Director, Strategic Initiatives

Come make your difference in communities across Canada, where authenticity, trust and making connections is valued – as we shape the future of Canadian retail, together. Our unique position as one of the country's largest employers, coupled with our commitment to positively impact the lives of all Canadians, provides our colleagues a range of opportunities and experiences to help Canadians Live Life Well®.

At Loblaw Companies Limited, we succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us. Whether you are just starting your career, re-entering the workforce, or looking for a new job, this is where you belong.

Director, Strategic Initiatives - 18mth Contract
As Canada’s food and pharmacy leader, we play an important role in bringing about positive environmental and social change – both nationally and in the communities we serve. We aspire to lead change where it matters most, and we are proud to share with our stakeholders the actions we are taking to address some of the pressing challenges facing Canadians and our business.

With a passion for sustainability and creative thinking, you will work closely as a member of the Loblaw Marketing and Brands Enablement Team. The Director of Strategic Initiatives will drive the overall planning and implementation of large‑scale conversions across our portfolio of brands that include President’s Choice, PC, No Name, Blue Menu, Farmers Market, Club Pack, PC Organics, Life Brand and Life at Home.

Your Impact
As a leader within the Strategic Initiatives team in Loblaw Marketing & Brands, you’ll be a driving force in setting the path for the next 3‑5 years of portfolio future‑proofing. The Director is responsible for supporting the vision, building plans to get there, and coaching a team of Product experts to execute big ideas. Your team will deliver a roster of high‑impact initiatives across the Loblaw Brands product portfolio, including regulatory redesigns, sustainability‑focused work, and overall helping to future‑proof over 10,000 products for Canadians.

What You Bring

A unique view for managing ambiguity, and an ability to bring teams together to deliver big ideas

Experience in managing product development processes, and an understanding of the broader stakeholder groups required to implement portfolio‑wide projects

An ability to think outside the box, and a sense for thinking critically about new challenges

An ability to tell a story through data, and an eye for reporting

Leadership capabilities to help your team grow in their roles and develop plans for future career growth

What You’ll Do

Support your team of Product Managers in owning the development and implementation of multi‑year project plans, with key milestones for data collection, opportunity identification, and tracking supplier timelines across a global vendor base

Build and foster relationships across a wide network of internal stakeholders, including Product Leadership, Regulatory Affairs, Creative Agency, and Marketing

Support senior leadership in the long‑term visioning for Next Big Ideas

Lead monthly reviews with individual product teams to update on progress within existing portfolios, advise and support teams on material considerations for new product development, and elevate delays as required

Support tracking of estimated financial impact and work with Sourcing and Procurement supports to develop business cases for approval

Lead weekly and monthly status update meetings with various levels of leadership within the Loblaw Brands team

Develop and maintain good working relationships with all stakeholders to ensure proper execution of product launches and optimum service levels

Manage and mentor Product Managers and respond effectively to employee relations issues

Job Qualifications

University degree in Business, Marketing or Merchandising preferred

3 – 5 years of product management, merchandising or equivalent experience

Strong project management experience with the ability to coordinate cross‑functional teams, manage timelines and priorities, and drive initiatives from planning through execution while aligning with business objectives

Advanced level of…