor buying agreements between the company and respective suppliers.

• Partner with the Pricing Centre Of Excellence (CoE) team to identify opportunities to maximize the sales and profit of the categories through price changes while remaining competitive in the market.

• Develop and maintain vendor relationships and manage vendor agreements 

• Management of market development funds, product returns and inventory mix.

• Purchasing of product for a category through the negotiation process.

• Partner closely with Marketing in planning advertising and marketing programs to drive category results and increase customer awareness.

Some of what you need:

• Post secondary degree/diploma with a focus on retail management, merchandising and purchasing or equivalent experience.

• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

• Developing and implementing category strategies to drive growth and profitability.

• Effective negotiation with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions.

• Minimum of 5-7 years of category management experience preferably with a national retail chain or five years in the Staples Buyer Development Program. 

Physical demands/working conditions:

• Office environment – Hybrid, with 4 days onsite in Richmond Hill, subject to the hybrid policy. 

Some of what you will get:

• Associate discount

• Health and Dental benefits

• RRSP/DPSP

• Performance bonuses

• Learning & Development programs

• And more...