Category Manager - Markham, Canada - Pet Valu

Pet Valu

Verified Company

Markham, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Location:
Markham, Ontario

Job Description:

At Pet Valu we understand that your pet is a part of the family, because we're devoted pet lovers too.

We have been providing pets with everything they need to live healthy, happy and active lives for more than 40 years.

From distribution centers to stores to home office, we're supporting pets and their owners, and together we're making a difference

What is the role?

Manage the private brands and national brands of specified pet supplies categories across all Pet Valu banners with accountability for increased sales, profits and inventory turns.

Understand consumer and store needs, product positioning and the demands of seasonal buying, while working closely with peers in Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations.

Develop merchandise strategy around division & company directives
Communicate strategies to internal and external partners
Plan, execute and deliver annual category reviews
Ensure product assortment, sales, margins and buying plans are aligned to budgets
Provide direction on planning, pricing and assortment
Ensure pricing strategies support financial objectives
Negotiate product costs and promotional programs
Develop strong vendor relationships with key suppliers
Must have a thorough understanding of seasonal buying strategies
Manage product life cycle, exit strategy and aged inventory
Manage store and warehouse inventory levels with Supply Chain
Ensure planograms are maintained and updated
Keep abreast of market trends and implement into category strategy
Grow market share

Key Job Duties:
Planning & Financial Budget

Responsible for the development and management of the annual category merchandising plan and financial budget
Accountable for department and category POS sales, wholesale sales, gross margin and inventory

Category Reviews & New Products

Complete category reviews for branded or private brand pet supplies
New item evaluation & selection and delisting decisions
Product launch planning to maximize initial sales and store penetration
Ensure recommendations are inline with Company and market specific objectives
Manage seasonal timelines

Complete annual marketing and promotional plans for each vendor.

Negotiate store promotions and flyer items with vendors
Negotiate and plan franchise deals and prebooks

Pricing Strategy & Execution

Ensure competitive retail pricing across all banners in line with category role
Manage wholesale pricing for categories
Ensure pricing strategies support financial objectives

Vendor negotiation

Negotiate with hardline vendors regarding all day to day issues that arise, i.e. overstock; incorrect product shipments; late deliveries; incorrect pricing; promotions; corporate and franchise deals; new item listing allowances; damaged product; truck orders; import issues, etc.
Review and renew existing vendor contracts
Lead & Mentor Category Analyst & Assistant Category Manager
Supervise daily activity to meet project timelines and category financial goals
Provide coaching, training and support to category team
Conduct annual and ongoing performance reviews

Experience:

Education_

University degree in quantitative/analytical business discipline

Experience_
5+ years Retail CM and/or Purchasing experience, ideally in the consumables categories: mass retailers, pet, grocery, children's, housewares
Must have a thorough understanding of seasonal buying and details surrounding seasonal retail strategy

Involved in enhancement and execution of category management processes

Thorough knowledge of retail purchasing dynamics (category management, seasonality, life cycle, margin requirements, negotiating, clearance programs, store sales improvements, item introductions, budgeting, promotional planning and planogramming)

CORPHIRE