Business Unit Leader - Calgary, Canada - Curve Distribution

Description

Distribution isn't just a business for us, and it's definitely not just logistics.

Distribution is our mission, and we're here to revolutionize the industry with a people-driven approach to brand partnership and distribution.

We don't have customers or clients - we have partners. For too long, the distribution industry has just been about moving products from point A to point B.

But for us, it's thoroughly understanding our partners' goals, needs and customers and then developing tailored strategies and solutions for ensuring their success.

From full category management to marketing and strategy, the only thing we pride ourselves on more than the tailored solutions we create for our partners is the impact on their bottom line.

Distribution isn't just a business for us, and it's definitely not just logistics.

Distribution is our mission, and we're here to revolutionize the industry with a people-driven approach to brand partnership and distribution.

We don't have customers or clients - we have partners. For too long, the distribution industry has just been about moving products from point A to point B.

But for us, it's thoroughly understanding our partners' goals, needs and customers and then developing tailored strategies and solutions for ensuring their success.

From full category management to marketing and strategy, the only thing we pride ourselves on more than the tailored solutions we create for our partners is the impact on their bottom line.

The
Business Unit Leader - General Merchandise is primarily responsible for the performance of the company's
General Merchandise business unit, including product assortment, vendor relations and contribution of the business unit to the company's performance.

Also responsible to build and oversee strategic initiatives to support the sales team in achieving their objectives.


Duties & Responsibilities:


Market Awareness

• Stay abreast of changes taking place in the General Merchandise industry and help management assimilate such changes into its business model
• Explore and analyze market trends and identify new opportunities in assigned region.

Category Management

• Manage vendor relationships within category, negotiating terms, pricing and contracts in alignment with business needs
• Make product assortment decisions, working with vendors to ensure portfolio is appropriate for market conditions
• Maintain a high level of knowledge about the products within the portfolio, offering training and support to Sales and other departments as needed
• Determine pricing strategies for new and existing products based on procurement costs, research expenses, fixed and variable operational costs and profit margin targets.
• Manage budgets and financial activities for the business unit.
• Ensure that all legal requirements are met, including health and safety laws, environmental regulations, and other rules and regulations.
• Develop item level forecasts, coordinate with Procurement for purchasing needs to ensure a high level of customer service and inventory turnover

Brand Marketing

• Coordinate with Marketing team to develop and implement operational plans for new product launches that account for customer needs, competitor offerings, and industry trends.
• Develop, manage, and maintain a database of all marketing collateral provided by our brand owners
• Coordinate with Sales and customers to ensure they have adequate marketing collateral and are using it appropriately
• Support the sales team by creating customer proposals and customer presentations as required

Other Management Functions

• Coordinate with other department leaders to ensure operational success
• Work with management to develop organizational goals and objectives.
• Review reports on business performance and making recommendations for improvement.
• Develop and maintain a strategic plan for the business unit to support company goals.
• Develop, promote and support the companies ESG objectives.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or comparable experience in business, finance, marketing, communications or related field
• Minimum 5 years experience in retail, sales, purchasing or brand management
• Strong understanding of retail math, forecasting and budgeting
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to merge data, experience and intuition to make decisions
• Ability to manage a portfolio of products and lead a team, holding yourself and others accountable to budget and company objectives
• A keen eye for trends and the courage to take advantage of them
• Are able to legally work in Canada
• Are able to legally travel throughout North America (modest travel requirement, approximately 612 trips per year)

Why work for us?

• Growing company with opportunity for advancement
• Competitive compensation structure that incentivizes performance
• Casual office and friendly team
• We promote work life balance with flexible schedules and supp