Assistant Category Manager

JR Toy Company is one of Canada's most trusted retailers of educational, science, and learning toys, dedicated to inspiring curiosity and imagination through play. With our flagship store in Burlington, Ontario, and a growing eCommerce business, we offer a carefully curated selection of innovative, high-quality products while delivering exceptional customer experiences. Our collaborative team is passionate about bringing the best products to families and creating a workplace where employees can learn, grow, and make an impact.
About the Role  We are looking for an Assistant Category Manager to join our Merchandising team and support the day-to-day management of our product categories.
This is a hands-on, detail-oriented role that combines merchandising, product management, inventory coordination, vendor communication, reporting, and category support. You will work closely with the Senior Category Manager to ensure products are set up accurately, inventory is flowing effectively, vendors are supported, and our assortment continues to meet customer needs.
The role offers an excellent opportunity for someone early in their merchandising or retail career to develop broader category management skills and gradually take on increased responsibility for assortment planning, purchasing, forecasting, and category decision-making.
The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, curious about products and customers, and enjoys working across multiple areas of a growing retail business.

Key Responsibilities  Category & Merchandising Support   Support the day-to-day management and execution of assigned product categories.
Maintain product assortments and ensure product information is accurate and up to date.
Review sales and product performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Support seasonal product launches, promotions, and merchandising initiatives.
Conduct competitive research and monitor product trends, pricing, and market activity.
Assist with assortment reviews and recommendations based on sales performance, customer needs, and inventory levels.
Support the Senior Category Manager with category planning, analysis, and special projects.
Help ensure our stores and eCommerce channels have the right products available at the right time.
Product Administration & Merchandising Operations   Create and maintain product listings and product information across internal systems and digital channels.
Coordinate the setup of new SKUs and ensure product information is complete and accurate.
Manage product updates, including descriptions, pricing, images, specifications, and other relevant information.
Maintain category trackers, reports, and merchandising tools.
Support the Microsoft Dynamics NAV import process for new products and product updates.
Work closely with eCommerce and Marketing to ensure products are accurately represented online.
Assist with seasonal product setup and promotional updates.
Monitor sales and inventory levels across assigned categories.
Review in-season performance and identify potential out-of-stock, overstock, or slow-moving inventory.
Prepare regular sales, inventory, and sell-through reports.
Support replenishment recommendations and inventory planning.
Assist with seasonal forecasting and post-season analysis.
Use sales and inventory data to help identify opportunities to improve category performance and inventory productivity.
Develop positive working relationships with suppliers and act as a key point of contact for day-to-day communication.
Communicate with vendors regarding product information, availability, pricing, shipments, product issues, and other requests.
Follow up on outstanding vendor issues and ensure information is communicated internally.
Coordinate with Warehouse and Operations regarding product availability and inbound shipments.
Work closely with Finance, eCommerce, Marketing, Customer Service, and Operations to support category priorities.
Assist with vendor reporting, promotional coordination, and seasonal initiatives.
Purchasing & Category Development  As you develop in the role, you will gradually take on greater responsibility for:
Supporting purchasing and replenishment…